I've read about the French taking a lot of vacations in August and that this causes a good deal of closures in shops, cafes, etc. Especially in smaller towns.
Is this a concern in the Alsace region? Annecy, Colmar, Strasbourg?
We are planning to be there the end of August 2026.
Posted by
Chicago
9653 posts
Many places are open and businesses that cater primarily to tourists are open and you won't even notice those that aren't because, well, they aren't open.
Posted by
28 posts
Annecy is a big summer destination so almost nothing will be closed. Colmar and Strasbourg, I expect, will be somewhat quieter.
Posted by
Normandie
608 posts
Just thought I'd add a note for readers who may be looking to apply responses to your question more generally.
Closures in August are not just in smaller towns. Before I was transferred to Lyon for my work, I spent most of an August there many years ago as I worked to salvage a problem our company had developed.
I couldn't believe how many restaurants were closed. It was impressive and turned into a bit of a quest to find open restaurants. So -- it's not something that is especially in smaller towns. Even in larger cities out of the touristic whirlwind it's an issue.
As for those towns you've mentioned: they're all either touristic or -- in the case of Strasbourg -- governmentally important. You should have no problem.