Paris in August? Tre bien!

I was in Paris in mid-August and the tourist areas and museums were still packed to the gills. Didn't have a chance to venture off the tourist path but I'm sure there were quieter places in the city. Maybe next time, though the chances of that are pretty slim :)

I read that article and my first thought was, "Great, no crowds, but with the temperatures apt to be in the high 20's and 30's and few buildings having AC, I'll go in November or March, thankyouverymuch."

I rarely contend with crowds in late November or late March and, contrary to charts saying otherwise, usually enjoy excellent weather.

Paris. Mid August, 2016. Heat wave. Official afternoon temps of 97F. Had to be out early to see any of the gardens and was back in the hotel AC with Amorino gelato by 3P. By 7 it will still too hot to sit out on a restaurant terrace.

Would be fine for those who are heat tolerant but a hard no from me!

But thanks for the link and the laugh, Mike!

No August in Paris for me. Way too hot and several of my favorite restaurants and patisseries/boulangeries are closed.

When we lived and worked in Rome, I was at first astounded and ultimately delighted by the changes August brought for the residents. Several times in August I would be the only person on my bus going home, and the primary shopping street near us, usually clogged with double-parked cars, taxis, and buses, was so calm you could practically picnic in an intersection. We dined out very late, leaving home after 8:00pm and not returning until midnight.

There were outdoor movies in some neighborhoods, evening concerts and special night tours to enjoy that many travelers were unaware of.

Of course the Chiuso per ferie (closed for vacation)signs were myriad meaning many restaurant closures outside the tourist areas and longer treks to find an open pharmacy. Even doctors were absent and appointments postponed. Was it hot? You bet! But hot and not crowded is easier to take than wall-to-wall bodies.