Since France vacations in August, would this be a good time to travel or not? Would it be harder or easier to get train & hotel reservations for Paris, Lyon, Brittany, or Nice? What are the pros & cons for traveling at this time of year?
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Your question implies that (1) you have the flexibility to choose another month and (2) you want to avoid the most crowded month for traveling in France. If those assumptions are correct, then yes, you could choose a month other than August--July 15 to end of August is when many Europeans take their long vacations. The trick is to avoid the places, such as the French Riviera, where French people and other Europeans go to take their long summer vacations. Paris is not as crowded as the Riviera and other vacation destinations in August. However, many of the best Paris restaurants are closed in August. May and September are a favorite time for travelers who aren't forced to go in the summer (because of school age kids or whatever). Obviously, many travelers make August work, if they don't have the flexibility to choose another month.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I have been to those areas in Aug. while it is crowded in gen. except for Paris as long as you have lodging reserv in advance it will work. Nice is the worst however since the med. coast is jammed for August. Just get your reservations now.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
695 posts
Hi Nancy, we went to France in august 2006 for 2 weeks. We went to Paris, Normandy and Brittany. The only crowds we encountered were at the Mont St Michel, but we went very early that day. I have to say we were lucky the weather was not too hot. In Paris we had a very good time, not too crowdy and we did the busy places like eiffel tower, louvres, notre dame...We also got a middle season rate at our hotel.
For us travelling in august turn out to be a good experience, but i would not go to the French Riviera
at that time.
Posted by
Tallahassee, FL, USA
67 posts
I would NOT go to France in August. A lot of places, especially in smaller towns and villages, are closed since their owners are on vacation. Plus, that's the height of tourist season, so prices are at their peak, hotels are full, and it's the hottest time of year there.
That being said, if August is the only time you can go, definitely do! But if you have flexibility April-June and Sept-Nov are wonderful times to be in France!
Posted by
Boston, MA, USA
29 posts
I was in Paris and Nice last August. Paris was great- not too crowded and still plenty to do. Nice was crowded. If you go you will need to make reservations, but I actually had a blast there and found it to be really fun to be among the French during their vacation time. In Nice there was so much energy and everyone was out late. It was fun to just wander around and go to the local markets.
Posted by
oregon
131 posts
I would agree with the other Karen :) about vacationing in August. I never have a choice, since my schedule is based around public school. All five of my trips to Europe have been in July and August and two to France. If you can push it back to the end of July, you might be able to catch the very end of the lavender but sunflowers should be on the way in southern France. Not yet mentioned is how easy it is to pack light- just tees and or tank tops. I got by for 6 weeks with a small backpack and handwashing most of the time (everything dries overnight)....but an unexpected plus, as Karen wrote, is the opportunity to vacation with other Europeans (not just the French)- as well as people from all over the world. I enjoyed watching families play on the beach and dining out...and those around you in museums will be speaking all different languages- an enriching experience!