No. 344: August in Paris
Shhhh…I am going to let you in on a little secret: The best time to visit Paris is.…..August. (Now that you know, promise me you’ll keep it under your hat.)
With apologies to my French girlfriends who were born and raised in Paris (and I think you might secretly agree), there are no two ways about it, the eighth month of the year here, is just fine. More than fine. Me thinks it is perfectly divine.! Yes siree. August is the most wonderful time of the year!
Why, you ask? Well…I have to say quite frankly, the Parisians have vanished and gone on vacances. Lucky us! Quelle chance!
There are simply no Parisians to be found here or there or anywhere.
A breath of fresh air has swept into town, and we can all get off the defensive and relax just a bit. No angry drivers honking and screeching. No stare downs and games of chicken on the crowded sidewalks. And no naughty little boys to stomp all over the ceiling or steal the mail.
Okay, so a few stores and restaurants might be closed (maybe only 70 percent), and yes, there is a large handful of tourists milling about, mais neither are a big inconvenience, compared to feeling like “I’m king (queen) of the World!”
I know it sounds crass, but it is truly freeing to be in Paris without the Parisians. It is the month of the year where I relearn to smile at, and say “hello” to strangers on the street. I remember how nice it is to be smiled back at by other expats and unhurried tourists all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
It is the month I let my guard down and open myself up to new possibilities and positivity. It is the month of gossiping with girlfriends in empty cafés, strolling along the Seine with your sweetheart in hand, the moon in sight, and lounging on the Paris Plage sipping a pamplemousse pressé watching the world go by.
August in Paris. Yippee!!
365+ Things I Love About France 
🙂 Looking forward to getting back on the 17th, hopefully before the mad rush! See you soon!
Very much looking forward to catching up! x
Je voudrais visiter Paris en août bien sûr!! Surtout maintenant!
C’est merveilleux en août! Best time of the year.
You old romantic you.
Yep. That’s me. 🙂
I too love Paris in August…so quiet and the noise level goes down significantly. We do have to find alternatives to get your baguette, meat, etc…but it is a small price to pay. Though I do find the tourist areas to be overcrowded and best to be avoided…(Suzanne)
Thanks for the comment Suzanne. I do love August in Paris. I’m happy to be spending my last 18 days here. Now if the weather would just cooperate. 😉
Yup…summer seems to have forgotten to make an apparition in Paris though I think there will be more sunny days in the coming weeks though still on the cool side. It looks more like September than August…
Enjoy your last few weeks in Paris and make as much memories as possible.
Totally agree! It’s like the streets and buildings are suddenly unveiled, free from the thick layer of traffic and people and you finally get to absorb the beauty of the city! Wish I was there!
So true. It is my favorite time of the year in Paris. Thank you for the comment and stopping by to say “hi”. 🙂
Having lived and worked in Paris for more than 20 years I can only agree with that: my best time of the year in Paris was … August 🙂
I am so glad I get to end my stay in Paris in the month of August. It is definitely the best time to be here. Thanks for the comment.