Ah… Paris in August.
Peak tourist season. Summertime. Warm temperatures. Live music. Charming cafés. What’s there not to love?
In early August 2024, Paris will be in the middle of the Olympic Games. At the end of August, the Paralympic Games will begin. Paris is going to be a bustling hub of athleticism and culture exchanges. It’s going to be a very crowded August in Paris with athletes and spectators from around the world. It’s going to be livelier than normal!
- Paris Olympics: Friday, July 26, 2024 to Sunday, August 11, 2024
- Paris Paralympics: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 to Sunday, September 8, 2024
Here is everything you need to know about planning a trip to Paris in August.
Is It Worth Coming To Paris In August?
Yes, it’s worth coming to Paris in August! Even when a thunderstorm rolls in!
You may have heard that Paris in August is closed and dead quiet. That notion is based on a truth. The French notoriously take their summer holidays in August and thus many Parisians will have fled the city in August for the beach.
Paris is still very much open in August but many smaller shops and restaurants will be closed. All the museums and famous landmarks are open for visiting. And, Paris is perfect for wandering and exploring.
I find that Paris in August is less lively than normal. The usual café terrasse scene, bumping with Parisians, is quieter. In 2024, with the Olympic Games ending and the Paralympic Games beginning, Paris will be filled with excitement and athletes and spectators from all over the world! I suspect that August 2024 will be buzzing with activity!
Celebrations And Events In August In Paris
- Paris Jazz Festival: June 26 to September 8, 2024, held in the Parc Floral in the Bois de Vincennes (12th arrondissement); The Paris Jazz Festival offers 9 free daytime concerts accessible without reservations. Check out the schedule of the Jazz Festival.
- The Perseids (Shooting Stars): July 17 to August 24, 2024, but especially on August 12 -13 look skyward for shooting stars that will zoom by every minute! Hundreds are expected each hour.
- Fête des Tuileries (Fête Foraine des Tuileries): June 22 to August 25, 2024; The giant Ferris wheel is hard to miss – enjoy over 60 rides, the fun fairground games and food (did someone say cotton candy?) *Please Note: Due to the Paris Olympics, the Fête des Tuileries will take place in the Bois de Boulogne in 2024 Hours 2024: Sunday to Thursday 11 AM to 11:45 PM; Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 12:45 PM
- Les Arènes Lyriques in Montmartre: Yes, there is an arena theatre in Montmartre! There are 10 open-air live music concerts of music, song, and community. 2024 schedule TBA
- Jazz à la Villette: August 29 to September 8, 2024, an eclectic lineup of world-renowned musicians and emerging talents. In the 19th arrondissement
- Rock en Seine Festival: August 21 to August 24, 2024, a 3-day rock festival held at the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud. Camping on-site is available. Lana del Ray is headlining in 2024
- L’Ete du Canal Paris: July 6, 2024 to August 11, 2024, look for floating concerts, open-air cinema, street art, and free workshops all around the Bassin de la Villette (the Canal de l’Ourcq and the Canal Saint-Denis) in the 19th arrondissement.
- Open Air Cinema At La Villette: Mid-July to mid-August, 2024, Cancelled for 2024 – look for 2025 dates
- Cinéma Paradiso Louvre: Cancelled for 2024 – look for 2025 dates Oh là là… another open-air cinema, this one for four consecutive nights in the Louvre Courtyard (the Cour Carrée). This is a free event. Tickets are selected by lottery one month in advance.
17 Things To Do In Paris In August
1. Visit Iconic Landmarks
No trip to the French capital can be planned without seeing or revisiting her iconic landmarks. They never grow old. Be sure to purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance to guarantee access.
- Eiffel Tower Summit Access – Skip the Line Ticket
- The Louvre – a timed-entry ticket
- Arc de Triomphe – a skip-the-line ticket to the top
- Musee d’Orsay – reserved entry time
- Versailles – skip the line ticket
- The Paris Catacombs – skip the line access and tour
2. Partake In Paris Plages
This year in 2024, Paris celebrates its 22nd year with Paris Plages. Look for deck chairs and palm trees along the quays of the river Seine.
At the Bassin de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement, the summery Paris fun continues with swimming, paddleboats, kayaks, deck chairs, and beaches. The three swimming pools and two paddling pools are the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day in Paris.
- Paris Plages runs from July 27 to September 8, 2024.
- Paris Plages Hours: Along the Banks of the Seine, daily from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.
- Bassin de la Villette, daily from 10 AM to 10 PM; weekends from 10 AM to midnight.
- Find more detailed information here.
3. Wander or Flâner
The best way to enjoy Paris is to walk. Embrace the Parisian way to flâner, which is to amble, saunter and observe your surroundings. Here are some tips on how best to flâner in Paris.
Toss on your coolest clothes and comfortable walking shoes and head out early in the day to one of these Parisian neighbourhoods for walking. Here are a few suggestions:
- le Marais – Place des Vosges, gorgeous mansions, shopping…
- Ile de la Cité – the heartbeat of Paris
- Ile Saint-Louis – oldest village in Paris…
- Montmartre – Sacré Coeur, staircases and oozing charm…
- the 7th arrondissement – Eiffel Tower & views, La Grande Epicierie…
- Canal Saint-Martin – iron bridges, boutiques, wine by the canal
Or start to flâner on one of these Paris streets. Sometimes I start an expedition as a flâneuse around a hidden gem that I haven’t seen before.
When sauntering in Paris in the summer, go early!
4. August in Paris Calls For Ice Cream
Paris has many fantastic ice cream parlours offering handmade ice cream, gelato, and sorbet. The range of delicious and creative flavours will have you returning for more than one cone! There are decades-old family-run businesses such as Berthillon on Ile Saint Louis and Bac à Glaces on rue du Bac.
Here’s the full list of the best ice cream shops in Paris!
5. Linger On A Rooftop
With the warm weather and the long days, Paris in July is the perfect time to sit on a rooftop terrace. Here are a few suggestions:
Bar à Bulles in Montmartre is a hidden rooftop terrace tucked away behind the Moulin Rouge
- Location: 4 Cité Veron, 75018 Paris
Le Perchoir Marais is located in the trendy Marais district. Great views. Prepare to line up.
- Location: 33 rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris
Terrass Restaurant and Bar perched atop the Terrass Hotel in Montmartre, this bar offers sweeping views over Paris including the Eiffel Tower.
- Location: 12- 14 rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris
Perruche is located on the rooftop of the iconic Printemps Department Store and offers panoramic views over Paris including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.
- Location: Printemps de l’Homme, 2 rue du Havre, 9th floor, 75009 Paris
6. Cruise The Seine – It’s A Must!
A summertime Seine River cruise is a grand idea. Seeing Paris from a different perspective is awesome. Cruise past Notre Dame Cathedral and the Conciergerie. Pass under beautiful bridges. It’s an unforgettable experience in the French capital.
Consider a dinner cruise on the Seine River. How romantic! You are on the water longer (2.5 hours) and while dining can see stunning Paris.
7. Cycle In Paris
Did you know that the number of cyclists now outnumber car drivers in Paris? Why not join the crowd, rent a bike and cycle by the Seine River? My jaw still drops in disbelief every time I ride along the banks of the Seine. Stunning Parisian architecture. Glorious bridges. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, Notre Dame to the Musée d’Orsay, there is no shortage of breathtaking sights to take in during a leisurely bike ride. It’s rather fantastic!
- Rent a bike at one of the many Velib Stations around Paris. Read about How Not to Get Your Velib Stolen
- Guided cycling tours are also available: A 4-hour bike tour or a 3-hour bike tour.
8. Find The Best Beach In The Heatwave
When a heat wave heats Paris in August, one of the best ways to keep cool is to take a day trip to the beach. The best beaches closest to Paris are Deauville and Trouville in Normandy. Catch an early morning train and spend the day swimming, walking the beach, perched under a parasol, and exploring the charming towns.
9. Have A Picnic In Paris
Oh là là! Paris in August is the perfect month to have a picnic. Visit your favourite fromagerie, get the best baguette, and a bottle of French wine.
Picnic By The Water: Take your picnic supplies and sit by the Seine or at the Canal Saint Martin
Picnic In A Park On the Grass: Bring your baguette and cheese to Places des Vosges in le Marais; Parc des Buttes Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement; the Luxembourg Gardens (there is one area where you are allowed on the grass); the Tuileries Gardens (there is one area where you are allowed on the grass).
How very Parisian of you!
10. Pick The Perfect Restaurant
If you’ve picked out your restaurants to try in Paris, double-check that they are open in August. Directly call the restaurant as Google might not have the most up-to-date information. Always have a backup restaurant in mind in Paris in August.
Here are some of my favourite restaurants in le Marais, Paris.
11. Tango By The Seine
I’ll never forget the first time I experienced Tango by the Seine. The divine dance, the exotic Argentine music, the sensual movements of the couples, and the elegance left a lasting impression. Will you be a spectator at the Jardin Tino-Rossi in the Latin Quarter or join in this dynamic walking embrace called the Tango?
12. Spend The Day At Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. With the summer holidays, Disneyland Paris is a prime destination for families. Prepare to stand in line!
The weather at Disneyland Paris in August is similar to Paris. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
Here are some great planning tips for Disneyland Paris.
Buy your tickets in advance for Disneyland.
13. Have An Apéro On A Barge
When the summer months arrive, I love the idea of having an apéro (apéritif) on the Seine. My favourite place to go is Rosa Bonheur sur Seine. The floating barge or péniche, as it is known in French, is in the 7th arrondissement in between the Musée d’Orsay and the Pont Alexandre III. The Rosa Bonheur is a happening place!
Rosa Bonheur sur Seine: Quai d’Orsay 75007 Paris; Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 6:30 PM to 1:30 AM; Sunday 6:30 PM to 12:30 AM; Closed Monday, Tuesday
14. Visit A Castle Near Paris
Paris is in a fantastic location for visiting other parts of France. Here are 18 suggested day trips from Paris. Love castles? Here are three of the closest French châteaux to Paris:
- The Château of Versailles: How to plan a day trip to Versailles or select from this curated list of 7 organized tours. Book your Entry Ticket. Don’t miss the Musical Fountains and Garden Shows at Versailles.
- Château de Fontainebleau: Plan your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Book Your Entry Ticket
- Château de Chantilly: Plan your day trip to the Château de Chantilly – the stunning plant and flower show is on from May 17 to 19, 2024. Book your Entry Ticket
15. Discover The Loire Valley
If you love beautiful French castles, how about heading to the Loire Valley in August? Here is my curated list of the best guided day trips from Paris to the Loire Valley. The stunning châteaux and landscapes are unforgettable!
16. Calling All Art Lovers
Are you a Mona Lisa fan? Is it on your list of “things to do in Paris?” Paris in August is the perfect time to enjoy some masterpieces and benefit from air conditioning at the same time!
Perhaps you have already been to the Louvre Museum. Try visiting a smaller museum like the Musée Marmottan Monet, or one of my favourites, The Cluny Museum. Passionate museum-goers will love the 2,4, or 6-day Paris Museum Pass.
Vincent Van Gogh lovers, why not consider a day trip to Auvers-sur-Oise where he completed his last 70 masterpieces?
Read More | My guide to 20 Paris museums.
17. Savour French Gastronomic Delights
Here are my best tips for finding the best gastronomic delights in Paris in August. If you’re going to have a croissant it needs to be exceptional. Right? Same with the baguette. And the lemon tart!
- Where to find the best croissant in Paris
- Where to find the best Pâtisseries in Paris
- How to eat a Baguette Like the French
- Where to find the best fromageries in Paris
- How to choose and purchase French cheese in a fromagerie in Paris
Travel Planning For Paris
- Book your airline tickets with my favourite platform, Skyscanner.
- Book a transfer from Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport with Welcome Pick Ups.
- Reserve a car (not for Paris) but for a road trip in France.
- Reserve train tickets for further travels in Europe with Trainline (my go-to)
Where To Stay In Paris
Not all hotels in Paris have air-conditioning. Verify this before booking. As the month of August is the height of the tourist season, book your hotel or apartment well in advance.
- Check out these 13 Affordable Hotels in Paris
- Find other Boutique hotels in the Marais
- Here are 21 Hotels with Eiffel Tower views
Other suggested Paris hotels:
- Hôtel la Comtesse with an Eiffel Tower view
- Chouchou Hotel with an eclectic vibe
- Hôtel des Académies et des Arts in Saint-Germain des Prés (the left bank)
Prefer staying in an apartment? Here are some fabulous Paris apartments:
- Portrait of Splendour literally filled with portraits, in the Marais
- Joyau de Marais
- The Panthéon Pageantry
Weather In Paris In August
Paris in August is the height of summer and one of the warmest months in the French capital. In August, the average temperature ranges from lows of 63°F (17°C) to highs of 77°F (25°C). During heatwaves, especially towards the beginning or middle of the month, temperatures can climb towards 86°F (30°C). At these times, Paris can feel very humid. Head to the parks to keep cool or to the closest beach in Normandy at Deauville.
The month of August is one of the sunniest months in Paris. The average day in Paris during August has 14.25 hours of daylight with sunrise at 6:42 a.m. and sunset at 9:07 p.m.
Paris in August typically has low rainfall with occasional thunderstorms or showers. On average, Paris receives 40 to 50 mm of rainfall in August.
The August Holidays In France
August 15: L’Assomption de Marie (The Feast of the Assumption of Mary). This is a National Holiday in France so check in advance for closures.
Read More | 25 Key Travel Tips For Paris. Here are the best Paris experiences to have and where to find 43 hidden gems in Paris. Only have a short time in Paris? Try this One Day in Paris Itinerary. If you want to find the charms of secret Paris, find them in my eBook, Paris for the Curious Stroller.
Paris by Month
Jan | Feb | Mar | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec
What To Wear In August
It’s summer! Pack a capsule wardrobe with colour-coordinated lightweight, breathable clothing. Cool dresses, skirts, and pants are the best. Comfortable walking shoes are key. Add in a light jacket or sweater for the evenings. Pack sunscreen.
How To Avoid Travel Scams
Scammers and pickpockets are alive and well during a Paris summer. Make sure you have a cross-body bag that zips up, wear your backpack on the front in crowded spots and read this detailed article on 9 specific scams to watch out for. It never ceases to amaze me that the bracelet scammers at Sacré Coeur are out in full force every time I pass by.
Paris in August offers warm summer temperatures filled with live music and festivals. Start planning your trip to Paris in August. Enchanting Paris awaits you.
Until next time,
