Top experiences to enjoy in Paris in August

For a warm, sunny, and relaxed getaway, Paris in August is the perfect destination. The ambiance in Paris changes dramatically in August when locals vacate the city for their summer holidays, and the usual hustle of daily life slows down. There’s a relaxed, almost vacation-like atmosphere in the air.

August is the ideal time for making the most of summer activities in Paris, like dining at the Eiffel Tower, picnicking in lush parks, strolling through beautiful gardens, and taking a scenic cruise along the Seine River. Use this guide to discover what to do in Paris in August.

Why go to Paris in August?

Paris's parks and gardens look splendid in August

During August, the parks and gardens of Paris are in full bloom, with leafy trees and colorful summer blossoms — the crown jewels being the city's gorgeous roses. The Palais-Royal in the 1st arrondissement hides a small rose garden, featuring fragrant pink Pierre de Ronsard roses, while the Jardin des Plantes in the Latin Quarter has over 300 rose varieties in full display. Musée Rodin's seven-acre Sculpture Garden features many bright pink and red roses, and the Parc de Bagatelle has an enchanting rose garden that showcases thousands of blooms in every shade imaginable.

August brings longer days and warmer evenings

In addition to the warm and sunny days, August in Paris means later sunsets and pleasant evenings. Many tourist attractions are open a little later this time of year, giving you more time to explore. You can visit the city’s monuments and museums well into the evening, take leisurely strolls through charming neighborhoods as the city lights come on, and linger over late alfresco dinners.

Plenty of outdoor activities and recreation

There’s no shortage of outdoor activities in Paris to enjoy during the warm summer months, from scenic strolls along the Seine to enjoying the city’s many beautiful parks and gardens. There are also plenty of fantastic things to do in Paris in August just outside the city center, like rowing a boat on the lake at the Bois de Boulogne, enjoying a picnic with panoramic views at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, or strolling through the grand grounds of the Palace of Versailles.

August is the low season for local tourists

While August in Paris brings in one of the highest numbers of international tourists, Parisians tend to vacate the city during this month. So while the major tourist attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, are at their busiest, many lesser-known (but still wonderful) attractions have lighter crowds than usual. August is a great time to check out hidden gems like the Musée de Cluny, the Musée Jacquemart-André, the Musée de Montmartre, the Musée Carnavalet, the Musée des Archives Nationales, the Musée Marmottan Monet, and the Musée Eugène Delacroix.

The city has a leisurely atmosphere in August

What is Paris like in August? You'll notice that residential neighborhoods seem emptier, with fewer locals on their way to work and an influx of international visitors enjoying their vacation instead. Tourists take over the Paris Métro this time of year, giving it a convivial ambiance. The streets of Paris have a slower, more leisurely pace than usual during August.

What's the weather like in Paris in August?

The Paris weather in August is warm and sunny, but not unbearably hot, with daily highs of 77 F (25 C). It’s best to pack layers, as temperatures can shift between warm afternoons and cooler evenings. The days in August are long, and the sun doesn’t set until around 9:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to get outside and explore the city.

• Average daytime temperature: 68 F (20 C)
• Average nighttime temperature: 59 F (15 C)
• Average days of rain: 10 days
• Average hours of sunshine per day: 8 hours

Top things to do in Paris in August

1. Stroll through the gardens around the Place de la Concorde

The Place de la Concorde, one of Paris’s most iconic squares, is perfectly positioned between two beautiful green spaces ideal for a summer stroll. Enjoy the refreshing fountains and cool shade of the Jardins des Champs-Élysées on a hot August day. It's a short walk to the Petit Palais, where you can admire works by Jacques-Louis David, Eugène Delacroix, and Claude Monet, among other famous artists, and then relax at the museum's garden courtyard café.

On the other side of the square lies the Jardin des Tuileries, which comes alive in August with a lively summer funfair. Admission is free, and while the rides and fairground treats — like crêpes, ice cream, and cotton candy — cost extra, the festive atmosphere and people-watching make it a great place to spend a summer afternoon in Paris.

Address

Jardin des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris.

Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris.

Opening hours

Jardin des Champs-Élysées: Open 24 hours

Jardin des Tuileries Festival: Sunday-Thursday, 11:00 AM-11.45 PM; Friday-Saturday, 11:00 AM-12:45 AM

2. Bask in the sunshine at Parc Rives de Seine

Soak up the sunshine and vacation vibes of this "seaside resort" in central Paris. During the summertime, the Seine River embankments are transformed into "Paris Plages" (Paris Beaches), channeling the French Riviera with sand, sunbeds, parasols, palm trees, and recreational activities. It's the next best thing to a French beach vacation!

The Parc Rives de Seine extends along the Seine River from the Pont de Sully to the Pont d'Iéna. Find a lounge chair and sit back to enjoy the views of Notre Dame and the Louvre. You can also play table football, giant outdoor chess, and pétanque (French bocce ball).

Address

Parc Rives de Seine, 118 Voie Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris.

Opening hours

Open every day in August, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM

3. Take an evening walk or boat cruise along the Seine River

Warm evenings in August are ideal for a stroll along the Seine River. The atmosphere is romantic, with pretty bridges illuminated after dark. Lively restaurants in little docked boats (called peniches) along the waterfront add to the magical ambiance. A good place to begin is near the Pont Alexandre III, an ornate bridge featured in many movies and TV shows.

On a balmy summer evening, a Seine River cruise is another one of the most romantic things to do in Paris. You can relax on the boat deck while admiring Paris’s most iconic landmarks, such as Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Many evening cruises include a three- or four-course dinner. Some cruises offer champagne or feature live music on board.

4. Explore the picturesque Montmartre neighborhood

Wander the cobblestone streets and quiet squares of Montmartre to discover this hilltop neighborhood's charming village atmosphere. Montmartre is Paris’s artists' quarter with many museums and art galleries to explore.

Don't miss the Place du Tertre and the Musée de Montmartre. Stroll through gardens where Renoir created his masterpieces, or visit the famous French artist's favorite restaurant, Le Moulin de la Galette (83 Rue Lepic). Other hidden gems include the Montmartre bistros and the neighborhood's Vignes du Clos Montmartre (vineyards).

On summer evenings, Montmartre embodies joie de vivre. With its lively outdoor terraces and street music, the café scene of Montmartre is one of the highlights of visiting Paris in August. Montmartre is famous for its nightlife, especially the iconic Moulin Rouge cabaret show.

5. Discover the beauty of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Why visit crowded Versailles when you can see the château that inspired it? On August 17, 1661, Louis XIV attended a soirée at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (outside of Paris) hosted by the owner Nicolas Fouquet. Impressed by the magnificent architecture and gardens, the Sun King immediately hired Fouquet's architect, Louis Le Vau, and gardener, André Le Nôtre, to redesign the Château de Versailles.

Today, you can experience the same enchanting soirées that dazzled Louis XIV. Candlelit Evenings take place on Saturdays in August at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, on the outskirts of Paris, featuring fountain shows and 2,000 candles illuminating the château and its gardens. The Candlelit Evenings also feature outdoor theater performances, fine dining, and fireworks.

Address

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, 77950 Maincy.

Opening hours

Open every day, 10:00 AM-5:30 PM

Saturdays (Candlelit Evenings) until 9:30 PM