When Paris is the Least Parisian...and Visitors Take Over
If you've ever visited Paris in August, you'll know that the city isn't exactly in its normal state. Most locals abandon Paris for the overpacked beaches of the Cote d'Azur or the Atlantic Coast, and Paris falls under the reign of visitors from around the globe. Laid-back, festive, and eerily stripped of its metropolitan stress levels, the city of light is a tourist's playground in August. And as for the full-time residents who've stayed behind, well, they're equally relieved to have fewer locals around.
The enthusiasm of visitors tends to be infectious, and Parisians, reputed for their gloomy dispositions, welcome the change of ambiance.
Why to Love the City of Light in August:
In a few words, you (and hordes of other visitors, of course) have the city to yourselves. Traffic nearly grinds to a halt on the streets, and activities like biking or rollerblading around the city are rarely more pleasant. Metro cars may be over packed and sweltering, but stressed commuters have been replaced with cheerful packs of vacationers. The mood is perhaps less authentically Parisian than at other times of the year, but being an honorary Parisian myself, I can tell you that it can be very pleasant. To add to the fun, free events like open-air cinema, live music, and beaches along the Seine river gives the temporary illusion that Paris is a resort town or amusement park.
August in Paris is also an ideal time for experiencing a cruise on the Seine river or on Paris canals and waterways, especially on hot days when breezes off the water offer a welcome reprieve.
A Few Highlights in August 2015:
· Through August 18th: Paris Plage (Paris Beach) turns three locations around the city into an ideal place to relax, read, picnic, or stroll up and down temporary boardwalks. In the evenings, free live music and drink-sipping on outdoor terraces along the Seine will lure adults.
· Through August 23rd: Open-Air Cinema Festival at the Parc de la Villette--Every year, Parisians and visitors spread out blankets at the ultramodern Parc de la Villette, where some 36 movies are shown for no charge on a giant outdoor screen.
The August Thermometer
· Minimum temperature: 15 degrees C (59 degrees F)
· Maximum temperature: 24 degrees C (75.2 degrees F)
· Average temperature: 19 degrees C (66.2 degrees F)
· Average rainfall: 55 millimeters (2.2 inches)
Source: GoParis.com Courtney Traub
If you've ever visited Paris in August, you'll know that the city isn't exactly in its normal state. Most locals abandon Paris for the overpacked beaches of the Cote d'Azur or the Atlantic Coast, and Paris falls under the reign of visitors from around the globe. Laid-back, festive, and eerily stripped of its metropolitan stress levels, the city of light is a tourist's playground in August. And as for the full-time residents who've stayed behind, well, they're equally relieved to have fewer locals around.
The enthusiasm of visitors tends to be infectious, and Parisians, reputed for their gloomy dispositions, welcome the change of ambiance.
Why to Love the City of Light in August:
In a few words, you (and hordes of other visitors, of course) have the city to yourselves. Traffic nearly grinds to a halt on the streets, and activities like biking or rollerblading around the city are rarely more pleasant. Metro cars may be over packed and sweltering, but stressed commuters have been replaced with cheerful packs of vacationers. The mood is perhaps less authentically Parisian than at other times of the year, but being an honorary Parisian myself, I can tell you that it can be very pleasant. To add to the fun, free events like open-air cinema, live music, and beaches along the Seine river gives the temporary illusion that Paris is a resort town or amusement park.
August in Paris is also an ideal time for experiencing a cruise on the Seine river or on Paris canals and waterways, especially on hot days when breezes off the water offer a welcome reprieve.
A Few Highlights in August 2015:
· Through August 18th: Paris Plage (Paris Beach) turns three locations around the city into an ideal place to relax, read, picnic, or stroll up and down temporary boardwalks. In the evenings, free live music and drink-sipping on outdoor terraces along the Seine will lure adults.
· Through August 23rd: Open-Air Cinema Festival at the Parc de la Villette--Every year, Parisians and visitors spread out blankets at the ultramodern Parc de la Villette, where some 36 movies are shown for no charge on a giant outdoor screen.
The August Thermometer
· Minimum temperature: 15 degrees C (59 degrees F)
· Maximum temperature: 24 degrees C (75.2 degrees F)
· Average temperature: 19 degrees C (66.2 degrees F)
· Average rainfall: 55 millimeters (2.2 inches)
Source: GoParis.com Courtney Traub
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