France in August

If you are planning a vacation to France in August, well, you’re not the only one. Although this month tends to have beautiful weather, lots of festivals and great outdoor markets to enjoy (remember to pick up a sweet Cavaillon melon if you’re in the south), it can also be expensive and jam packed with tourists.
August is also the month in France when French workers take their vacations (most French get the whole month off; jealous?), meaning that not only will you be competing with hoards of American tourists in many of the the popular destinations, but also French nationals. It also can also be a potentially problematic time to travel especially in the northern France (Paris), as some shops remain closed for the whole month.
That being said, if you do find yourself in France during August, there tends to be a great festive, summer-vacation atmosphere, beautiful weather and a large number of festivals that are sure to make up for the higher prices and potential crowds.

What to do in France in August

Much like being in France in July, the great part about being in France during August is that you are pretty much guaranteed to have beautiful weather during your trip. While it can be hot and a touch on the muggy side (especially in Paris), you’ll generally find moderately pleasant hot weather and blue skies throughout this month in most of France, which really opens up your choices in possibilities of various outdoor activities.
Shop at the Markets
Another great added bonus to being in France in July is the plethora of great outdoor markets and the abundance of fresh, in-season produce. While many of these markets can be found throughout France year-round, the produce tends to be much more bountiful during August.
Visit the Museums
While you may find some stores closed down for the month in Paris, many museums in France have extended hours during most of July to accommodate the extra tourists and locals. There is a rumor floating around that museums are now free for those under 25 in France (which is good news to some and doesn’t mean a thing to many of you).
>>Not sure what museums you should hit up? Check out Paris’ Top 50 Museums
Hit the Beach

Beaches in France are also packed with both international and local tourists, who flock to the French coastlines during the summer months to soak up the sun, eat fresh gauffres (waffles) on the boardwalk and swim in the ocean. Whether you head to La Baulle or rub elbows with the rich and famous along the French Riviera, you’re sure to have a great time.
>>Check out the Best Beaches in France
Take a Barge Tour
France is laced with a network of connected canal systems (from the days before trains and automobiles) and today barge tours are an extremely popular way to see France during the warm summer months. Guest float through the French countryside on this canal cruises, stopping in villages along the way, biking alongside the boat and enjoying meals out on the deck.
Canoe the Dordogne
Not only is the scenery totally beautiful, but floating this gorgeous river was relaxing, fun and a unique way to see this part of southwestern France.

Holidays, Festivals and Events in France in August

While Bastille Day (the national holiday) and the Tour de France take place both in July, there are plenty of lively festivals that should keep you entertained through August in France.
Bayonne Festival: If you find yourself anywhere near the Spanish border during August, it is worthwhile to find your way to this Basque City for a festival that features bullfighting, cow racing, live music, dancing, eating, drinking and more. The festival kicks off with a big fireworks display which symbolically re-enacts the awakening of old King Leon who reigns over the festivities. This is a great excuse to not only visit a beautiful area of France, but also to see and experience unique Basque culture.
Buzet Wine Festival: For those French wine lovers out there (which, let’s be honest, should be just about everyone), there is a great wine festival in the small appellation of Buzet near the Bordeaux region of France (read my post on Understanding French Wine Categories) that features a sound and light show, craft market and tastings of the locally made Buzet wine. The weekend the festival is to takes place in the beautiful medieval town of Nérac, which apart from being one of the most flower-filled villages in France is also home to Henri 1V’s impressive château, overlooking the Baïse river. This is the backdrop to the festival, when all the town’s restaurants will be serving regional dishes to accompany the Buzet wine in the evening sunshine.
>>Learn more about wine with the Guide to French Wine
Monte Carlo International Fireworks Festival: If you are spending August on France’s Mediterranean coastline, than make sure to find your way to the ritzy yacht harbor of Monet Carlo where you can enjoy a spectacular fireworks show over the ocean. As you would expect from any event in this playground of the rich and beautiful, the Monte Carlo International Fireworks Festival is an explosive event that brings together the very best pyrotechnics displays from around the world. he competition for the best show ensures that the displays really are spectacular, so get a spot camped out along the harbor and enjoy!
Champagne Route Festival: Every year in the beginning of August, there is a festival honoring our favorite bubbly wine along the Champagne Route. Now, for me any festival that involves drinking is probably worthwhile, and this one is no exception. Champagne growers open their cellars for the weekend and participants can sample liberally upon purchasing a “Flute passport” (which costs only €8) as you enjoy tasting different variations of bubbly along the road. Villages along the route also get decorated in beautiful arrangements of flowers and local restaurants roll out specialty gourmet menus in honor of the event.
Oyster and White Wine Festival in Eymet: I’ve already said that any festival that involves drinking is sure to catch my attention, but any festival that involves drinking AND eating is a sure can’t miss event. Every year around August 15, this medieval town located in the Dordogne about 50 km from Bergerac hosts a white wine a oyster festival. Here you can sip and slurp your way from stall to stall, enjoying two of France’s gastronomic delights.
Perigord-Noir Music Festival: As if foie gras, pâté, duck confit and delicious wine weren’t enough to make you want to visit this region in southwestern France, this town also hosts a music festival from mid-July to late August, which features dozens of concerts in churches and abbeys. The festival also has one week during this time in which the music is focused around a specific theme that changes every year.
Paris Plage: You may be wondering why the words Paris and plage (beach) are together, but every year from mid-July through mid-August, Parisians get their own version of the beach right in town. During this time, a full-fledged beach, complete with sand, games, “boardwalk cafes,” chairs and umbrellas take over the banks of the Seine, where “beach” goers can enjoy cocktails at the open-air bars or work on their tan on the chaises longues.
Open-Air Cinema Festival at the Parc de la Villette in Paris: While you may find many shuttered windows in the capital in August, there is no shortage of special events happening around the city. From mid-July to mid-August Parisians spread out blankets and the modern Parc de Villette, where movies are shown on a giant outdoor screen for only about €2 a pop.

Weather in France in August

The great part about traveling to France during August is you are likely to enjoy some truly fantastic weather. With summer in full swing, days should be warm to hot and evening comfortable to slightly chilly depending on your locale. Paris can be a little on the muggy side and the Provence can definitely scorch during these months too, but weather in France across the country is usually quite pleasant.
Paris: Average high temperature = 24 degrees celsius/75 degrees farenheit. Average low =13.9 celcius, 57 farenheit. Average rainfall is 55.2 millimeters, or 2.2 inches.
Nice: Average high temperature = 26.7 degrees celsius/80 degrees farenheit. Average low = 20 degrees celcius/68 degrees farenheit. Average rainfall is 31.6 millimeters, or 1.2 inches.
Bordeaux: Average high temperature = 26.1 degrees celsius, 79 degrees farenheit. Average low = 15 celcius/59 farenheit. Average rainfall is 59.1 millimeters, or 2.3 inches.
Strasbourg: Average high temperature = 24 degrees celsius, or 75 degrees farenheit. Average low =14 celcius/55 farenheit. Average rainfall is 70.4 millimeters, or 2.8 inches.
>>Find out more average temperatures throughout various regions and more about the weather in France.

What to Pack for Paris

Where you are planning to be in France during August will determine how you pack. Despite warm or hot temperatures almost everywhere in the country, keep in mind that it can still be chilly in the Alps, especially in the evenings. Here is a list of things you shouldn’t forget:

Sunscreen
Swim suit
Flip-flops (though don’t plan on wearing these out and about much—especially in Paris. They are great for quick trips to the beach, but you’ll get a lot of strange looks wearing flip-flops around town. Opt for a pair of nicer sandals instead)
Good walking shoes
For ladies: skirts and dresses—don’t be one of those tragic American tourists walking around Paris in shorts, tennis shoes and carrying a fanny pack. French women don’t wear shorts, and you probably shouldn’t either. Stick with skirts and casual dresses instead. Plus, the extra ventilation will keep you cooler.
Light clothes and layers—steer away from polyesters and opt for breathable fabrics, especially if you plan on hanging out in Paris, which can often get muggy and hot in August.
A great market basket to carry all your goodies you pick up at the great markets during July. (check out this great French market bag)

>>Read this helpful guide on what to wear in France in the summer.

Getting to France in August

More tourists mean more crowded attractions and higher hotel rates and airfares. However, with enough searching, it is possible to find a decent deal on airfare to France for July. Booking far in advance can also help land you a cheap flight to France, even in the peak summer months. If you will be arriving in France from another European city, you’ll probably be arriving by train or ferry. For those coming from London, taking the Eurostar between Paris and London is easiest and fastest way to get between France and UK, though there are other transportation options for getting from London to Paris.

Where to Stay in France

Make sure you book your hotels in France early, as August can be a tough time to get a room. With the great weather in France during this time of year and lots more people flooding into this popular tourist destination, even finding a hostel in France can be hard during August. Plan ahead and book early and you’ll have a better shot at getting a room. If you find yourself hanging out along the Mediterranean coast, Nice’s best hostels (including the famed Villa Saint Exupery) can offer great accommodations on the cheap.
Photo credit: Monet Carlo fireworks, Peter Boro flickr , St. Tropez Beach, unwenet1206 flickr