Does Paris shut down in August?

Question

My fiance and I are currently in the beginning stages of planning a honeymoon in Paris from July 31st to August 7th. I've heard a few people say that a lot of Paris is closed during the month of August because Parisians are vacationing. I've always wanted to honeymoon in Paris, but I fear I should look elsewhere if we won't really get to experience the city fully. I want Seine cruises and cafes and bars and restaurants. What is August in Paris really like?

Answer 1

Paris is "open" all the year. In august, parisians are on holidays

the city is pleasant in spite of heat and pollution

it's the month for tourists, less stress, people take time to live

For Honeymoon it's a good choice,

Answer 2

No it is not shutdown, but August is a slow month for the professionals in Paris, the French are all on vacation and the city is actually pleasant.

Less stressed out, rude Parisians, more tourist. There are plenty of activities in August, they have a beach on the Seine river Banks, Movies outsides in the Parks. It is actually very romantic to be there at that time of the year.

When I was working and living in Paris, I intentionally decided to stay there during that period. It is the best time ever!!

Answer 3

i was there the same time a few years ago and it wasn't shut down.  museums and other stuff was totally functioning.  sundays are dead though.

Answer 4

I a parisian  and i really like to bee in Paris in august , it's not so busy than the other time . and  everything is opened . don't worry

Answer 5

Paris is busy all year round

Answer 6

You shouldn't have a problem doing the things you mentioned (eating, cruises) at that time of year. The businesses catering to tourists will be alive and well, even if many others will be closed. In addition, what I've noticed is that most businesses *start* to close down after the first weekend in August, i.e., Aug. 6 this year. In other words, there will still be many businesses still open during the dates of your honeymoon. It'd be a different story if your honeymoon were to start a week after...

As someone mentioned above, Sundays are dead in Paris, but this is year-round. However, there are certain neighborhoods that are always open on Sundays (notably, the Marais). Also, many museums choose Monday (e.g., Orsay) or Tuesday (e.g., Louvre) as their closing day of the week.

Answer 7

trust the parisienne! (she really knows).