Things to do in Paris in August

Coming in the French capital in August, you won’t be the only tourist, so you will have to struggle a bit to see the landmarks, and escape from the crowd from time to time. Most of us, Parisians, are on holidays, away from the city. But, some of us prefer to stay because it is much quieter and calmer. Me, for instance, I’m spending the summer in Paris, so here are a few tips from a local on the things to do in Paris in August!

August is one of the most tourist filled months in Paris. The Eiffel Tower is crowded, so you might want to prepare your visit with this article. The Notre Dame Cathedral is crowded. Restaurants are crowded. You are going to hustle around. Yet, if you are a bit prepared, August can also be the best time to come and visit the French capital: because the Seine river and the sun are a perfect march!

A good stay in Paris is all about having a tour of the landmarks in the best conditions possible, avoiding long queues and tourist traps, and try to have a look at more “typically Parisian” places, such as Montmartre, the Marais, the Latin Quarter and many other areas!

>>We run walking tours in Paris every day – learn more here

>> Find out about how to beat the crowd in Paris

To help you make the most of your trip to Paris, here is an overview of the best things to do in Paris in August.

Do not miss the landmarks

Visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower is one of the first things to do in Paris in August… Well actually, all year long! Every time one comes to Paris, they have to see the Eiffel Tower. Of course, these places are the ones that are going to be the most crowded and touristy, but it would be a shame to miss it just because you are not the only one wanting to see them. You are going to need a strategy. For example, going to the Eiffel Tower at 2 pm when the sun is high in the sky is the worst idea ever, unless you are looking for the most efficient way to sunburn!

Prefer to come on mornings or evenings, watching the sunset from the third floor of the tower is awesome! And on mornings, the Eiffel Tower is much lesser crowded, the weather is cooler and nicer! And if you have the possibility to prepare your stay in Paris a little bit, you can buy your tickets online for the Eiffel Tower, and a lot of other landmarks and museums, which will prove to be a precious time-saver. Just have a look at their websites before you go! As for the museums, note that the vast majority of them are closed on Tuesdays…

>> Learn more about the best way to visit Paris museums

>>Have a look at our Montmartre Tour with Orsay Museum tickets and at our Marais Art tour with Picasso Museum tickets, or let us know your interests and we will take care of everything for you to enjoy the best of Paris in August!

Have a walk along the Seine

Wandering along the river is one of the best things to do in Paris in August. On warm days, Parisians are used to have a sit by the Seine and sometimes to have a nice after work or evening picnic. It is where the city was born. You will also discover the neighborhoods of Saint Michel and Odeon next to the Seine. Plus you can end your day at some terrace or having a walk in the gorgeous Luxembourg gardens.

Another awesome thing to do in Paris in August is to have a walk along the Seine river. As the sun sets, and little by little Paris greatest landmarks are lighting up, it is one of my favourite Paris walks.

The nights in August are much warmer and the sky is even prettier! Everyone is in a good mood. Paris at night is the best Paris! And the best way to fully experience it and to enjoy a Parisian night is to follow the locals. My best advice is to join Discover Walks Night Tour, and let a local show you the best places to have a drink and explain the Parisian lifestyle!

Have fun like a kid

Some of my favourite things to do in Paris in August is to go to three places: Aquaboulevard, Disneyland, and Parc Astérix! I feel much happier every time I go to these places. I feel like a kid again and it feels so good!

To go to Aquaboulevard in August is a must, especially if you’re coming with kids or friends. The weather is so hot, so one obviously needs to cool off and to get freshened up! In Aquaboulevard, you will get to try the funniest slides. And whenever the alarm rings, the gigantic swimming pool starts making waves!

Coming to Paris and not visiting Disneyland is a shame because it really is a unique experience! In case you’re in a bad mood, everything will be solved as soon as you land your feet at Disneyland. Everything at Disneyland puts a smile on your face! This place is truly magical.

You can also go to Parc Astérix, there are a little more attractions designed for adults and some water attractions that are simply the best! To go to Parc Astérix on a hot summer day is so much fun!

Attend some exhibitions

If the days are too hot, and you’re looking for an inside activity to get in the shade and to freshen up, attend some exhibitions. This summer, very promising exhibitions are happening in Paris and it’s really worth a visit . Every true Parisian attends exhibitions from time to time, so you should also do it, to fully live the Parisian experience.

It doesn’t matter if you’re coming with your lover, with your family or with your friends, each of you will likely find an exhibition that perfectly suits your interests. From modern art to electro music, there is one for every taste and for every age!

I advise you to read this article if you’re interested in attending a few exhibitions during your stay in Paris! You will get to be introduced to some of the best ones that are happening this year 2019.

>> Also, learn more about Musée Picasso on our blog.

Watch a movie outdoors

As soon as it gets dark, the Parc de la Villette turns into an Open Air Cinema! During the summer, one of the greatest Parisian events happens every year. From 7 pm, movies in their original language (with French subtitles) will be broadcasted in Parc de la Villette. How cool is that? From classic movies to best releases from recent years, this is a chance to spend a great moment in front of the big screen showing all time high-rated movies.

Bring a blanket, a bottle of wine or some popcorns for example. It is an uncommon wonderful way of spending an August night in Paris! Plus, it’s free, so you really have no excuses!

>> Read more about how to spend a night in Paris.

Go to a festival

In August, during three days, from the 23th to the 25th, Paris will be Parisian-free. Why? They will all be the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud for the Rock en Seine Festival! The line-up is quite amazing! The Cure, Jorja Smith, Foals, Agar Agar, Two Door Cinema Club, and Jungle are just some of the artists performing during the festival. Hurry up to buy your tickets because it will soon be sold out!

>> Read this article to know more about summer festivals in Paris.

Sunbathe while listening to some classical music

© Flore66 on Tripadvisor

During seven weekends, classical music concerts will take place at the Esplanade du Château de Vincennes! Different styles, centuries and cultures are mixed and presented to you, the performances will definitely satisfy both connoisseurs and the wider audience. Thanks to this event, you will experience classical music like never before and get to see all the subtlelies of it!

My suggestions of things to do in Paris in August is now over, I hope you’ve enjoyed it! And I hope I will be seeing you in Paris this August!

À bientôt :D