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Published 28 June 2025 by Leyla Alyanak — Parisian by birth, Lyonnaise by adoption, historian by passion
August in France can be daunting, but it can also be fabulous, depending on the choices you make. Here are some tips to choosing destinations that skirt the crowds and avoid (or at least minimize) the heat.
If you’ve ever tried visiting France in August, you may have felt your limits were being tested.
It's hot, and getting hotter by the year. And we don't have much air conditioning.
It's crowded, especially if you're heading to some of our most famous landmarks. Pick your day wrong and you might find yourself stuck on a motorway behind half of Paris heading to the coast.
It may feel like everything is closed for the great France August shutdown, when shop owners are off on their own holidays and cities empty out.
What is open may seem expensive. Often, prices for flights, trains and accommodation go up in summer.
You may be facing strikes. Frankly, though, while summer is a favorite for strikers, by August it's hot enough so that even they lose steam.
What does all this mean? Should you avoid August in France?
Absolutely not!
August can be a wonderful time to visit France.
The sun is out, festivals pop up everywhere, and the long days are an invitation to linger over that last cup of the day in a café.
The key is knowing where to go, avoiding the places where everyone else is already headed, and dodging our ever frequent heatwaves.
Let me show you where to go to escape the heat, how to navigate the crowds, and what kinds of places are best avoided altogether. The goal isn’t just to survive France in August, but to enjoy it in delightful ways.
My top choices for August in France
How the French take their holidays
Tips on packing for France in August
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Of course this list is subjective - you'll find plenty of people who rave about Paris or the Riviera in August so you may disagree with me. But as a local who has to "battle" August every year, I've learned a few things about staying cool at the height of the heat.
Many travelers come for France’s culture and city life — but in August, urban travel can be challenging. The asphalt and cobblestones reflect the heat, many shops are closed, and public transport seems to wind down, with infrequent schedules and curtailed routes (the exception is in highly touristed cities, of course).
That said, there are plenty of smaller cities in France that are cooler in August, and where you won't bump into everyone else visiting France.
Some villages avoid the worst of summer simply by being above the heat. These towns stay cooler thanks to their elevation and shade from nearby peaks. They're not empty — many are beloved summer getaways — but they're far more pleasant than the baking lowlands.
These mountain towns offer reliably cooler summer conditions — often with daytime highs under 25 °C (77℉) — and remain welcoming even during August heatwaves.
Southern beaches are packed in August, with traffic, inflated prices, and hot crowded sands (or pebbles). But head to northern France (or the west), and you’ll find tidal islands with windswept shores, and plenty of space to breathe.
It will still be hot — it is summer, after all — but not as suffocating as many other parts of France. I've listed a few places below but frankly, you could go pretty much anywhere along the Brittany and Normandy coasts and feel a bit cooler than you would elsewhere in coastal France.
France is a very mountainous country, from the Alps and the Jura to the Vosges, the Pyrenees and the Cevennes.
While the highest peaks can get crowded in summer, the mid-range mountains often stay cool and quieter, not to mention more affordable. And yes, you'll find plenty of lovely stone villages tucked away among the greenery.
When the heat becomes overwhelming, water offers instant relief, not just for swimming, but also for sightseeing.
Whether you hop on a river cruise, a ferry crossing or a shaded canal barge, being on the water can bring welcome breezes and a fresh perspective, even at the height of summer. Here are ideas for short, accessible trips that require no effort and give you a chance to stay cool and take in the view.
If water is the answer to your summer heat woes, then what about heading out on a canoe or kayak to get off the road and into the landscape?
Think breeze, shade, and regular dips in the water, all of which you'll find in scenery that reaches from steep gorges to wide rivers lined with castles.
The best-kept secret in escaping the summer heat in France is to head for one of its prehistoric caves — or, just any cave.
France is full of limestone caves and prehistoric grottoes where the temperature hovers around 12-14°C, no matter how hot it gets outside. In fact, these underground caves are so cool you'll actually need a sweater. Lovely thought in summer, don't you think?
While there are a few in the north of France, the vast majority of these are in the country's southern half. Some require a short hike, others are fully equipped with visitor centers and guided tours. Here are a few standouts:
Churches and cathedrals are some of the coolest public buildings in France — in every way.
They are usually built of thick stone walls and soaring ceilings, keeping temperatures far cooler than it is outside.
Whether you’re escaping the midday sun or admiring a medieval fresco, these spaces offer silence and a chance to pause respectfully in the shade. And they’re everywhere, from small Romanesque chapels in villages to Gothic cathedrals in major cities, often open and free to enter. Here are just a few:
Many visitors are caught off guard by the rhythms of French life in August.
The first two weeks, from around August 1 to 15, is summer break in France, when half the country goes on holiday. This isn’t just a Parisian exodus: small-town restaurants, boulangeries, pharmacies, even tobacco shops may close for congés annuels.
It used to be perfectly possible to walk into a village and not find a place to eat lunch. These days, things have improved slightly and during the holiday season, shops and eateries often stagger themselves so that you won't be left standing. Often, but not always.
If you expect full service everywhere, you may be surprised, so make sure you're prepared.
It reminds me of the month of May, during which much of France shuts down because of its three or four long weekends. The entire country changes its pace as people head off on vacations or to their family homes, leaving the city behind. Welcome to the August vacation.
That said, major sights will be open, as will many stores and restaurants in tourist areas, and festivals will be in full swing.
AUGUST WEATHER IN FRANCE
August is one of France’s hottest months, with average highs of 27–30°C (81–86°F) in much of the south and 22–26°C (72–79°F) in the north. Each year, those temperatures creep up.
Coastal areas may be breezy, but inland cities and valleys can feel stifling. Expect occasional heatwaves, especially in the southeast. Rain is rare but not impossible, especially in the mountains. Evenings are often more bearable — perfect for late dinners outdoors.
Your vision of France in August may involve sundresses and espadrilles, and you wouldn't be altogether wrong. Or completely right, either.
Much of France stays hot through August, but not all of it. The mountains, the Atlantic coast and inland valleys can deliver cool mornings and evenings or sudden storms.
Here are a few tips of what to include in your August wardrobe for France:
Bottom line, France is a country of microclimates, so keep that in mind when you pack
You’ve now seen some of the best places to escape the August heat and holiday crowds.
But what about the destinations that are less relaxed this time of year?
Some places in France are undeniably beautiful in August… but they may come with long lines, high prices and very little shade.
Mind you, the list below is utterly subjective. Plenty of people visit these places in August and love them. You might too.
I'm not a fan of the Côte d'Azur in August.
It's visually dazzling, with cloudless skies, open-air markets and that classic Mediterranean glow.
But you won’t be enjoying it all alone.
This is France’s busiest stretch of coastline, and in August, the roads can feel like one giant parking lot (the real parking lots are scarce and exorbitant). Beaches are super crowded and hotel prices soar. You'll have to reserve to eat out, so forget about being spontaneous.
Once you're away from the sea, it can be sweltering, and don't expect to find air conditioning everywhere.
There are exceptions though, quieter spots where crowds are human-sized, like Villefranche or Cap Ferrat, but it's still the Riviera.
That said, if you're looking for a social summer holiday filled with late nights and bright lights, ignore everything I've just said. But if you're the quieter type, then June or September will provide the same glorious scenery, minus the crowds.
It's no secret that I love Provence and the Luberon.
These postcard-perfect villages are wildly popular in summer, and in August, they fill with visitors. Think tour buses, crowded cafés, and long queues for attractions like the Palais des Papes in Avignon or the calanques near Cassis. It’s all still beautiful — but it’s not exactly relaxed.
If you visit, go early in the day and book ahead.
Hilltop villages are deservedly famous and worth visiting, which is what everyone else is doing in August.
Places like Chenonceau and Chambord are stunning and I can never visit enough, but in August they're also packed.
Many rooms lack air conditioning, and you'll often find yourself elbow-to-elbow with tour groups.
If castles are high on your list, consider the lesser-known châteaux (like Chinon, for example) or go later in the day when crowds thin and temperatures ease.
If you’re planning for spring or fall, this post provides information to help you choose some of the most legendary Loire châteaux.
This iconic island gets very busy in August, especially from before lunch to mid-afternoon, when it's swamped with day-trippers arriving in force by bus. And when I say swamped, I mean "you can barely move" kind of swamped.
The narrow lanes become bottlenecks, and climbing the steps to the abbey can feel like a punishment. If you do go, try early morning or late evening for a quieter, cooler experience (and better light for photos).
It IS one of France’s most iconic sights and is well worth the effort — just maybe not at mid-day in August.
Paris in August is a paradox.
On one hand, it’s blissfully calm: much of the traffic has gone, and the Seine is just beautiful in the late light (and has now been prepped for swimming).
But if you're after the full Parisian experience — busy cafés and markets, browsing through second-hand books or watching neighbors sipping their apéros — August is a bit more challenging.
Many smaller shops, including boulangeries and local restaurants, close for the month as their owners go off for their own vacations. If you're anywhere near tourist attractions, however, you'll have no trouble finding open places.
For that street life you've come to experience in Paris, you'll be better off before or after the height of summer. But if you're happy with art, architecture, and a quieter, slower Paris, you might actually enjoy it; just bring your patience — and stay cool and hydrated.
Paris is always Paris. August just comes with caveats. Read more here if you’re planning a trip that’s not tied to summer holidays.
Beyond choosing the right destination, staying cool often comes down to habits and small decisions. A few well-timed choices — where you go, when you move, and how you adapt — can make the difference between wilting and weathering the heat.
Here are some simple, effective ways to take cover when the temperature spikes.
In case you're wondering about where to go at other times of year, find out the best times to visit France, and where to go, when.
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND FRANCE?
🚎 If you're in a city, use the excellent public transportation systems.
🚊 If you're going between cities or to smaller towns, you can usually take the train (I buy my tickets through RailEurope or Omio).
🚙 In rural areas, train stations are rarer so you might want to rent a car, which is easy in France (I use Discovercars).
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR FRANCE?
It depends. If your travel insurance already covers you in France, then you're all set. If not, head for VisitorsCoverage for everything travel.
WHAT ABOUT IDENTITY THEFT AND ONLINE SECURITY?
That's easy! Just get a VPN, which cloaks your online presence (I use NordVPN everywhere).
WILL MY PHONE WORK IN FRANCE? WHAT ABOUT MY CHARGER?
You can use your roaming plan in France. If you don't have one, you can do one of several things (just make sure you have an unlocked phone).
📲 You can order a SIM card before you get to France.
🤳 You can buy a SIM card from a shop in France.
⚡️ You can buy an e-SIM.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR FRANCE?
Here are a few essentials you should NOT leave home without:
👟 Comfortable walking shoes. You'll be on your feet a lot, and... cobblestones.
🔌 Plugs are different in France.
👜 An anti-theft purse (this is the bag I use).
🧣 An infinity scarf, for evenings when you don't want to carry a purse. In Paris and other major cities, there isn't much violent crime but there are plenty of pickpockets.
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO BOOK A PLACE TO STAY IN FRANCE?
✓ I use booking.com for my own travels around France. It lists both hotels and apartments, but mostly, it has generous cancellation policies.