Paris in July or August

[googleygoo]

The last time I was in Paris, it was early May. I'm contemplating going for a week this summer if I can find a good deal on flights, although I know summer will be peak season, so I probably shouldn't hold my breath. Regardless, I'm curious if anyone thinks it's even worth going in mid/late July or early August? Is it too touristy or too hot? Will the city be so full of Americans as the Parisians leave for the summer?

[WillTravel]

I will have to be vague. The weather can be anywhere from scorchingly hot (like the horrible heat wave of 2003) to rather cool (apparently that was true last summer). I definitely think Paris is still worth visiting. If you are worried about tourist hordes, I would stick to outer arrondisements. I have never thought the city is full of Americans once you are outside the areas of St. Germain and the Eiffel Tower.

I would personally be a little nervous about going if I was staying at a place without air conditioning, but most of the time it would be OK.

You could also consider making a trip of a day or two or three to some areas near Paris. Strasbourg and Dijon are both quickly accessible by fast train. AYou can buy cheap tickets if you try far enough in advance, at voyages-sncf.com.

[googleygoo]

Thanks, I just found some decent fares for less than $600 round trip in August and I'm quite tempted to secure them!

[WillTravel]

Yes, that is very tempting! You might be able to get an open jaw itinerary with Paris and another city too.

[sd21]

Last August Paris was Very mild coming from Italy I could wear a sweater in Paris

[googleygoo]

Now I'm looking at July fares... Has anyone been in Paris on Bastille Day? Is it interesting or should I avoid it?

[WillTravel]

Bastille Day in Paris is fine. There are some fun events, but if you choose to ignore it, it's quite easy to do so.

[madamtrashheap]

As WT notes, Bastille Day in Paris can be huge, or not so huge depending on what you want to do. If you want to be part of it all, you can sit with a picnic and a few thousand of your new best friends on the Champs du Mars from early afternoon until the fireworks that evening (or sit up on the platform at the Chaillot Palace for great views). Or you can head to the Bastille area and walk around the line that marks where the prison once stood (watch for cars!) before the annual dance party kicks off there. There's also a parade on the Champs-Elysees you can watch. You can also check local guides for other festivities around the city.

I've been in Paris for serveral Bastille Days and have always had fun, sometimes with the crowd and sometimes away from the crowd, so don't avoid going there on July 14th, it will be what you want to make of it. Plus it's always fun to be in a country on their National Day.

[googleygoo]

Hi everyone, thanks for your input! After playing around with airfare and the number of days I can take off from work, I ended up with an itinerary of flying out of the U.S. on July 14th and getting to Paris on the 15th. Maybe in the future I'll watch the fireworks on Bastille Day in Paris!

Some other questions... we have 9 days and I was hoping to have 5 or 6 days in Paris (including day trip to Versailles). I spent about a week in Paris about 4 years ago, but this time I'm going with someone who has never been. We're also planning to go to Normandy for 3 or 4 days, including one day at Mont St. Michel. If we do the 3 day option and only have 2 more days to spare, does anyone have recommendations on which cities to see in Normandy? Basically it's between Rouen, Caen, and Bayeux. I'm thinking that the D-day beaches might be out. Or is it worth doing the 4 days in Normandy to see the beaches and the cemetery?

And finally, our flight out of CDG is at 7:30 in the morning... what's the best way to get there if the metro/RER doesn't run in the middle of the night? I don't want to spend the night at the airport although I suppose we could do that if it's the best option...

[WillTravel]

There's a night bus, I think. Check out www.ratp.fr and enter reasonable dates and times.

I'm not sure when the Air France bus starts running, but you could check its start times too. If you stayed at a location near where the Air France bus picks up passengers, that could work if they start early enough.

[lia80]

Hi googleygo! What a nice travel plan! I usually do this: Paris 2-3 days and then I rent a car and go exploring the cost. Mont San Michel is something you should NOT miss! and other cities like Saint Malo for example. If you fancy a day out of Paris, of course Versailles si incredible...(especially for an American, I think ;-)) but.. there is something else: GIVERNY to visit Monet's house.... May would be the perfect season for everything is blooming.... nevertheless... is extraordinary. You can visit every room, the pond with the little bridge over the lilies and ninphes, the garden...! If I well remmebr , from Gare de Lyon, in one-hour train ride throught the country side you reach Giverny. Stay there a few hours... and get back in the afternoon...Then you can spend the evening again in the Capital!
Also, I need to check, but I can tell you for sure that Parisians organize along the river Sein a 'real beach' with sand and pools... This is also a good relief if it's terribly hot.

I'll get back to you as soon as I have some fresher updates!
Cheers.

[lia80]

ciao! Paris is famous for Flea-markets and bistro! if you wish I have a small list of them.
COncerning summer events consider a visit to Notre Dame on Sundays at 5.30pm and you'll listen to free organ concerts ! Just magic!

There is also The Saint Denis Festival that runs from June to the end of July, during which time concerts are held in the Saint Denis Basilica whilst the Chateau of Versailles is the site of the Baroque Music Festival, held from the middle of September to the middle of October. but it would be too late for you anyways....

I have some more tips if you need. I simply love Paris and I get there whenever I can! I can also recommend good places to stay the night.
ok, Have a safe trip! Ciao!

[googleygoo]

Thanks to all for the replies!

Lia, I also love Paris. This is my second trip there and I'm going with someone who has not been before. We will play it by ear in terms of day trips out of Paris, but Versailles and Giverny are on the list. I have been to Versailles but not Giverny.

Cheers!

[lia80]

Happy I was useful! then tell us how it went!
BYE!

[allsf]

hello guys,

I will be traveling through Europe starting from London on August 6th.. will be in Paris for 6 nights starting on Aug 10th and I would appreciate any info on not-to-miss things besides the tourist points I can read on guide books.. I love things that locals do.. beautiful sites.. tiny villages.. etc..

merci!