Weather
August continues to bring the summer weather: blue skies and warm temperatures. Though, it's important to be mindful that depending on where you find yourself in France, you'll experience variable weather. In Paris, for example, you can count on temperatures to range between 59-77°F (15-25°C) with sunny hot days interspersed with brief thundershowers. In the northeast, the weather begins to cool as the month progresses, leading into fall, daytime temps range from 55-77°F (13-25°C).
Meanwhile, summer is full-on along the coasts with the Mediterranean Sea warming a single degree to 75°F (24°C). Atlantic and South France see little change from the month before, with temps averaging between 61-75°F (16-24°C) and 68-81°F (20-27°C), respectively.
Crowds & Costs
August remains ever-crowded as the weather has changed little from the month before; visitors are flowing in for the sun, festivals, and popular attractions. For the most part, there's no escaping the crowds along the French Riviera, Atlantic coast, and Corsica, especially over weekends and the first half of the month, as the French are likely to be on holiday. With that in mind, confirm all reservations if you visit this month, since many business owners take a break during the hot season.
Book your reservations and accommodation well in advance, as there's major pressure on hotels and restaurants now. Though you can find some respite in the north and interior of the country (locals having flocked to the beach), popular destinations such as Paris will continue to bustle with visitors, and hotel rates remain more costly than during low-season months.
Where to Go
If you aren't crowd-shy, head to southern France to explore the seaside villages, resort towns, and beaches, from Marseille to Monaco along the Côte d'Azur. Though if you're in want of shirking the hordes of holidaymakers (both local and foreign), make your way west of Marseille to Côte Bleue. A region that extends to Camargue, you'll have striking views of turquoise waters, dramatic coastlines, and the calanques (narrow inlets framed by steep, limestone cliffs) with plenty of access points to the coast (though you'll have to walk a bit). Try La Vesse, Ensuès, Eaux Salées, or the beaches of Sainte-Croix and Verdon.
Another option is to visit historic Compiègne over the beaches of Normandy. Here you'll want to stroll through the woods where the World War I's Armistice of 1918 was signed and visit the opulent château museum (built for Louis XV and used by Napoleon III—nephew to the Napoleon). And in the Ariège region of southwestern France is Mirepoix, a medieval market town that makes for a great jumping-off point to explore nearby towns like Carcassonne and Limoux, as well as to discover the French Pyrenees.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
If you do visit the French Riviera, take to the seas for a day of sailing in and around the Lérins Islands. Known for their rocky beaches and nature trails leading through pine and eucalyptus forests, you'll sail from Cannes to two of the four emerald islets, Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, to discover beaches and swim right off the boat. If interested, consider visiting the 17th-century Fort Royal, most famous for having imprisoned the Man in the Iron Mask. Alternatively, stick to the mainland and get yourself to the sandy, rugged, and wild coastline around Hyères for a few nights of camping.
Hiking enthusiasts have plenty of choice throughout the country, the Luberon mountain trails being popular, take you through pretty hilltop Provençal villages that overlook vineyards and olive groves. For something unique, there's Dune du Pilat on France's Atlantic coast. Climb Europe's tallest dune for all-encompassing vistas of the Arcachon basin. And if you have yet to visit the steeped-in-history beaches of Normandy, try checking out the near-endless stretches of sand and coastline after visiting the military cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer.
Music lovers and cultural enthusiasts will want to make their way to the city of Orange, north of Marseille, for the Chorégies d'Orange. Take in an al fresco opera production performed by international stars in the Roman theater. Its semicircular, tiered stone seating and acoustic stone stage create one of the world's best settings. For more music events, head to Confolens for international music and dance performances or Saint Cloud for their (loud) Rock en Seine event featuring rock concerts performed on four stages.
Events in August
Chorégies d'Orange. A summer al fresco opera event held each year in Orange's ancient Roman theater in southern France.
Interceltic Festival, Lorient. Every year during the first week of August, the Breton town of Lorient acts as a gathering for all Celtic cultures, drawing in crowds of over 800,000 festival-goers and artisans.
L'Assumption (Assumption of Virgin Mary), Nationwide (August 15). Expect some closures for this public holiday as the country honors the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven.
Festival des Jardins (International Garden Festival). From April to October, the gardens of Château Chaumont-sur-Loire host this annual festival, which showcases up to 30 themed gardens created by landscape architects, designers, and artists.
Traveling to France in August? Check out these great itineraries
Relaxed Provence & French Riviera - 10 Days. Stick to the buzzy southern coast and pretty Provence region in August, with visits to Cannes, Nice, the hilltop villages of Luberon, and Aix-en-Provence. Along the way, you'll enjoy gourmet culinary tours, local culture, and charming boutique hotels.
Grand Tour Through Historic France: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley & Bordeaux - 16 Days. Cover a lot of ground as you travel through France's past and present, starting in Paris before reaching Normandy's ethereal Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey and D-Day beaches. See the châteaux and wineries of the Loire Valley, and learn all about wine at Bordeaux's Cité du Vin museum..
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