10 Best Things to Do in Paris in August

If you travel to Paris during August, you will discover that there are many attractions and things to do. This month is famous for musical events such as Rock en Seine, as well as other cultural events related to international cinema. What's more, the weather is wonderful at this time of year. So, without further ado, let's get started with this guide.

It only happens in summer and only on Saturdays between mid-July and the end of August. That's when the magnificent fountains of Versailles light up to the sound of classical music from the time of the Sun King.

I recommend that you find out about the different ticket options and visits to Versailles so that you can experience everything, including the spectacular fireworks finale in the gardens of Versailles. If you are in Paris in August, you should not miss it. So don't hesitate to book your tickets as far in advance as possible.

How to get to Versailles

To get there, you can either buy tickets for the Palace of Versailles with transport from Paris, book an excursion to Versailles from Paris with a guided tour of the Palace, or purchase your ticket separately and book a return transfer to Versailles from Paris or even hire a helicopter flight to Versailles from Paris. Can you think of a more original way to get there?

Paris Plages is a tradition that creates a beach atmosphere on the banks of the River Seine. To give you an idea, 5,000 tonnes of sand are transported, along with a hundred palm trees and hundreds of beach umbrellas.

The beaches are located on the banks of the Seine from the end of July to the end of August. So, if you miss the beach on your summer trip to Paris, you know where to go. There are numerous food and drink stalls, free concerts, dancing, misting stations and tons of fun activities such as sandcastle building competitions.

It's one of the best places to visit in summer, both during the day and at night. What's more, at night you can see it lit up and all its charm from the river if you book a cruise on the Seine.

If you're travelling to Paris in August, don't hesitate to book your ticket to Aquaboulevard, an impressive water park. In fact, as well as being the largest in Paris, it is one of the most acclaimed in Europe. It has a total of 11 water slides and numerous water activities and attractions

In addition, for those looking to relax, there is a relaxation area with a sauna, jacuzzis and swimming pools where you can unwind. Don't hesitate! It is an ideal option for both the more daring and those seeking greater tranquillity.

If you are passionate about the work of Claude Monet, I recommend booking an excursion to Giverny to discover the source of inspiration for the impressionist painter. It is an ideal way to explore his flower-filled gardens, his house and the water lily ponds, accompanied by a professional local guide.

After the tour, you will also have the opportunity to explore the historic centre of Giverny, located in the Normandy region on the western bank of the River Seine, where the painter lived for more than four decades. And very importantly, you won't have to worry about how to get there, as this half-day excursion includes round-trip transportation.

If, on the other hand, you prefer to make the trip on your own, you can book a guided tour of Monet's house and gardens in Giverny directly.

Under the starry skies of the Montmartre district, this special festival takes place between the end of August and the beginning of September. This entertaining event brings together artistic comedy, musicals, poetry and lots of theatre.

You can see up to 30 actors on stage in six different venues with the aim of making theatre accessible to everyone. The atmosphere is lively from midday until midnight.

As a tip for your stay in Paris, I recommend always going early and choosing events with free admission. And if you want to explore the neighbourhood before going to the festival, book a tour of Montmartre, where you will be guided through the most bohemian area of Paris.

25 August is a very important day in Paris, when France's liberation from German occupation is celebrated with various events around the city and a big celebration in the square in front of the Hotel de Ville. The Paris Liberation Day celebrations are usually accompanied by talks, shows, French flags and food stalls.

Keep in mind that in Charles de Gaulle's victory speech, he said: "Paris is liberated! Liberated by itself, liberated by its people with the support of the armies of France, with the help and support of all France, of the France that fights, of the only France, of the true France, of the eternal France!".

If you have time, I recommend booking your evening tickets for the Eiffel Tower in Paris, selecting the latest possible time so you can see the light show and flags throughout the park.

Did you think big screen movies were a thing of the past? Think again. Every August in Paris, many films are screened for free, including classics and more modern films (most of which are shown at the Parc de la Villette). Films are usually shown in their original language, so if you don't understand French, you might be able to catch a film in English!

The best part about attending is that not only is it free, but you can bring your own picnic or even borrow deckchairs to sit on and watch a movie or two in total comfort. If you're wondering how to get there, don't hesitate to book the Big Bus Paris night tour and get double the fun.

One of the new free outdoor activities that visitors to Paris and locals can enjoy in August is Wonderland Paris, a summer festival that runs until early September.

From famous chefs cooking delicious meals to outdoor concerts, Wonderland Paris is located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris and is definitely worth a visit. And once you're done, if you want to delve deeper into the culinary culture, book a food tour.

Classique au Vert is a classical music concert festival that takes place mainly during the month of August in the Parc Floral in the Bois de Vincennes.

If you want to relax a little and enjoy good music in this magnificent and beautiful park, Classique au Vert is an event you should not miss. Watching the sunset to the rhythm of classical music is something that only Parisians and classical music lovers can describe.

If you like this music and are planning to spend 7 days or more in Paris, I would recommend setting aside at least one day for this classic event!

Join the die-hard Parisians who have stayed in the city during August and rock out! The event lasts three days and takes place in mid-August in the Parc de Saint-Cloud, on the outskirts of Paris. Started in 2003, there are now five stages, with 65 bands representing rock, power pop, electronic and folk music.

You can even set up camp and sleep overnight in the park. What an experience! However, you must book your campsite online in advance and have a valid pass. It's important to know that only those with a three-day ticket will be able to leave and re-enter the festival.

The good news is that you can get there by metro on line 10, so it's a good idea to know how to use the metro and how to get around Paris in general so you don't miss a minute. If you're going to Paris for three days in August, now you know how to have a great time. For more information, visit the official website.

While it is true that part of Paris closes during August, this usually only affects family businesses and smaller restaurants that decide to take part of the month off to visit family and get a change of scenery.

So, if you've heard this somewhere, I can assure you that August is still a great month to get to know the city and enjoy Parisian events to the fullest, as you've seen in this post.

Although there are numerous things to see and do in Paris throughout the year, August is an ideal month to travel to Paris, as the average temperature ranges between 18 and 24 degrees, which means that the weather is perfect for wandering through the streets of Paris, and you will also have more hours of sunshine to enjoy the city.

It is worth noting that in recent years, Paris, France and Europe in general have seen more and more heat waves. If there is a heat wave during your visit to Paris, then it is important to be prepared: stay hydrated and wear cool clothing. You may also want to consider booking a hotel with air conditioning, as this service is not always available in Europe, especially in B&Bs and older hotels.

What to wear in Paris in August

Packing for Paris in August

When packing your suitcase, include plenty of breathable, lightweight clothing, as well as sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen.

On the other hand, the nights can be a little chilly, so it would be advisable to pack a light jacket just in case. Of course, if you are going to Paris with the idea of visiting the interior of some religious buildings, bear in mind that you may have to cover your shoulders and knees before entering.