SPEAK FRENCH WITH ANNE

In August, Paris undergoes a noticeable transformation as a large portion of Parisians leave the capital to take their annual summer vacations, often heading to the coast or the countryside. This long-standing tradition creates a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere in the city, quite different from its usual bustling pace. The streets are less crowded, traffic eases up, and popular tourist spots become more accessible, offering a unique and peaceful experience to those who stay behind or choose to visit during this time.

This seasonal shift also impacts how businesses operate. Many small, family-run shops, local cafés, and even some restaurants temporarily close their doors, often posting signs that they’ll be back at the end of the month. Larger companies typically continue to operate, but at a reduced capacity. It’s common for employees to stagger their vacations to ensure basic functions are maintained, though the pace of work slows significantly. In some sectors, particularly in government offices and certain corporate environments, it’s widely accepted that very little gets done in August, and meetings or major decisions are often postponed until early September.

Overall, August in Paris offers a rare glimpse of the city at rest — less hurried, more intimate, and shaped by the rhythms of summer tradition.