Do French get August off?

France is famous for many things. Baguettes, good food and good wine. But also the infamous French August shutdown. It is said that every year, the whole of France shuts down during this time when everyone chooses to take their summer holidays at the same time.

Do French workers get August off?

Most people in Paris still have upwards of 45 days of annual leave and a lot of companies encourage employees to take a good chunk of that in August.

Do the French go on vacation in August?

If you enjoy or are used to very hot weather, August may be a good time to visit France, particularly if you want to do a self guided tour of Paris and other big cities. This is because Parisians and people from the city normally take their long vacations in August, heading for the coast or going abroad.

Is Paris shut down in August?

Sadly, that means many shop keepers, restaurant owners, and bakers leave too, leaving some of the more residential neighborhoods rather deserted. But fret not, all the main attractions remain open in Paris in August, as do all the big shopping streets, department stores, and shopping malls.

Do French people get a month off?

Here are nine European countries that give workers more than a month of paid vacations a year, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development: France: 30 days of paid vacation per year. United Kingdom: 28 days of paid vacation per year. Austria: 25 days of paid vacation per year.

Is Visiting Paris in August a Mistake?

Do Europeans take August off?

In much of Europe (especially Italy and France), cities are partially shut down in July and August, when local urbanites take their beach breaks. You'll hear that these are terrible times to travel, but it's really no big deal.

What happens in August in France?

August is traditionally quiet in the less touristy areas of France as most French take their holidays then but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty of things to do! With festivals and foodie gatherings, August is your chance to explore a different side of France.

Why do French take August off?

This may surprise many, but one of the primary reasons people in France and Italy shut their doors in August is the heat. Whilst many flock to these countries specifically for the warmth, by the time August rolls around, the heat, coupled with higher humidity, has taken a toll on locals.

Is Paris too crowded in August?

Is Paris Crowded in August? Parisians head out of town on vacation and to their country homes in August. This means the Metro will be less crowded as will some attractions. It also means you can expect less French people around as you navigate Paris.

Why not to visit Paris in August?

I think the whole “don't go to Paris in August” thing is overblown. Yes, it can be hot and muggy but just don't overdo it. Some restaurants and shops will be closed for vacances but overall all the tourist sites are open and so are a ton of stores and restaurants and a benefit is that room rates are a bit lower.

Are restaurants open in France in August?

Paris gets quiet in August, when, in a stroke of brilliance, France gives itself the month off. While many restaurants and boutiques shut down for vacances—some for the entire months, others for a week or so to give their staff a break—there's something nice about visiting during this quiet spell.

Is it too hot in Paris in August?

August in the city of light is generally warm and muggy, with average temperatures at around 75 degrees F.

What month do most French people take vacation?

The French usually take their holidays between 15 July and 15 August. Holidaymakers from Northern French traditionally migrate south to the Mediterranean or the Atlantic beaches, causing enormous traffic jams along the motorways and roads.

Do Parisians work in August?

August: The Month of Vacations

Many businesses, especially smaller ones, shut down for a few weeks as the locals flock to the beaches and countryside. This mass vacation phenomenon, known as "Les Vacances d'Été," is when the French take full advantage of their well-deserved time off to enjoy summer holidays.

What days do French people not work?

Working on Sundays is strictly forbidden in France, except in exceptional industries where there's the need to fulfil the public's demands, such as restaurants, food manufacturing and entertainment.

What is the average PTO in France?

Vacation Leave Quota (aka Annual Leave)

All employees are entitled to paid leave of 2.5 days for each month of actual work. This gives 5 full weeks, resulting in 25 days annually. Nota Bene: By French calculation, this is actually 30 days of vacation, because Saturday is considered a working day in this calculation.

What shuts down in Paris in August?

Major tourist attractions stay open all year (except for major holidays), but some smaller museums along with many boutiques, antique shops, Michelin-starred bistros, and art galleries close during August, the month when many Parisians leave the city for their own vacations.

Do restaurants close in Paris in August?

If you are planning to visit Paris in late July or August, it's important to know that most restaurants close for summer vacation. They vary a lot in terms of how much time off they take, and when they take it.

Why is Paris expensive in August?

High, low and shoulder seasons in Paris

Travelling during peak European summer – so July and August, when most kids are off school – is considered high season, and travelling during this time is likely to be more expensive.

Where do Parisians go in August?

The French know how to get around. Visit Greece, Italy, or Israel in August — when they generally vacation for the entire month — and you're bound to hear your fair share of "bonjours" and "au revoirs."

Does everyone leave Paris in August?

Though the tradition of locals abandoning the city entirely for the month of August to hit the beach has abated a bit, many Parisians do still go on vacation during this time. If you duck away from major touristic areas, you're likely to find some shockingly quiet small streets in Paris.

What month does France shut down?

France is famous for many things. Baguettes, good food and good wine. But also the infamous French August shutdown. It is said that every year, the whole of France shuts down during this time when everyone chooses to take their summer holidays at the same time.

Is Provence too hot in August?

Summer. June, July and August make up the popular summer months of Provence, and July is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of 75 degrees and 12 full hours of daily sunshine. June sees low temperatures of 63 degrees and high temperatures of 81 degrees, while both July and August see lows of 64.

Why is August 15 special in France?

On this day, according to the Catholic faith, the Virgin Mary was " taken up to heaven " in body and soul after her death. August 15 is a day off for believers to celebrate this feast day, but also to get together to share and pray.

How hot will France be in August?

August is the hottest month of the year in France. Average highs range from 23°C in northern France to 28°C in the south. Bear in mind that these are averages – parts of France can easily surpass 35°C in August. Pack plenty of high factor sun cream and a sun hat.