Parisians famously leave their city in August, travelling to the countryside and the south coast. So the capital slows down this month. However, there is still plenty to see and do. Here we select the best things to enjoy in August in Paris, from cool restaurants to the pick of summer events. Escape the heat at the Paris Plages, a series of summer beaches created from imported sand and offering a host of activities for families. Many of the city’s renowned parks entice visitors way from the main sites, presenting perfect spots for picnics and hosting festivals. Discerning visitors will also be pleased to hear that the Ritz Paris has reopened, complete with its world-famous Hemingway Bar.
Discover the best bars, events and exhibitions in Paris this August. Whether you are looking to escape the heat in one of the city’s galleries or wanting to enjoy the sun and take part in an outdoor event, our guide to what to do in August is sure to impress
Hemingway Bar at the Ritz Paris
Thanks to the reopening of the Ritz Paris after four years, the Hemingway Bar in the hotel is set to be one of the summer’s top locations in the city. It became legendary thanks to its famous patrons and was named after the great American writer Ernest Hemingway. The bar remains one of the best places for a nightcap; be sure to try the signature cocktail, Serendipity.
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Michel Florent
Palais de Tokyo
Dedicated to modern and contemporary art, Palais de Tokyo on avenue du Président Wilson is home to a series of unusual and innovative exhibitions and events. This summer the gallery has a series of showcases ranging from video installations to sculptural work. Artists include Marguerite Humeau who is making her first major solo exhibition and will be exploring the origins of life through physical and sensory experiences.
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Kristen Pelou
The Fish Club
While Parisians head to the coast, the Fish Club, on rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, brings the best of the coast to Paris. The fashionable restaurant is famous for offering some of the best seafood platters in the city. Order a range of tapas-style dishes to share; options include crab cakes with mango tartare. Be sure to order plenty of the impressive pisco cocktails.
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© Annabelle SCHACHMES
Goût de Brioche
Why not spend a day exploring some of the city’s green spaces? Across Paris there are parks and gardens that provide ideal spots to relax in after a day enjoying some of the capital’s many museums, galleries and shops. Take a picnic with you; we recommend heading to Goût de Brioche on rue Mazarine and stocking up on some of the best brioche in the city. Savoury options include fillings with mushrooms, Parmesan and nuts, or choose a sweet version. Then make for the green space of nearby square du Vert-Galant.
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© Alexandra Kalmykova
Rock en Seine
The Glastonbury of Paris, the Rock en Seine festival features some of the world’s best rock and alternative acts over the course of its three days. The festival takes place in the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud on the western side of the city. This year top performers include Bastille, Iggy Pop, Sigur Rós and Two Door Cinema Club.
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© Paris Tourist Office - Photographer: Amélie Dupont
Classique au Vert 2016
Make the most of Paris in the summer with a host of free open-air concerts arranged by festival organisers Classique au Vert. Held in the Parc Floral in the Bois de Vincennes, the festival brings together more than 70,000 people, all eager to listen to some of the best Parisian orchestras performing symphonies by such composers as Britten and Prokofiev. Those looking for something more contemporary will be impressed to hear re-imaginings of well-known works.
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© Paris Tourist Office/Amélie Dupont
Paris Plages 2016
Every summer, some of the banks of the Seine and the Bassin de la Villette become urban beach resorts, complete with a host of free festive events. This summer is 14th year that these beaches have been in operation, and this year 5,000 tons of sand have been imported to create them. For 2016 the programme at the beaches includes bowling, tai chi and canoeing, among other activities. Those wanting a more relaxed experience can make use of the deckchairs and beach bars.
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