France in August

Peak French holiday: coasts and Alps packed, small Paris restaurants closed, motorway jams on Saturdays (the grands départs).

• Paris and the north · Paris, Lille, Champagne, Normandy inlandhot

  Grey, damp winters; late spring and September are the sweet spot. Paris heatwaves hit 35–40 °C in July–August and most flats and small hotels lack air conditioning.

• Atlantic west · Brittany, Normandy coast, Bordeaux, Biarritzbest weather

  Rain in any month; mild summers without much heat. The Basque coast is greener and wetter than people expect.

• Centre and east · Loire, Burgundy, Alsace, Lyon, Dordognehot

  Cold foggy winters and hot summers; Alsace Christmas markets make December busy despite the cold.

• Mediterranean south · Provence, Riviera, Languedoc, Corsicahot

  Dry and sunny; lavender blooms late June to mid-July. Mistral wind in the Rhône valley; autumn flash floods.

• Mountains · Chamonix, Annecy, Pyreneesbest weather

  Skiing mid-December to April; hiking and lifts late June to early September. Many resorts close in May and November.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Assumption big impact

  15 Aug

  Peak of the August holiday: coasts full, motorways jammed, many small businesses shut.

Crowds · France

High

Prices · France

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen

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Rated best or good this month

• Atlantic west

  Best weather of the year (Brittany, Normandy coast, Bordeaux, Biarritz)

• Mountains

  Best weather of the year (Chamonix, Annecy, Pyrenees)