Planning a Trip to France in August? Read This First

France in August is its own kind of special.

Every year, like clockwork, the country slows down. Small businesses hang handwritten “fermeture annuelle” signs on their doors. Out-of-office replies take over email inboxes. Entire neighborhoods in Paris feel quieter, emptier, softer. If you’re visiting France for the first time in August, you might wonder: where did everyone go?

This is what’s known as the French August vacation, and it’s one of the most distinctive features of French work-life culture. Here’s what you need to know about when it happens, why it exists, and what to expect if you’re visiting.

1. When Do the French Go on Vacation?

Most French people take their longest vacation during July or August—with August being by far the most popular. It’s common for workers to take two or even three weeks off in a row during this time. Schools close for summer break in early July and don’t reopen until early September, giving families a long stretch to travel or relax.

You’ll hear people refer to this period as les grandes vacances (“the big holidays”). In many families, it’s a cherished and deeply ingrained tradition.

2. Why Is August Vacation So Important in France?

France has one of the most generous paid vacation systems in the world. The legal minimum is five weeks of paid time off per year—plus public holidays, plus RTT days for those who work more than 35 hours per week.

This system has deep historical roots. Paid leave was first introduced in 1936 under the Popular Front government. What began as a radical idea—time off as a right, not a privilege—is now a foundational part of French life. Time off isn’t something you squeeze in. It’s something you plan around.

And August is when everything aligns: school is out, temperatures rise, and the entire country seems to agree that it’s time to press pause.

3. What Happens in France in August?

You can expect major slowdowns almost everywhere. Here’s what might surprise you:

• Local bakeries, boutiques, and family-run restaurants may close for 2–3 weeks straight.
• Doctors’ offices, hair salons, and pharmacies often shut down for a portion of the month.
• Professional services and even government offices may have limited hours or skeleton crews.
• Emails go unanswered and voicemails stay full.

That said, large grocery stores, department stores, and tourist attractions in major cities like Paris, Nice, and Lyon generally remain open.

4. How Many Weeks of Vacation Do the French Get?

By law, French employees receive:

• 5 weeks of paid vacation minimum
• 11 public holidays (depending on the region)
• RTT days for those on a 35-hour contract (can add up to 10+ extra days/year)

It’s common for people to take 3+ consecutive weeks in the summer, and that’s not considered excessive. It’s normal.

5. What Do the French Do on Vacation?

The classic French August vacation involves slowing down. Some head to the beach or countryside with family. Others return to ancestral villages. Many rent the same vacation home year after year. You won’t see elaborate itineraries or rushed sightseeing—the vibe is calm, local, and unplugged.

And yes, many people truly disconnect. It’s not unusual for professionals to leave work phones behind and ignore their inboxes completely.

6. Tips for Tourists Visiting France in August

• Expect closures in non-touristy areas. Always check restaurant and boutique hours in advance.
• Make reservations early—for transport, hotels, and popular restaurants.
• Use the calm to your advantage. Paris is lighter, calmer, and more spacious in August. Enjoy the breathing room.
• Don’t take silence personally. French friends, colleagues, or contacts might not reply until September.

Final Thoughts

The French August vacation is more than just time off—it’s cultural. It reflects a different approach to work, life, and the value of rest. If you’re visiting France during this time, knowing what to expect will help you avoid frustration—and maybe even inspire you to adopt a little vacances mindset yourself.

If you’re curious about how France approaches time off, here are a few resources worth exploring:

• Wikipedia: French Labour Law – including the history of the 1936 paid leave reforms
• Public Holidays France 2025 – a handy calendar of French jours fériés
• Oui.SNCF – for booking trains and planning summer travel across France
• Brittany Tourism Office – if you’re dreaming of the same coastal rest the French escape to
• Harvard Business Review – Why Americans Don’t Take Vacation – a great read on American work culture
• Substack Essay: Why the French Don’t Feel Guilty About Vacation – A deeper reflection on how my perspective shifted over time

Want to know more about when to visit Paris? Start with my Paris Month-by-Month Guide for a seasonal overview—or dive straight into Paris in August, a practical companion to this piece.