Want to see Paris without a lot of crowds?  Then consider visiting in August when most Parisians leave the city for their vacation.  This is especially advantageous if you are driving as traffic is much lighter.  Public transportation is also less crowded.  You may have to contend with some smaller stores being closed, but there is still an endless number of things to see and do.  Paris can have warms days in August, so make sure you reserve a hotel with air conditioning.  Evening weather is quite lovely and with the extended daylight hours (light until about 9:30 pm), you can enjoy Paris late into the evening.

Having just spent 10 days in Paris leading a private tour, I found that getting around Paris was much easier than normal.  We were only disappointed by a few shop or restaurant closures, but Paris is full of lots of other choices.  We took advantage of the long days with pleasant evenings and scheduled some of our activities late in the day to make sure we covered everything we planned.  From visiting museums and beautiful cathedrals, cruising on the Seine River, enjoying the Moulin Rouge, fine dining, exploring the flea market, and delighting in delicious bakeries, tea houses, and chocolate shops, we experienced a generous slice of what Paris has to offer.

Be prepared for lots of walking as Paris is best explored on foot (or bicycle), even though public transportation is readily available and reasonably priced.   Concentrating on one area per day will reduce the amount of walking required, however, and allow you to explore an area in-depth. Paris has recently introduced a wonderful system of inexpensive bike rentals throughout the city where you pick up at one location and drop off at a different location.  Outdoor cafés are easily found throughout Paris in summer and are an inviting place to watch the world go by while sipping a delicious espresso or relaxing glass of wine.  Even with all the architectural beauty and rich history that Paris exudes, enjoying a few relaxing moments in a neighborhood bistro or park remains one of my favorite ways to embrace Paris and experience la belle vie!