Visiting France in August

Spend your summer holiday in France this August and enjoy the sun on one of France’s wide sandy beaches, relax in a countryside cottage or take a long weekend to experience some of the amazing French festivals.

By August summer is well and truly underway in France and if you travel during this month you are almost guaranteed blazing sunshine and clear skies. The evenings are usually pleasantly warm, but can turn chilly, especially in the Northern regions of France - so do pack a cardigan or light jacket, just in case.

But don’t forget that although accommodation and travel prices in France in August are usually at their highest, you can save money by checking out our last minute offers and special deals on accommodation.

Avoid the Crowds in France during August

France in August is undoubtedly beautiful; the weather is gorgeous and the atmosphere incredibly summery. However, because of this the French themselves set August aside for their own holiday time, and many shops and business close down completely until September starts. Not only is it somewhat frustrating to go away and find many shops closed, it also means that beaches are busy, traffic is chaos, and hotels are full. In order to get the most out of your French summer, the best idea might be to rent a charming cottage in the country. You’ll be away from the maddening crowds and you’ll be able to live life at your own pace. If you go somewhere in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques or Finistère in Brittany, you can enjoy the countryside and as the beach is only a drive away you can spend a day or two sunning yourself on the sand, but withdraw to your own private retreat if the crowds get too much.

Affordable French Holiday Options in August

Despite the popularity of France in August, it's still possible to take a holiday there whilst on a budget. Many of the gorgeous beaches that pepper France’s coast are just a couple of hours in the car away from the ferry port Calais. In fact, Calais itself boasts a stretch of sandy beach on the Côte d’Opale from which the White Cliffs of Dover are visible on a sunny day, and after just a short drive down the coast you’ll find Boulogne-sur-Mer. If you live in the south of England, you might not even have to take time off work – make the most of the August Bank Holiday and you could have two full days on the beach by driving down to Dover, hopping on a ferry, and staying in one of the charming self catering gites, holiday villas, rentals or Bed and Breakfasts in Pas-de-Calais.

August School Holidays in France

As with England, French schools break up at the beginning of July and remain so until early September, and this applies to all three academic zones.

French Public Holidays in August

15th August is The Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Most churches hold special celebrations to celebrate, and some villages hold festivals that consist of sports events, parades, markets and communal meals. 

Average Temperatures in France During August

The average temperatures across France during August are:

• In Paris the average temperature is around 76 Fahrenheit or nearly 25 degrees Celsius.
• In the South West the average temperature is 78 Fahrenheit or almost 26 degrees Celsius.
• In Provence the average temperature is 86 Fahrenheit or almost 30 degrees Celsius.
• In Corsica the average temperature is 86 Fahrenheit or almost 30 degrees Celsius.

Events and Festivals in August

The Monte Carlo International Fireworks Festival features wonderfully exciting and visually stunning event pyrotechnics displays that all take place over the harbour – which means that if you can see the water you’ll have a great view, and there are plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes where you can sit comfortably and watch the show. Whilst you’re there, make sure you pay a visit to the world famous Casino of Monte Carlo, featured in two Bond films and the inspiration for Casino Royale. Check out accommodation near Monte Carlo.

On the 6th– 15th August, The Colmar Wine Fair in Alsace is also worth a visit. Colmar is widely regarded as one of the prettiest towns in France, and the Wine Fair has been aiming to single out the best Alsace wines from each grape variety made by independent growers, wine cooperatives, producer-vintners and Alsace wine traders every August since 1948. You can find free tastings, but some are charged per glass. For accommodation nearby, check out accommodation near Colmar.

If you’re holidaying in Brittany , you might like to visit the Stones and Legends performances at the abbey of Bon-Repos during the first two weeks of August. Stones and Legends is a historical fresco created and performed by 500 local actors at nightfall. Thousands of costumes, props, accessories, wagons, handcarts and coaches have all been created to enhance the story. The other-worldly production has already transported thousands of spellbound spectators on a firelight journey through time from the Neolithic to the Revolution.

Holiday Accommodation in August

There's a wide range of quality and affordable holiday accommodation to be found in France during August, including rural farmhouses, villas, gites, bed and breakfast and hotels. You can search for your perfect August holiday accommodation at French Connections and don't forget to check out  our last minute availability and accommodation special offers.

Great Travel Deals to France for August

If you're planning to travel to France in August, French Connections can point you to some great travel deals including discounted ferry tickets, French train tickets, discounted care hire, and cheap flights to France.