the most visited sites in Paris in August (avoid if you’re a Parisian!)
Every summer, Paris attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. If you’re a Parisian looking for a little respite, it’s best to avoid some of the places that are transformed into real crowd-pullers from August 1st onwards. Here are 10 spots to avoid… or rediscover out of season.
The Eiffel Tower and its surroundings: a must-see!
It’s the ultimate postcard, the one every visitor wants to check off. The result: endless queues under the sun, a noisy atmosphere at the foot of the monument, and saturated traffic on the Champ-de-Mars. In August, the experience quickly becomes stifling. For a crowd-free alternative, it’s best to climb to the top of the Montparnasse Tower or to Belleville Park for a peaceful aerial view of Paris.
📍Tour Eiffel, Av. Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris
The Louvre: too many masterpieces, too many people
It’s impossible to move freely around the Louvre pyramid. Inside, the journey becomes an ordeal: hot, crowded, saturated rooms. Visitors crowd in, especially around the Mona Lisa. If you insist on your dose of culture, opt for more confidential museums such as the Musée de la Vie Romantique, the Musée Zadkine or the Musée Guimet, which is air-conditioned and often deserted in August.
📍Musée du Louvre, 75001 Paris
Montmartre: asphyxiated charm
Montmartre remains one of the most popular districts for tourists. But in summer, the Sacré-Coeur steps turn into a human highway. The Place du Tertre becomes noisy and commercial, without the poetry for which it is famous. For a gentler alternative, head for the hidden lanes of the Butte-aux-Cailles or the countryside of Paris, between Villa Santos-Dumont and rue des Thermopyles.
📍Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris
Le Marais: shop windows, no respite
It’s impossible to cross Rue des Rosiers or Rue Vieille-du-Temple without weaving in and out of ice creams, strollers and selfies. The Haut-Marais, so charming out of season, becomes impassable. To keep the spirit of the district without the crowds, head for the more breathable Saint-Paul or Arsenal.
Notre-Dame (The quays, the bateaux-mouches): the triangle of the crowd
From early morning onwards, the quays are stormed by entire groups. Lines are long for cruises on the Seine, and the area around Notre-Dame – even when renovated – remains overcrowded. For a more leisurely river cruise, opt for a private sunset cruise on a small boat like those offered by Green River Cruises.
Large parks: beware of the beehive effect
The Jardin du Luxembourg and the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont are invaded from 11am. It’s impossible to find a bench in the shade, and the lawns become makeshift beaches. Better to take refuge in the Parc de Bagatelle, the Parc Montsouris or even the gardens of the Institut du Monde Arabe, little-known but very pleasant in summer.
The Champs-Élysées: global showcase, local stress
Between luxury boutiques, crowded fast-food outlets and summertime hustle and bustle, Paris’ most famous avenue loses all its magic for locals. If you’re looking for a chic stroll without the crowds, head for the Palais-Royal or the quieter but equally elegant Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
The quiet side of Paris still exists
Staying in Paris in August is not a punishment – as long as you choose your routes carefully. Forget the overcrowded hotspots, flee the interminable queues, and set off to explore districts forgotten by mass tourism, small neglected museums and secret parks. Paris has a thousand faces, even (and especially) when it’s crowded.
More ideas for confidential walks on parisselectbook.com.
