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Paris Vacances

This week is the height of the vacances season, meaning most people (except tourists) are out of Paris and hitting the beaches on vacation. Restaurants, cafes, boulangeries, boucheries, and many other stores all take a vacation too. They literally shut shop. So if you are in Paris, you need to be aware that many places don’t reopen until the fourth week of August, starting probably no sooner than August 25. What is more mysterious, is the famous notice posted on boulangerie shops, indicating the shop is closed, with approval from the prefecture de police, and identifying alternative locations where to buy bread.

As with any good restaurant, plan ahead and make a reservation a day or two in advance, if possible.

Some of our favorite restaurants that are open in August include:

Les Cocottes. This Christian Constant restaurant is always popular, and you can come in your summer casual clothes. Click here for more information.

Les Fables de La Fontaine. This excellent seafood restaurant has a Michelin star, and there is outdoor seating next to the lovely Fountaine de Mars (a water fountain that was used by Napoleon’s calvary). Click here for more information.

Fontaine de Mars. President Obama stopped here with First Lady Michelle for a quiet dinner in the summer time, but they missed the outdoor sidewalk seating which is perfect on a warm summer night. Click here for more information.

Tokyo Eat. Near Trocadero, this eclectic spot is great for families, and a fun environment to eat in with its UFO designed seats. Click here for more information.

Le Violon d’Ingres. Christian Constant’s Michelin star restaurant is luckily open in August, though you may find a few too many tourists here this time of year. Click here for more information.

Terminus Nord. For a traditional and reliable meal in a classic old brasserie that has not changed since the 1920s, Terminus Nord is a good choice, especially when coming or going from Gare du Nord train station. Click here for more information.

La Cantoche Paname. This tiny little post in the second arrondissement is a great place for a casual and inexpensive meal, without compromising on quality. With sidewalk seating, it is also perfect on a warm summer night. Click here for more information.

Tante Marguerite. Located behind Assemblée Nationale, this charming restaurant is elegant, and a perfect place for a romantic night out or with friends. Click here for more information.

Le Dôme. For the freshest seafood in Paris, this traditional brasserie, though pricey, won’t disappoint with its friendly service and lush decor. Click here for more information.

Gallopin. With white tablecloth seating on the sidewalk, this brasserie has been pleasing bankers and journalists since 1876 when it opened, and little has changed since then. Click here for more information.

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