Hey, where is everyone?

In France, the locals take holidays in August. How can this affect your plans?

Traditionally, August is the time of year when the French take their vacations. In fact, some people even take the entire month off, leaving businesses and government offices running with a small staff.

If you’re willing to brave the heat and expensive airfare and lodging costs, there can be many benefits to traveling in France this time of year. There are numerous festivals and events occurring, and some attractions may be less busy and stay open for longer hours. However, some areas may be even more crowded with domestic tourists, and closures can leave you disappointed.

Do a little research when planning your trip to compensate for the pitfalls and take advantage of interesting opportunities. About.com has a section specifically on France and Paris Travel in August.