Thinking About Heading To Paris This Summer? Here Is Why You Should Reconsider

Paris is a city like no other. It is known for its rich history, delicious confections, and significant landmarks. While there are many great times to visit Paris throughout the year, the summer months are not included. If you are thinking of spending your summer in Paris with friends or family, this list will give you 12 fantastic reasons to travel elsewhere.

French Summer Holiday

Like its neighboring Spain and Italy, the French spend their summers away from the cities. These holidays can last two months, and you risk the closure of most businesses when traveling to Paris in July and August. Chances are you will miss out on some lovely places.

Hot Weather

As temperatures rise across Europe, France has fallen victim to extreme heat. From June to early September, Paris can turn into a heat bath, making for a very unpleasant trip. Remember that the French are not yet keen on air conditioning, so do not expect it in every building.

Higher Prices

Summer in Paris is the year’s busiest season, so prices skyrocket. The same hotel room in January will be double the price in July, and tourists will still pay the money. Even restaurants spike their fees in peak months.

Language Barriers

Unlike other Western European countries, English is not commonly taught in French schools. Plus, most Americans do not go out of their way to learn French. Communicating can prove difficult, as Parisians can grow frustrated with foreign attempts at French.

Cultural Differences

Let’s make one clear – Paris is entirely separate from France. This is even a joke amongst the French, who say that Paris’s cultural norms and behaviors do not reflect the country’s traditional values. Parisians tend to be more aloof towards children and are not likely to welcome you with open arms.

Limited Cultural Events

As Parisians leave the city, fewer cultural events occur in the summer than at any other time. Unfortunately, this does not provide an authentic experience; it only supplies a brief look into life in Paris. Historical and cultural establishments will probably have reduced schedules, giving you less opportunity to access them.

Insane Crowds

Paris is already the most visited city in continental Europe, welcoming over 20 million tourists annually. Crowds eliminate the opportunity to experience things in peace and reflection. For example, in the Louvre, prepare to wait two hours for a front-row view of the Mona Lisa. To make matters worse, the Olympics are coming to Paris this summer.

Tough for Picky Eaters

While delicious, Parisian and French food is better suited for adventurous eaters. Between pâté, duck, and literal snails, the cuisine can seem highly intimidating to children and adults who like to stick to familiar foods. Your kids might end up eating croissants and fries the entire trip.

Tricky Tourist Traps

Paris is notorious for its tourist traps. Social media is filled with trendy spots around the city, enticing travelers with a heavy internet presence. The heightened awareness of these locations leads to longer lines and less opportunity for pictures and general mindfulness.

Limited Transportation

As mentioned before, locals leave in the summer. Since not many Parisians will be working, certain transportation lines and options may suspend their services for the season. Although Paris has an excellent metro system, train times get further apart, leading to chaos as more people flood the platform.

Overbooked Accommodations

During this summer, it may be challenging for you to find accommodation in Paris. Either you would have to spend a substantial amount of money to stay within city limits or choose to stay on the outskirts, the latter making it challenging for you to commute to Paris. Regardless, there are better times to visit the city.

Pollution

Like many major cities, Paris has a reputation for being dirty. The most visited parts of the city tend to be the most unclean. Sadly, this is due to disrespectful tourists who litter and refuse to pick up after themselves no matter where they are.

Paris is preparing to welcome many visitors this summer as it hosts the 2024 Olympics. However, if you plan to travel to the city of lights between June and September, be aware that it may not be the best experience due to increased crowds, limited options, and high prices. Save yourself the disappointment and visit Paris any other time of year.