August Closures?

[PariS]

For those of you who have been to Paris in August, what was your experience with restaurant closures? I already know several of the places I'd like to go to will be closed, such as Terroir Parisian, Variations, and the Paul Bert places.

[rachelnyc]

I plan to ask around at places I want to go when I'm in Paris next week because I will be returning the 1st week of August. I'll post my findings.

I have a res at Le 6 Paul Bert next Wednesday. Has anyone been there?

[PariS]

That's one I want to try, too! I haven't read about anyone here trying Le 6 yet, but lots have been to Paul Bert and love it. I understand all of his places are closed in August.

[Jody]

Darcy, Melj and I had dinner one night at Paul Bert and it was vey good, a few days later when Melj 's husband had joined her we decided to go again and it was dreadful!!!

[PariS]

That's weird! Maybe the usual chef's night off? Was it so bad that you don't want to go back?

[Jody]

we had scallops as starter they hadn't been loosened from the shells and were impossibe to eat and the steaks were incinerated and we had asked for them "bloody"!! even the Paris brest was a failure!

[mluther216]

Typically assisting with closing home sales is what most people consider when hiring a real estate lawyer but this is not the ...

[PariS]

Wow, Jody! Everyone always raves about the place. I won't be so disappointed now that they're closed while we're there!

[slowpoke]

During the time that we lived in Paris, we usually cruised out onto the Marne during the month of August, but the 2 or 3 years that we did stay in Paris in August, we always joked that we could starve during that month.

All of our normal merchants and most of our favorite restaurants were closed during August. One year, we invited friends for an apéritif dînatoire, our favorite way to entertain, and had a very difficult time finding treats to serve. All of our regular merchants were closed for vacation, and shopping was a real challenge. Le marché couvert Beauvau, had only 2 or 3 stalls open, and there were tumble weeds rolling down our shopping street of rue Saint-Antoine as our butcher, baker and candlestick maker were all on vacation. The worst part was the Bastille market which is only a shadow of its former self during the August holiday.

I came to love August in Paris, for the peace and quiet, but I always felt that someone visiting for the very first time during this month would not see the "real" vibrance of the city of Paris.

[PariS]

Thanks for that, Slowpoke! Someone over on TA (whom we all know and love, but shall remain nameless ) was trying to persuade everyone that only the restaurants catering to businessmen on big expense accounts close up in August, and that if you eat in the small, local places you won't even notice that Parisian's are away on vacation. August is the only month of the year we haven't spent time in Paris, so it will be new and different for me! I'm not worried that we'll starve, of course, but I don't want to get my heart set on eating at many of our favorite little places only to be setting myself up for disappointment! Interesting to know about the Bastille market. I love that place and usually try go visit during each trip, but knowing this I might not make the special effort this time.

[Sandy M]

May 14, 2013 20:22:46 GMT -5 rachelnyc said:

I plan to ask around at places I want to go when I'm in Paris next week because I will be returning the 1st week of August. I'll post my findings.

I have a res at Le 6 Paul Bert next Wednesday. Has anyone been there?

I haven't been there but just saw this review on Paris-Update Newsletter;

www.paris-update.com/fr/restaurants/bistros/21930-le-6-paul-bert

[rachelnyc]

I had a fantastic dinner there last week. Highly recommend it!

[PariS]

Rachel, did you have a chance to ask any of the restaurants you visited about whether they will be closed in August? I'm not concerned really, just curious. I have a feeling it may be reminiscent of us trying to find a place to eat on New Year's Eve 2011--the first 4 places we checked were closed, but we eventually found a cozy little dinner spot!

[rachelnyc]

Hi Annette. I was not quite as diligent in asking as I had planned but of the restaurants I asked, most will be closed for at least part of the month.

I am still going through my notes and have emailed a few places that I forgot to ask in person so I will post as soon as I have more info.

Here are the ones I remember:

Fish La Boissonerie in the 6th will be closed the last 2 weeks of August

Septime will be closed for at least 2 weeks but dates TBD

You may know this already but Parisbymouth will be posting a list of August restaurant closures, probably towards the end of June.

I'm not too worried either but I do intend to do lots of research so I am prepared and will be happy to share whatever I find.

[PariS]

Thanks Rachel, that would be great! Yes, I'm hoping PBM puts out that list like they did last year--very helpful!!

[khalimera]

Hi Annette
In August, it's true lot of restaurants are close because parisians go to the sea !
(I love Paris in August, it's quiet

If you have a restaurant in your head to do in August, I can ask if they are open ! i can help you !
but don't worry, a lot of restaurants are open !

[PariS]

Thanks khalimera! I might take you up on that!

[rachelnyc]

Annette, I haven't had much luck finding places open or hearing back by email yet from the places I contacted.

I did a tour with PBM last month and Meg said they will be posting a list but did not say when but hopefully it will be soon!

khalimera, I may take you up on your offer as well if it still stands! I figured I'll wait for the list to come out and start planning then.

[PariS]

I sent a message to PBM yesterday to ask about it, and they said their August closures list is in the works and will be posted soon!

[rachelnyc]

Great news, thanks!