Summer’s end is rapidly approaching, and for me it is none too soon. Today, August 15, the French celebrate one last hot blast of unbridled seasonal fun complete with fireworks. Like “Ferragosto” in Italy, the mid-month Assumption holiday is when the country shuts down and the last man standing is finally off on holiday. Tourists replace locals on the street.
French people who take vacation in August as opposed to the Juilletistes of July were traditionally the factory workers, but today it is anyone who prefers the more predictable late season weather. Note that although the French receive five weeks holiday every year, it is not the case that they take it all at one time. On August 15, however, hardly a French person or an open shop is to be found in the city.
And where do they go? Since there have been fires, unbearable heat waves and punishing storms in central and southern France over the past few summers, now Brittany and Normandy on the northern coast are drawing more visitors every year. It’s where we liked to go, but now I am priced out. No doubt it will be the Baltic Sea countries, where I am headed at the end of the week, next to see a summer visitor boom.
My more immediate concern every mid-August is that administrative staffers in the Prefecture are probably also on holiday. My annual visa renewal dossier is languishing there, and I’ll have to undertake the usual stressful effort to draw their attention to it and get my status legalized for another 12 months. Luckily, next year I can apply for a ten year visa and enjoy August 2024 to the fullest.
kmazz 
Your photograph is stunning. Makes me long to be a comfortable sailorette on the waters, which I’m really not. I always enjoy your perspective. The Baltics sounds like a nice diversion from this heat wave.
Thanks, Cicely.
My granddaughter and daughter are in Paris and hope to be long term residents of France. The visa issue is real for them as well.
It always comes through, but never without aggravation.
I plan to visit my daughter and granddaughter in October. I will only be there for a few days but hope we can take a couple of short trips outside of Paris. Any particular places come to mind?
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Is it your first time? I love the cathedral at Chartres and it is an easy day trip on the train.
Thanks for the suggestion. My granddaughter works as a CPA in Paris and will not likely be able to take day trips so it will be my daughter and me. I have never seen the cathedral at Chartres but she has. I would like to surprise her with a suggestion for a (what? quaint?) place to visit that she may not have seen during her year in France. Ideas? Thanks very much for your help. chalres
Check out Lille. It’s Flemish in style. cheers.
Great idea. Thanks!
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Lovely commentary, Kathleen. And a stunning photo. I hope the weather cools off for you, as I hope the same here. Mighty hot for OR. Take good care and happy travels.
Hugs,
Jim
Thanks, Jim.
Thanks for the update, Kathleen. Always fascinating. Photo is absolutely incredible! Not surprised that you took this, just another gasp. 😘
Thanks, Lynn.
August in France: it seems that this would be an opportune time to meet lots of people from other countries. Will the visa fonctionnaires return soon from their own holidays? Good luck with your 10-year visa! Travelling north seems a good idea, but not in Canada, where forests are going up in flames almost everywhere. The winter snows cannot come soon enough!