Empty Paris in August

We had been warned that Paris would be positively empty in August, as most residents take the month off from work and go to the beach or into the mountains.

But we were unprepared for how empty the city is.

There are only a few cars parked outside my window. The roads are a slow trickle of traffic rather than the normal rush. The grocery store had no lines at the checkout. And several businesses, including the fresh market, is shuttered.

Of course the tourist attractions were still busy but our visiting friends said that most bistros are filled with Americans or non-French speakers.

And given the lack of air conditioning and the heat wave that hit at the end of July here (thankfully after we had left for Illinois), I don't blame them for the exodus.

We're unsure when the masses return. With school starting next week, and August ending, I assume within the next seven days. But you never really know.