I recommend visiting France in the fall and spring, if possible. September and October are ideal. The weather is lovely, and the Parisians are fresh from their month long summer vacation, feeling renewed. The whole city feels invigorated at this time of year. The spring is equally as beautiful.
When traveling in the summer, keep in mind that you will be one of many, many tourists. School trips, university students, families on summer break, are all sharing the same space. This is not necessarily a bad thing nor a deterrent, but something to keep in mind. If I were to go in the summer, I would probably pick June or July. June’s weather is lovely, and in July you have Bastille Day (July 14) and the Tour de France all month long. August is wonderful if you don’t like crowds, as most Parisians are on vacation during this month. This means that some, but not all, businesses and shops are closed. You will probably get a better hotel rate in August as well.
The weather in the summer months can vary from downright chilly to very hot. If visiting in the summer, it might be worthwhile to find a hotel with air conditioning in case of a heat wave.
The winter months are enjoyable in that they are virtually tourist-free. The downside is that the gardens aren’t in bloom, there is no more dining “en plein air” and it can be rather rainy.
