I've never been to Paris in August. But my friends who have been there, tell me that the place empties out. You see August is the month that the Parisians take vacation, or Holiday as the Brits would say.

Shops are closed, people had for the shore or mountains for some much needed rest. Its a cultural tradition and it has been going on for generations.

Now I'm sure that this month off has had an effect on their economic growth, which for the last 3 years has averaged less than 1% per annum.

But who can argue with the quality of life which comes from an entire month off, at the Mediterranean?

Ah, Paris.