We were in Paris in August about six years ago and could see little in the way of closures. Sure, there were some, but they were scattered, a cafe here, a corner produce market there, but nothing that impacted our holiday any. The houses of haute couture were closed, but my wife just wanted to look at the outsides, anyway. I understand that many years ago Paris was pretty much shut down in August, but that seems much less true these days.

As to charming restaurants, i suggest you simply wander about in any neighborhood where there are few, if any tourists, then give one a try. Paris is filled with tourist-free neighborhoods

Regards, DAVE HATUNEN Tucson Arizona, out where the cacti grow