yeah--paris in early august can be kinda grim because the it during the vacation period (mid-july through september 1)--so while the cty runs, it does so on a skeleton crew basis. if you haven't been before, i would still do it as the main tourism objectives are all open etc...but the city itself is kinda empty. my viewpoint on this is shaped by having spent alot of time there, so it may not apply if this will be your first time through.
if you go to paris, check out the ossuary at denfert-rochereau (metro stop)
http://triggur.org/cata/entry2.html
i am a big fan of the sewer museum:
http://europeforvisitors.com/paris/a...ers-museum.htm
there's frequently cool stuff to look at here:
http://www.centrepompidou.fr/Pompido...enDocument&L=1
and you should go to the batofar, the dub tugboat:
http://www.batofar.org/events.php
but i think instants chavires--which is my favorite parisclub--is closed for august. you can check here:
http://www.instantschavires.com/