I do think the Olympics have been a resounding success. My only regret is not being able to secure a ticket to an event -- they're either prohibitively expensive or impossible to get a hold of. I personally think the best times to visit Paris are March/April and September/October, during the transitional seasons when it's neither too hot nor cold. There are usually fewer tourists around that time, too, so Paris ends up feeling more lived-in, and hence more 'real' . I honestly really like the vibe in August, but I guess that's because, coming from the southern hemisphere, where summer begins in December, I'm not accustomed to holidaying in the middle of the year. Paris also feels calmer in August, however a lot of stores and restaurants tend to be closed.