France - Paris - when to go? (first trip)

We are starting to plan our first-ever trip to Paris...a delayed honeymoon, essentially.

Looking at something like March 22 - April 2.

I'm sure the weather will be chilly somewhat and a chance of rain/dreary weather but is it really worth worrying about? Would later in April be better?

Also, how cold is mid-February? 30s/40s Fahrenheit for highs and cold wind?

I think Paris in March/April is a great place.

There are very few tourists compared to the rest of the year, and your chance of getting a freeze are near zero. Weather around this time of year is generally overcast with daytime highs near 5 or 10 degrees Celsius.

The only venues that won't be at their summertime splendor will be the Paris and Versailles gardens, though these will be open just the same should you get a chance warm and sunny day.

Obviously given these facts your trip should end up being a bit cheaper than during the high season, and you'll find the city takes on a pleasantly slower pace that will encourage you to stop and enjoy your time there.

Thanks, imagineertobe (is that a Disney-related name? :))

That sounds perfect for us, then.

I've found that airfare is negligibly different between, say, Valentine's Day timeframe and the last week of March but airfare jumps about double two weeks later!

Considering we'll have 6 days/5 nights in Paris, itself, and our only must-sees (as of now) are the Louvre and Notre Dame, a slower pace week sounds right up our alley!)

We're trying to narrow down the hotel and I think we're down to three areas (along the Champs Elysee, Saint-Germain des Prés, or near Place Vendome.

Yes, the Mouse was good to me before I decided to change paths; won't ever get rid of my affinity for him I suppose.

As for hotels, I don't ever stay in them in Paris, so I'm not one to advise on them, except that the areas you've chosen are quite nice and should afford you quick access to much of the city.

Profitez-en !

Congratulations. We've been there about 4 times but always in the summer. Going in December this time so curious to see what it's like.

One of the nice things we've done is with an organization called Paris Walks - very reasonable walking tours to different areas of the city. Usually less than 10 people, guides were always anglo so English fine. Here's a link: http://www.paris-walks.com/

Enjoy!

We are starting to plan our first-ever trip to Paris...a delayed honeymoon, essentially.

Looking at something like March 22 - April 2.

I'm sure the weather will be chilly somewhat and a chance of rain/dreary weather but is it really worth worrying about? Would later in April be better?

Also, how cold is mid-February? 30s/40s Fahrenheit for highs and cold wind?

My last trip to Paris was end March and it is cool though fairly dry. And by cool as imagineertobe mentioned it'll be in the single digits or low double digits celcius as daytime highs.

My next trip is early June and I like late Spring or early Fall as the weather is better, the flowers and leaves are out, sidewalk cafes are enjoyable and it's just easier to sightseeing without all the layers. The trade off is it's busier in June but coming from a cool climate I like the warmth. ;)

I love the city regardless of time of year and hope you enjoy your first visit. :)

Spring and fall in Paris are great. I would avoid July-Aug and probably all but early June. I like to avoid all those darn tourists, and who wants to go to Paris when all the Parisians are on holiday (many shops and restaurants are closed in late July and Aug)?

we have frequently been to paris. we have only been in nov, and feb.
not much sun as paris is far north.
not too cold. never saw snow. worst in am in low 30's F, then up for the day.
lack of crowds is great. late dec-early jan gets crowds back(schoolchildren).
airlines offer super discount fares for nov-dec biz class.
oct-dec is game season in france.

unless one has either a very short attention span or a been-there seen-that attitude, takes a month to put a dent in paris sites. on a particularly lousy day, go to Versailles. the palace is spectacular, and takes a full day. walking il de france takes a full day.

walking il de france takes a full day.

:eek:

I'm hoping you mean "walking Île Saint-Louis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Île_Saint-Louis)/Île de la Cité (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Île_de_la_Cité) takes a full day" as walking Île-de-France (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Île-de-France_(region)) would certainly take much longer. :D

:eek:

I'm hoping you mean "walking Île Saint-Louis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Île_Saint-Louis)/Île de la Cité (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Île_de_la_Cité) takes a full day" as walking Île-de-France (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Île-de-France_(region)) would certainly take much longer. :D
Maybe walk all over Paris within the Périphérique?

You cannot predict the weather....... duh....
I have been to Paris many times in the spring or fall and it is totally hit or miss. It may be sunny or dreary or warm or cold.
Be prepared with umbrella, jacket, etc...
Weather has never ruined a Paris vacation for me.
If it rains then more museums and sit inside the restaurant.
If the day is nice then sit in Luxembourg garden and have lunch outdoor.
Paris is really amazing anytime of the year even in the summer when "all the Parisians are away"; if I would have a dollar for every time I hear that.
In reality even in the middle of summer, most of things you want to see or do in 7 days are open and available.
If you PM (with your email) me I have a couple of word documents I have typed for friends about my favorite things in Paris and will gladly share with you.
As far as where to stay I prefer St. Germain de Pres (somewhere in the 6th arr); I think it is livelier at night and it is easy to navigate. tons of restaurants, some markets, supermarkets etc...
Have you considered staying in an apartment? for the price of a 2-3 star hotel you can get a nice one bedroom apartment (no air condition but you will not need that in March)
April 15 is the start of the "high or higher" season for travel to Europe and that is why prices go up. If you want colder then go in Feb otherwise I would pick March especially if you are considering a side trip to other parts in Southern France.

There is no bad time to visit Paris although fall is my favorite. Airfares drop after labor day too. But, you will have a wonderful time whenever you go. Paris brings its own special things every season of the year. Like keisari I prefer staying in the 6th but have stayed on the Champs E'lysees many times too. You mention the Louvre as being on the top of your agenda but I'd also like to recommend a small museum called the Jacquemart Andre. It's a delightful little place and the story behind it is fascinating.

BTW, I recall one time when we were there it rained the entire time and it didn't dampen our spirits at all. We just spent more time in cafes drinking cocoa, tea, soup, and watching the world go by.

Have a great time.

Bobette

for where to stay, stay close to a metro stop. buy one of those cards that allow you into anything/everything. you can cut the purchase line that way. do not wear things that have to go into the check room. bring a compass. very simple one is fine.

try to find the book "little museums of paris"(or some such). there are hundreds of museums in paris. these littles are a delight.

get a map. the locals do not know where the smaller museums are located.

we have frequently been to paris. we have only been in nov, and feb.
not much sun as paris is far north.
not too cold. never saw snow.

It snowed in Paris in Jan and Feb this year and, if my memory serves me correctly, it definitely snowed in Jan, Feb, Nov and Dec in 2010. But as far as the OP is concerned that's not an issue.

It snowed in Paris in Jan and Feb this year and, if my memory serves me correctly, it definitely snowed in Jan, Feb, Nov and Dec in 2010. But as far as the OP is concerned that's not an issue.
The last two years have certainly been exceptions. I saw nothing like that the three winters I spent in Paris in the early 00's.

Paris is great any time of the year, and each season has its own charm. For your first time, spring or fall is more ideal. Airfares are cheaper, there are fewer crowds and weather is usually mild enough to enjoy the gardens and outdoor life of the city. Summers can be hot, crowded with tourists and much more expensive. Winters are still beautiful but may be too cold to spend too much time outdoors.

That being said, you can never tell what the weather will be like. Last Nov it was chilly and did snow. That cut down on the outdoor cafes and walking around town, but upped time spent in museums and stores lit up for Christmas. A couple Julys ago it was hot and ideal for Paris Plage. This July it was overcast and rained almost every day. So just be prepared for anything. In Mar/Apr the top of the Eiffel Tower can be cold and windy but museums may be stuffy and overheated.

Where to stay? Anywhere near a metro stop. Buy a metro pass and explore.
So have fun with your first spring trip, and then work your way through the other seasons in future trips. :)

May is my favorite month to go. It stays light late at night, it's warmer, the spring breakers have gone home, and school is not yet out for the summer.

That said, I would try to go a bit later than the last week in March, as the whether usually improves, and the number of students on spring break decline.

Also, I usually visit Giverny, and it does not open until April 1.

Spring is a great time to visit Paris !! Love early May, but it's all good.

Best recommendation: Do some research, now. Make sure that the sites you are interested in are not scheduled to be closed for renovations. (This happens a lot. Granted, there are many alternatives, but if you have your heart set on a particular place, find out now.)

Also, try to figure out if there are any "large" ToDo's planned for your dates of travel. I always try to avoid "Fashion Week," "French Open," "Tour de France," etc. (Ditto economic summits, Bastille Day, etc.) These events can limit your choices because you probably have to "work around" them. That can have its own charm, but forewarned is better.

August - no. Hot, and people (who can do so) leave the city, so you're there with a lot of visitors (not natives).