Christmas Eve and Christmas in Paris - What to expect?
 

Hi,

I will be in Paris over Christmas eve and Christmas day. Wanted to check what I can expect in terms of shops, restaurants (nothing fancy - just the typical cafes/bakeries etc.), public transportation and taxis being open/available.

Thanks,
MGI

Did you try doing a search before posting?
"Christmas paris" = http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/franc...mas-paris.html and http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/franc...christmas.html among others.

Well...I did see both threads and didn't want to hijack them since my query was more specific to finding if anything will be open on Christmas eve and Christmas day...wasn't really looking for recommendations on restaurants and things to do.

I have a flight to catch on Christmas morning from CDG. I will be staying at the Park Hyatt but if the city sort of shuts down on Christmas eve, I can move to the Hyatt Regency CDG on Christmas eve so it's easier to get to the airport.

Mods...pls. merge with other threads if appropriate.

Thanks.

Christmas in France tends to be more family-based than in many countries, and so shops and attractions close by 5 pm. I would think that a hotel close to CDG would be the best option ... and you would normally have to book in advance for Christmas Eve dinner ... though I am sure that there are other posters' recommendations for availability on the forum.

Joyeux Noël!

I had a lovely dinner on Christmas eve a couple of years ago at a restaurant on the Left Bank recommended by the PHV concierge. I have not had trouble getting a taxi on Christmas Day, but it's probably prudent to have them book one in advance. I would think you could ask them about public transportation on Christmas--my recollection is that it doesn't shut down (a la London), but runs on a reduced holiday schedule. Most things do shut on Christmas (we've gone to movies the couple of times we were there), but you will be leaving for the airport anyway.

I'd stay in town, walk around and then have a lovely dinner or, if you like ballet, go see the Onegin at Garnier and then enjoy the breakfast buffet on Christmas morning, rather than stay at CDG.

^ on the recommendation to stay in town and not near CDG. The metro runs a full weekend/holiday schedule and taxis remain plentiful.

^^on the Opera Garnier recommendation. if you want a breakfast (or dinner) to remember, try the Cafe de la Paix nearby!

Thank you all...

I'd check the prices for Cafe de la Paix to know what you're getting into. And are they open for breakfast?

I'm heading to Paris for three nights over Christmas. It will be my fourth trip to the city, but my first at this time of the year.

I've come across a fair bit of information on the Christmas markets which is the main reason for going. The largest seems to be on the Champs-Élysées. There's also three at or very close to the Eiffel Tower and a couple around Montparnasse.

Is there a general rule as whether or not the Christmas markets will be open on Christmas Day itself or can I expect them to be closed?

Similarly, I assume almost all shops (other than perhaps convenience stores) will be closed on Christmas Day but will reopen on 26 December. Is this correct?

I will be staying at the Hyatt Paris Madeleine. Any tips to make the most of the Christmas fun (markets, shopping, lights and, to a lesser extent, food) much appreciated.

This question comes up often so it's best to do a search. Here are a couple of threads for you, but there are others.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/franc...12-31-how.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/franc...mas-paris.html

Thank you. I'll check those out. So many threads.

(I did get this thread from the France sticky.)

I've done that, too. It was fun watching an English language movie with subtitles and trying to see how much of it I could follow in French. I remember being surprised at how crowded it was - I guess we New York Jews aren't the only ones who consider movies their Christmas tradition (although I had to substitute roast chicken and creme brulee for Chinese food). ;)

This year, I'm flying over Christmas Eve, so arriving Christmas Day. We're staying in the Opera/Grand Magasins area so we're hoping to find something casual nearby for dinner that evening.

Ethnic food may be your best bet. You may want to give Arvind a ring at Gandhi Ji's to see if they're open (it's my favorite Indian restaurant in Paris).
http://www.restaurant-indien-gandhij...rant-in-paris/

Maybe also ask you hotel if they know of anything open. It may also be worth a stroll in the Marais Jewish quarter.

I always stay at Le Grand Hotel there across from the Opera and I'm sure the concierge there can help you choose a restaurant. Le Cafe du Paix will probably be open, but I wouldn't call that casual.

Le Grand Café Capucines, 5mn from the Grand Hotel, on the other side of Avenue de l'Opéra, is open 24/7 and it is quite pleasant, too.