Paris in December
Sep 28, 2001 | 12:32 am
#17
In memoriam
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Seattle WA
Programs: Kimpton IC, Hyatt Diamond, Gold Marriott, Lifetime Platinum Starwood
Posts: 8,664
New Year's Eve is a blast! The Champs d'Elysses is amazing with all of the people. You need reservations at most of the restaurants and many will be closed down, but just walk around when you first get to the city, see one that you like and ask if they have room that evening. I've only had to wait once when I've done this and during the entire wait I was provided with free kirs, champagne, and wine! 
As far as the museums, I believe you can purchase the ticket at the metro which will save a great deal of time. If you are planning on visiting many of the sites, it really is a time saver. You can also purchase them inside the Louvre, but the line for it is incredible (of course, if you're only going to be in Paris for a couple of days my recommendation would be to skip the Louvre and go to the Musee d'Orsay and the Musee Montmartten instead, but this is just my preference).
Some of my favorite restaurants:
L'aubergine (near Invalides - L'ecole Militaire) The owner is American/French - worked in Florida and New York for many years before opening this place. He is sooo gracious.
La Table Ronde (Sentier district) - incredible duck!
Many of the restaurants may be shut for the holiday, so check before going (even if your hotel says it's open, I'd still go and check to avoid disappointment).
You really can't have a bad time in Paris.
As far as the museums, I believe you can purchase the ticket at the metro which will save a great deal of time. If you are planning on visiting many of the sites, it really is a time saver. You can also purchase them inside the Louvre, but the line for it is incredible (of course, if you're only going to be in Paris for a couple of days my recommendation would be to skip the Louvre and go to the Musee d'Orsay and the Musee Montmartten instead, but this is just my preference).
Some of my favorite restaurants:
L'aubergine (near Invalides - L'ecole Militaire) The owner is American/French - worked in Florida and New York for many years before opening this place. He is sooo gracious.
La Table Ronde (Sentier district) - incredible duck!
Many of the restaurants may be shut for the holiday, so check before going (even if your hotel says it's open, I'd still go and check to avoid disappointment).
You really can't have a bad time in Paris.
Nov 2, 2001 | 6:26 am
#18
In memoriam
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Seattle WA
Programs: Kimpton IC, Hyatt Diamond, Gold Marriott, Lifetime Platinum Starwood
Posts: 8,664
Just to update you since you said that museums are high on your list:
While in Paris all of last week all of the museums and monuments were closed due to a strike. Each morning the staff would take a vote to determine if they were going to work or not and each day they didn't. Many people who had purchased the carte for the museums were very upset (and rightfully so) that they could not get a penny of their $$ back. You may want to wait and make sure that the museums are open before purchasing the card. I know it means that you have to stand in line a bit more, but personally I think it's better than being out ~$50. There is a website that posts whether or not the places are open. However; having said that, Paris is still amazingly beautiful!
While in Paris all of last week all of the museums and monuments were closed due to a strike. Each morning the staff would take a vote to determine if they were going to work or not and each day they didn't. Many people who had purchased the carte for the museums were very upset (and rightfully so) that they could not get a penny of their $$ back. You may want to wait and make sure that the museums are open before purchasing the card. I know it means that you have to stand in line a bit more, but personally I think it's better than being out ~$50. There is a website that posts whether or not the places are open. However; having said that, Paris is still amazingly beautiful!
Nov 4, 2001 | 9:52 am
#19
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 60
Thanks for all the posts on this topic. I'm going to be in Paris from December 18-27, attending a wedding in Avignon (sp?) two days in between. A copy of this thread will also accompany me on this first time trip.
Since I'll be in Paris on Christmas Day I was very interested in going to the Notre Dame. Does anyone know how early one should be at the Notre Dame?
Thanks!
Bonk
Since I'll be in Paris on Christmas Day I was very interested in going to the Notre Dame. Does anyone know how early one should be at the Notre Dame?
Thanks!
Bonk
Dec 30, 2001 | 11:46 am
#23
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Posts: 2
Recommended restaurants from a November 2001 visit to Paris.
L'Ostra: 4, rue Lauval, near the Louvre. Tel: 40.26.08.07. Best sole menuiere I've ever had.
A La Petite Chaise: 36 rue de Grenelle (Left Bank).Tel: 42 22 13 35. I've eaten here many times. Same location since 1680. They must be doing something right.
La Crie: Quai Michelet Tel: 47 58 77 35.
Seafood specialties, inexpensive. Metro Stop: Pont de Levallois.
Worth your time: Muse de Montmartre,42 rue Cortot. Metro: Abbesses. Be sure and view the video comparing Montmartre scenes today with those of impressionists' paintings.
Big Band Jazz on Monday nights at the Jazz Club Lionel Hampton, Hotel Le Mridien Etoile.
Enjoy!
Lou
L'Ostra: 4, rue Lauval, near the Louvre. Tel: 40.26.08.07. Best sole menuiere I've ever had.
A La Petite Chaise: 36 rue de Grenelle (Left Bank).Tel: 42 22 13 35. I've eaten here many times. Same location since 1680. They must be doing something right.
La Crie: Quai Michelet Tel: 47 58 77 35.
Seafood specialties, inexpensive. Metro Stop: Pont de Levallois.
Worth your time: Muse de Montmartre,42 rue Cortot. Metro: Abbesses. Be sure and view the video comparing Montmartre scenes today with those of impressionists' paintings.
Big Band Jazz on Monday nights at the Jazz Club Lionel Hampton, Hotel Le Mridien Etoile.
Enjoy!
Lou
Jan 5, 2002 | 8:14 am
#24
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM, HA, VS
Posts: 92,023
For some reason I didn't hit this forum for a couple of months and missed this interesting discussion. I celebrated my birthday in Paris and returned home December 12. I was there for 8 nights. The day I arrived, it was mostly cloudy. For the next six days, I did not see a cloud in the sky. The morning I left, it was cloudy. This was spectacular for Paris in December (or any time, really). The best birthday present I could have received (other than just being in Paris).
For anyone planning any trips in the future, I have some excellent restaurant recommendations that I'd be happy to share (and that are quite reasonable).
Further, if there was ever such a thing as Parisians being rude, this is a thing of the distant past (and my French is close to non-existent).
------------------
Jeff
For anyone planning any trips in the future, I have some excellent restaurant recommendations that I'd be happy to share (and that are quite reasonable).
Further, if there was ever such a thing as Parisians being rude, this is a thing of the distant past (and my French is close to non-existent).
------------------
Jeff
