Paris in December
Sep 9, 2001 | 9:11 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,950
Paris in December
Hi folks,
I'm considering burning up some vacation time by visiting Paris mid-December, taking advantage of the _low_ fares from PHX!
Just wondered what sort of weather to expect, if the museums will be open, and what sort of special things might be going on there that time of year. Thanks!
JP
[This message has been edited by j379pa (edited 09-09-2001).]
I'm considering burning up some vacation time by visiting Paris mid-December, taking advantage of the _low_ fares from PHX!
Just wondered what sort of weather to expect, if the museums will be open, and what sort of special things might be going on there that time of year. Thanks!
JP
[This message has been edited by j379pa (edited 09-09-2001).]
Sep 9, 2001 | 2:51 pm
#3
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Paris is faboo in November and December. Berthillon ice cream doesn't melt while eating it and hot chocolate is definitely on the must do list at Christian Constant. I'm from Seattle, the latitude and weather is quite similiar, it rains, it can be cold and cloudy. However, Parisians are there and you see the city as it functions. Bring a jacket, hat and good boots and you're set.
In late November and December, Christmas lights are up and shop windows are decorated. All the museums, restaurants and stores are open for business as usual. Lines for exhibitions won't be as long except on weekends. Some hotels have promos for reduced room rates during this time.
We usually go to do a bit of shopping and of course, finish of the mileage year
.
In late November and December, Christmas lights are up and shop windows are decorated. All the museums, restaurants and stores are open for business as usual. Lines for exhibitions won't be as long except on weekends. Some hotels have promos for reduced room rates during this time.
We usually go to do a bit of shopping and of course, finish of the mileage year
.
Sep 10, 2001 | 10:48 am
#5
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we're a merriam webster 3rd edition and oed family, so different strokes. Faboo is the shortened version of fabulous, I was just trying to get you in the mood for Paris, the home of Franglais.
Sep 10, 2001 | 2:57 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Circle City
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Paris in winter isn't for everyone, but I do enjoy it there in the off season. Been three times, once in November and twice in January. The weather is quite chilly, at least compared to Los Angeles, but snow is pretty rare. In fact, snow is really a pain in the arse because the whole city shuts down and the people run around like it is armageddon or something. The Metro usually shuts down as well, and the poor Parisians come out in their skiwear like it is 40 below. It *will* rain, though. Usually not terribly hard, but it will rain. Mmmm....temp about 45F-55F in the day, and about 10 degrees less at night.
The city in winter is tourist free. Things that you will wait for hours to get into during the summer will take about 10 minutes. The Louvre and Orsay are delightful respites from the chill, and are empty enough to enjoy. Restaurants are very comfortable, warm, and usually busy. Needless to say, there is no street dining in winter.
Days are short, and the light factor is probably at 50%. Expect most or all of your pictures to have a cold, grey tint to them. Stores will close a little earlier than in the summer, but not too much. Berthillon is indeed one of life's not-so-simple pleasures, though the hours are very limited. Go to the actual shop on the Ile St Louis, not to one of the restaurants hawking the stuff. Isn't the same. As lalala said, the city does like Christmas a lot, and it looks like one big picture postcard (with a grey tint, of course). Make a trip to the 7th (my fav arr.) and go by Au Bon Marche and its picture windows. The Champs Elysees is overboard, and accordingly fun to stroll. Everyone talks about Paris in springtime. Paris to me is walking from the Concorde to the Arc at Christmas time. The trees are lit, people are snuggling close to each other, things are quiet and peaceful, and for a fleeting moment, everything is right in the world.
It *will* rain, though. Usually not terribly hard, but it will rain. Mmmm....temp about 45F-55F in the day, and about 10 degrees less at night. The city in winter is tourist free. Things that you will wait for hours to get into during the summer will take about 10 minutes. The Louvre and Orsay are delightful respites from the chill, and are empty enough to enjoy. Restaurants are very comfortable, warm, and usually busy. Needless to say, there is no street dining in winter.
Days are short, and the light factor is probably at 50%. Expect most or all of your pictures to have a cold, grey tint to them. Stores will close a little earlier than in the summer, but not too much. Berthillon is indeed one of life's not-so-simple pleasures, though the hours are very limited. Go to the actual shop on the Ile St Louis, not to one of the restaurants hawking the stuff. Isn't the same. As lalala said, the city does like Christmas a lot, and it looks like one big picture postcard (with a grey tint, of course). Make a trip to the 7th (my fav arr.) and go by Au Bon Marche and its picture windows. The Champs Elysees is overboard, and accordingly fun to stroll. Everyone talks about Paris in springtime. Paris to me is walking from the Concorde to the Arc at Christmas time. The trees are lit, people are snuggling close to each other, things are quiet and peaceful, and for a fleeting moment, everything is right in the world.
Sep 15, 2001 | 1:44 am
#7
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I was in Paris for Christmas Eve/Christmas Day last year (rest of the time was spent in Provence). The weather was fine (I'm from Seattle too so maybe our definition of "fine weather" is different from yours ). Anyway, one hint I have is that you get to Notre Dame VERY early if you want to be inside for Christmas mass. The music and bells are exquisite as is the inside of the church, but the lines outside are unbelievable and although it's still fun it's not the same.
Christmas Day I went to the movies which is where almost every other Parisian went too! You can see many English movies (look for vo as the title - version originale). It was fun being the only American in the audience watching Charlie's Angels. I swear, some things just don't translate right. . .
All of the museums are opened as other posters said albeit limited hours. You may want to check the web and see which museums are under construction (this past March the Palais Royal along with the Petit Palais and the L'orangerie were all under construction).
Christmas week has LOTS of tourists. I've been to Paris 10 times in the last 3 years and I've never experienced so many people as I did during that week. It's not only Americans, but all Europeans are off of school, have holiday, etc., so. . .
If possible, I'd suggest going BEFORE Christmas. Whenever you go though, you'll have a wonderful time. Please feel free to email me if you have other questions/require more information (in case you can't tell, Paris is one of my most favorite cities in the entire world!)
). Anyway, one hint I have is that you get to Notre Dame VERY early if you want to be inside for Christmas mass. The music and bells are exquisite as is the inside of the church, but the lines outside are unbelievable and although it's still fun it's not the same. Christmas Day I went to the movies which is where almost every other Parisian went too! You can see many English movies (look for vo as the title - version originale). It was fun being the only American in the audience watching Charlie's Angels. I swear, some things just don't translate right. . .
All of the museums are opened as other posters said albeit limited hours. You may want to check the web and see which museums are under construction (this past March the Palais Royal along with the Petit Palais and the L'orangerie were all under construction).
Christmas week has LOTS of tourists. I've been to Paris 10 times in the last 3 years and I've never experienced so many people as I did during that week. It's not only Americans, but all Europeans are off of school, have holiday, etc., so. . .
If possible, I'd suggest going BEFORE Christmas. Whenever you go though, you'll have a wonderful time. Please feel free to email me if you have other questions/require more information (in case you can't tell, Paris is one of my most favorite cities in the entire world!)
Sep 15, 2001 | 6:22 am
#8
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Join Date: Dec 2000
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2-3*** restaurants drop the regular menu, and serve a game menu. Reservations are much easier to come by.
Excluding Christmas weeks, museums are delightfully empty. Outlying sites are also empty.
Days are very dark and gray. Sun rises after 9am, I think, and is gone by 4.
Excluding Christmas weeks, museums are delightfully empty. Outlying sites are also empty.
Days are very dark and gray. Sun rises after 9am, I think, and is gone by 4.
Sep 15, 2001 | 9:55 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,950
Thanks for all the good replies! I would return no later than the 20th, as family thinks PHX is warmer than most other places in our country for Christmas. Seeing the museums is high on the list, and figured that was pretty weather-unrelated. It's good to hear they're less crowded.
Given the sad events of this week, I've decided to hold off booking for a week or two to see how things shake out. I'm not so concerned about terrorism as I am about logistics--delays, changed flights, etc. I suspect, though, that the ripple effect from this will be months and years rather than weeks.
JP
Given the sad events of this week, I've decided to hold off booking for a week or two to see how things shake out. I'm not so concerned about terrorism as I am about logistics--delays, changed flights, etc. I suspect, though, that the ripple effect from this will be months and years rather than weeks.
JP
Sep 21, 2001 | 4:48 pm
#10
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Anyone have any pending plans for a trip to Paris? I was hoping to do a long weekend trip there sometime in the next few weekends. Would be nice to get over there whilst sympathy/affection for Americans/NYers is at an all time high.
Sep 22, 2001 | 6:11 am
#11
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Seeing the museums is high on the list, and figured that was pretty weather-unrelated. It's good to hear they're less crowded
There are still lines to get into the biggies, and long lines at the coat check.
Wear something that will go into the museum(for me sportcoat, sweater, cap & backpack). Then get a week long museum ticket (Carte Orange?). You can get them in most museums with the card.
When you get to the museum, walk around the lines, and ask a guard where to go in with one of these, and show him the card.
Even if you don't use the whole card, it's worth the time saved.
There are still lines to get into the biggies, and long lines at the coat check.
Wear something that will go into the museum(for me sportcoat, sweater, cap & backpack). Then get a week long museum ticket (Carte Orange?). You can get them in most museums with the card.
When you get to the museum, walk around the lines, and ask a guard where to go in with one of these, and show him the card.
Even if you don't use the whole card, it's worth the time saved.
Sep 24, 2001 | 11:34 pm
#13
Join Date: Feb 2001
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I to am curious about what things are like around New Years. I'm thinking of going to France for about 10 days around New Years, 7 days in Paris, 3 days in Grenoble to visit some friends, and I've never been to Paris before.
How much does stuff shut down for the New Years holiday in Paris?
How much does stuff shut down for the New Years holiday in Paris?
Sep 25, 2001 | 8:12 am
#14
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Its pretty hard to find a "bad" restuarant it depends where you are staying since I really enjoy a leiusurely walk to and from dinner.
Last visit we stayed in the 15th arr (Hilton)just over from the 7th arr and very close to the Eiffel Tower.
One resturant which may neccesitate you making reservations NOW is Jules Verne, located on level 2 of the Eiffel,very good, a bit expensive but well worth it (and thats not counting the view) also open for lunch.
Other of my favourites in the 7th arr:-
Le Violon d Ingres: try their discovery menu
which serves small portions of all their menu favourites.
Auberge Bressane: a cosy neighbourhood bistro (open on Sundays) got a write up in Conde Naste some months ago for their Coq Au Vin.
Note all these places will take reservations if you call directly (in English too)
Check out this board has invaluable information on France
http://www.delphi.com/pbprovence
Mike
[This message has been edited by MIKESILV (edited 09-25-2001).]
Last visit we stayed in the 15th arr (Hilton)just over from the 7th arr and very close to the Eiffel Tower.
One resturant which may neccesitate you making reservations NOW is Jules Verne, located on level 2 of the Eiffel,very good, a bit expensive but well worth it (and thats not counting the view) also open for lunch.
Other of my favourites in the 7th arr:-
Le Violon d Ingres: try their discovery menu
which serves small portions of all their menu favourites.
Auberge Bressane: a cosy neighbourhood bistro (open on Sundays) got a write up in Conde Naste some months ago for their Coq Au Vin.
Note all these places will take reservations if you call directly (in English too)
Check out this board has invaluable information on France
http://www.delphi.com/pbprovence
Mike
[This message has been edited by MIKESILV (edited 09-25-2001).]
Sep 26, 2001 | 3:55 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Paris, EU
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The "Carte Orange" is a pass for public transport (subway, buses, suburban trains).
The card for museums is "Carte Muses et Monuments" (Museum and Monument pass).
You can have details in the Paris Transit authority website at
http://www.ratp.fr/Eng/index.htm
Check the "Travel Guide" area, which gives details on tickets, "Carte Orange", Tourist passes, "Carte Muses et Monuments".
The card for museums is "Carte Muses et Monuments" (Museum and Monument pass).
You can have details in the Paris Transit authority website at
http://www.ratp.fr/Eng/index.htm
Check the "Travel Guide" area, which gives details on tickets, "Carte Orange", Tourist passes, "Carte Muses et Monuments".