We'll be in Paris for 8 nights spanning Christmas. We are 5 females ranging in age from 13 to 80. I'm responsible for planning our itinerary. I've got most of the other days loosely mapped, but I am not sure what to do on Christmas day, the most restrictive day to plan.
We'll want to have a pleasant meal at some point in the day. I can find places on Google that are open, of course, but I'm hoping to avoid very touristic places for dining.
My question is not so much about a specific recommendation, though that would be nice, but a clearer idea of what we might be able to find if we don't make a reservation now for a restaurant on Christmas Day. Will we be relegated to the likes of McD's? Will there be small, lesser known places open on that day serving authentic meals? Places that would be pleasant to while away a couple of hours? I think we'd be open to other ethnic cuisines rather than a big touristic production though this is the first time in Paris for the two younger and one of the older members of our crew.
If making reservations now is a strong recommendation, any thoughts on one of the Seine cruises? We'll probably do one during our stay but the idea of spending Christmas day surrounded by other tourists having a so-so meal in a brash environment depresses me. If they aren't like that, I'd be happy to hear about it.
Thanks in advance.