Mid December Paris trip

The problem with the 8th is that it’s a primarily commercial area, without a lot of local bistros, shops, cafes etc., with the exception of the big box, uninteresting Champs Elysees stores. Completely without charm.

I’d cancel that reservation and aim for something in either the Latin Quarter or St. Germain, which are great for a first trip. At least you’ll be able to go out in the morning and get a croissant and cup of coffee easily. And you’ll be closer to interesting sights as well.

We did an early evening tour of the Opera House. It is quite impressive and our guide was very interested. What I liked about the tour was the information wasn’t just boring facts, the guide was humorous, answered questions, and gave us some fun facts. Such as, during intermission women were not allowed to leave their boxes, only the men. If they had to pee, their assistant or lady, had a pot for them to use. This would be the kind of question I would ask, or think, and liked that he gave use theses tidbits and many more.
We booked online before our trip. It was very inexpensive.

PS, we stayed in the St Germaine area. Only took a taxi once to Montmarte.

HappyToBeHere - thank you for that thought. I did go check around that hotel and you are correct about the lack of coffee shops! :) However, the Latin Quarter & St.Germain appear to be a little pricier than I'd like. I think I have found something that may work in the 2nd though - even though that still appears to be rather in a business district, at least it has multiple coffee shops available! Thanks for the tip!
Barbara - the Opera house tour sounds really interesting. I'll definitely look into it. Thanks!

Hi! We are returning to Paris for our second visit in late December. It will be cold and possibly wet so plan to layer your clothes and wear warm, waterprrof boots, with a good hat, coat and gloves. Go preared and you'll be fine. We stayed in an amazing little French Hot3l, Le Relais du Louver and it was a perfect location to walk almost anywhere. I'd also suggest you seek another district, perhaps the Marais or St. Germain de Pres close to a metro station. That way you have lots of walking options or subway if you want it. They're will be a lot of foot traffic in both areas so you'll be around other people in safety. You can purchase an audio tour of the highlights of the Louvre and it's a few hours. I loved the Musee de Orsay with all the impressionist paintings. Notre Dame and St. Chappelle are must sees, even if our lady is still closed. If you like fashion the Dior Museum is a good take, so I hear. I'm looking forward to that.

Have fun!
mob

In mid-December, the Jul season should be in full swing! Check out Christmas markets, ice skating at Hotel de Ville, festivities and illuminations at Trocadero, and seasonal performances throughout the city. Paris at this time of year is magical, with most every neighborhood lighting up at night in a distinctive style, plus a plethora of food stalls serving raclettes, roasted chestnuts, amazing stewed mushrooms, and the like - plus gallons of vin chaud (sometimes with the option to buy and add a shot of cognac or rum).

The Galleries Lafayette will have a fabulous and ENORMOUS tree suspended in the airspace beneath their magnificent stained glass ceiling dome. Les Grands Magasins will all have opulent window displays - just watching the kids taking those in with wonder and excitement is a heart-swelling treat of the first order.

Such an exciting time to visit: I know you will have a blast!!!

The 2nd is fine, much better than the 8th (at least most of the 8th).

Do check out the upper 3rd, the rue de Bretagne is a terrific food walk.

If the weather is inclement, you might enjoy a walk through some of the covered passages. A google search will show them. I especially love the Galerie Vivienne, which is in the 2nd, and make sure to have a look in Wolff and Descourtis. It's the best scarf shop in Paris. The owner is lovely and happy to chat and tell you about her family's history. Perhaps a splurge, but a nice souvenir of your trip. Maybe a birthday present to yourself??

I'll second the rec of the Galerie Dior. You must buy tickets in advance, but it's just fabulous.

Also +1 for the Opéra Garnier tour, especially bc it's winter and a trip out to Versailles is often a waste in the winter. You'll get a real sense of the grandeur of Versailles without a day out of Paris.

Mobrien207 - Absolutely regarding the layers, waterproof boots and other items! As a New Englander I wouldn’t let myself forget those. I think I’m missing Notre Dame reopening by a day or two, but I do plan to see it, and doing some reading today led me to find out about the Archeological Crypt and now that’s on the list! Thank you for the other tips!

Volva - I am definitely looking forward to admiring the lights, and you just gave me a reason to go in the Galeries Lafayette! The tree sounds like quite the sight! Thanks!

HappyToBeHere - Glad the 2nd sounds a little better :) Thank you for the rec on Galerie Vivienne - the covered passageways sound like something I would really like. Agreed about going to Versailles. I don’t really have time to do any day trips anyways, but in the winter I wouldn’t expect it to be a good place to visit. Definitely putting the Opera tour on the possibilities list! thanks!