Paris Christmas time

Posted by rootbeer1958 on 11/12/18 02:25 PM

We are traveling with our two kids, 12 and 14, to Paris. We have an Airbnb to start for the first 5 days and then we will be needing a hotel from Dec. 23 to 26th. We are looking for hotel recommendations and we are also wondering what sorts of things will be open and what to do during those few days in the midst of Christmas in the City of Light! Maybe especially what to do FOR Christmas while there! Merci!

Adding here that we are hoping for something in the 3 star range, but I keep reading about bugs and dirty bathrooms. We are not in our hostel days anymore, older parents that we are, so it has to be clean. I'll check on the Airbnb's again. I find it hard to access those... learning the ropes of this modern tech travel. (Used to go there, find a hostel, stay, go to some other city, all by myself...none of this Uber/hotels.com/Airbnb find out every detail of the bugs and blood and stains on the sheets sort of thing. (And how does Trip Advisor recommend a hotel in which their picture shows a woman with bug bites? Hmmm.)

Restaurants for Christmas next...need a place to stay first! Recommendations for both are welcome!

Posted by Tocard

Panguitch, Utah

11/12/18 02:47 PM

2543 posts

What is your budget window in euros per night for you hotel stay? Do you have a location preference (arrondissement)?

Everything will be open until Christmas day when retail will be closed. Restaurants are open on Christmas but I would reserve well in advance.

Be sure to visit the Christmas windows at le Printemps, Galeries Lafayette (on blvd Haussmann), and le Bon Marché (on rue de Sevrès).

Posted by JHK

Florida (previously California)

11/12/18 07:55 PM

3689 posts

I have found that a lot of the restaurants that are open on Christmas Day are the expensive ones. I know it feels like you have a lot of time but if you do not have your restaurant reservations for that day already, I would get on that ASAP. Ditto Tocard on stating your budget so people can make good recommendations.

Posted by G3rryCee

Bellingham, WA

11/12/18 08:07 PM

94 posts

My friends and my 12yoa son and I are going on Bustronome for dinner on Xmas Eve. It also runs on Xmas Day. It's not cheap, but it looks like a hoot! Also, are you sure you can't find another AirBnB for the rest of the time? I hate hotels. If you get stuck, message me, and I'll invite you to dinner in Montmartre. My kid is always looking for opportunities to speak English.

Posted by Norma

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

11/12/18 09:20 PM

8293 posts

The Jacquemart-Andre Museum is open every day of the year. Small and interesting and even your two youngsters should not be too bored. Great gift shop, too.

Edit: for a look at something your kids will never see in North America, perhaps a visit to Pere Lachaise Cemetary.

Posted by Chris

Texas

11/12/18 09:21 PM

531 posts

I was under the impression that brasseries /bistros would be open Xmas Day? Is this not so?

Posted by Pab

Elmwood, IL, USA

11/13/18 04:34 AM

362 posts

I would check the Holiday Inn chain, also the Ibis in the 15 is nice & well located to the metro. As for Christmas Day I would think the Marais, Jewish Quarter should be open. If all else fails head to Disneyland Paris for lodging and it’s open Christmas Day. All the churches will have mass.
As for the bed bugs, check the mattress as soon as you get to your room. Pull the sheets off the mattress and look for signs. If you see anything get a change of rooms.

Posted by Laurel

Forest Grove, OR

11/15/18 03:27 PM

11314 posts

Bustronome is a ball! Great food and tour! Very pricey but where else can you do such a thing? (Well, London, too.) Otherwise, once you settle on a hotel, ask them for advice and reservations.

I use Booking,com a lot and in your situation I think it is particularly helpful to drill down to meet your requirements for price and amenities. We love the Hotel Relais Bosquet, but it maybe a bit $$$ for two rooms.

Posted by AmandaR

Phoenix, AZ

11/16/18 05:17 AM

319 posts

We stayed in Hotel de la Bretonnerie last Christmas in Paris. Its in the Marais, and is a RS recommendation. We loved it. The location was excellent, they gave us an upgrade because we stayed 4 nights with them and the hotel had an adorable cat that my kids spent some time with. Terrific stay!
For Christmas Eve, we rode the Metro to the Eiffel Tower and enjoyed the views but was disappointed in the poor quality Christmas Market at the location. We warmed up in a cafe nearby though and enjoyed it. We rode the Metro to the Champs Elysees and walked a bit. Then walked to the Place de la Concorde and rode the big wheel. It was magical as snow flurries fell while we were in line and we happened to up near the top when the hour struck and the Eiffel Tower started sparkling. On the way home we popped intro Notre Dame to hear a bit of the Christmas mass.
For Christmas day, we had heard so many things were closed, so we went to Disneyland Paris. It was a neat experience, and our kids enjoyed it. (honestly it was our 2nd time in Paris) But if you've been to Disney much in the states you may be disappointed. The customer service was terrible. We waited in long lines for food/drink. And it was COLD. So cold we couldn't help but leave around 7pm (we usually close the parks down!) and head back to the Marais for some delicious food. We found several cafes open and had an amazing dinner. Just a street cafe in the Marias, no rez needed. But incredible, especially after our sad and overpriced Disney lunch.
If you have any extra time, I will also say that Strasbourg/Colmar is the BEST place to be for Christmas in France. Top tier Christmas markets. Just fyi, you can get a train that takes you there in about 2 hrs. Just make sure to get tix in advance. I think 3 days in Paris is enough to see the big sites.