Paris for Christmas?

Hi,
There is no more "political mess" than usual in Paris right now - I would even say that there is less unrest now than in 2019. And even then, there was nothing on a scale that would have prevented a visit.
As for Covid, it is hard to say how it will look like by Christmas, but at present there are basically no restrictions besides indoor mask-wearing, as long as you are vaccinated with an EU-approved vaccine (all vaccines used in the US are EU-approved) and obtain a QR code to prove it.
Therefore, things are looking quite encouraging to me!
And I will add that I have no interest whatsoever in the Paris tourism industry.

Paris not open?

Nonsense - Covid is far less a concern in Paris where it is basically under control than it is in parts of the USA where it is not.

I can´t imagine what political mess to which you are referring. Paris at Christmastime is delightful, but days are short, and it can be cold; just what you generally expect for Christmas.

Make sure your boys are in on the planning.

Thank you for such a quick response! Yes- my husband and I were there in 2019 & 2020 right before Covid (officially) hit. I’m talking about the US/France nonsense that happened this week. But…. regardless, I just don’t want the US to not be welcome come Christmas! Crossing our fingers!

I love your optimism! Makes me feel a bit more assured/hopeful!

Tocard,
Thank you for responding! The political mess regarding the US this past week.

Is it colder than February? That’s our usual time to travel there. Glad to get positive thoughts about our upcoming holiday. Boys are very excited, and will be planning away!

Looking forward to the food/dining experience with them! Some escargot/foie gras will be an interesting experience for young boys☺️

Oh, that political mess? I thought you were talking about protests & unrest. No, I definitely do not see that having any impact whatsoever...
As for Christmas vs. February: the days are shorter around Christmas but otherwise temperatures should be similar. I prefer the time around Christmas, the city is much more lively! You will just have to plan ahead if you need to have dinner at a restaurant on 24th December (many are closed) and 31st December (many have special, expensive meals).

Yes- the Yellow Jacket protests when we were there wasn’t a big deal, although I know we were lucky. Lots of military/police in the afternoon. We were just leaving the Eiffel Tower and heading back to hotel to rest before the (late) dinner hour.

I am looking forward to Christmas! Especially the markets, as I hear they are fantastic. Any recommendations for Christmas dinner? We went to Ô Château for Valentine’s Day last year, and hopefully they will have Christmas dinner this year. Excellent food and wine!
Will take the boys on a lunch or dinner cruise on the Seine, but only for the experience. Food is not impressive to say the least!

For a very special Christmas meal, go back to the gilded age of Paris and dine at Le Train Bleu the opulent restaurant in the Gare de Lyon. Though expensive, the 120 year old restaurant will provide unique memories for you and your children. I had Christmas dinner there about 12 years ago and it is one of my fondest memories of my many trips to Paris.

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ve heard of that restaurant! Fantastic idea- thank you!

My SO & I are going for Christmas & New Years. Thanks for the restaurant suggestions. Very helpful. We are able to cancel up to about 2 weeks prior. But everything is looking good. About middle of October will get started on the Pass Sanitare. The only hiccup may be London. We were going to use London to recover from jet lag. Just a couple days. If need be we will grab a flight from LHR over to Paris & skip London

Mark McG,
We have the same ability to cancel, as we are going through Costco Travel. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

I too am going for the holidays. I am thinking about combining it with a quick day trip to London, but unsure.