Paris Itinerary in December 2014

Please purchase a good guidebook and a detailed map. Draft out your itinerary based on what interests you the most and grouped according to how the sights are in proximity to each other and open days at museums, etc. Plan on no more than 2 big sights each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, but leave some time for aimless wandering and cafe sitting in order to savor Paris. Once you have done your home work, come back to the forum with your itinerary and ask for suggestions for possible improvement. You might also do a search both on this forum and Trip Advisor using Paris at Christmas as your key words for more seasonal suggestions. Bonne chance and bon voyage.

I like Michelin Green Guide for Paris which has walking tours including one for Montmartre, places to eat and stay. Use more than one guidebook. RS is also good as well as DK Eyewitness.

You must have a reason for choosing to visit Paris from Dubai. What have you heard or read about the city that draws you there? If you tell us we can be more helpful. For instance, in December there is a skating rink set up outside of Hotel de Ville. If you have children that would be fun. Is that of interest?

In December there is a Christmas market, a huge one, on both sides of the Champs Elysees. Would that interest you? The big department stores on Boul. Haussmann have beautifully decorated and amusing window displays. Lots of Parisian grandmothers can be seen with their well dressed grandchildren enjoying the ingenious showiness.

All the museums will be open at their usual times, of course. A boat ride on the Seine is always fun, as well as boat trip on the Canal St. Martin which would allow you to visit the Science Park. Chateau Malmaison, Empress Jpsephine's home, can be reached by public transportation and is a good half-day visit.

What say you?

My recommendations:
Stroll Champs Elysees, the street has amazing Christmas lights. (and of course see the Arche de Triomphe)
Visit the Christmas markets on Champs Elysees (near Concord), or the one at La Defense.
Check out the window displays at Printemps and Gallerie Lafayette department stores -- and be sure to go inside Gallerie Lafayette and view the stained-glass dome, which should be lit up with different colors.
Strolling just about anywhere in the city at this time, though it could be chilly, should be a fantastic experience.
And of course, if you are shopping - go everywhere! High end: Le Bon Marche, Place Vendome, Colette, there are so many!
There may be an ice rink outside of the Hotel de Ville - a fun scene.
The plaza in Montmartre will probably be filled with artists selling their wares. Could be a fun shopping experience.
This area, and around Sacre Coeur is very touristy and can be crowded, but the views are great and it is a classic Parisian scene. (watch out for people trying to put bracelets on you though - a scam)
You can walk around the side streets away from the touristy areas that are quite charming. The Musee Montmartre up there is very good. (Rick Steves Paris book has a good Montmartre walk, and you can take a walking tour of this and many other areas of the city)
Be sure to check out the new glass floor on the first level of the Eiffel Tower. Or they could have an ice rink up there too!
Take a hot chocolate break at Angelina, on Rue du Rivoli.

Are you still with us, Pauline?

Thanks. My husband I are also going to be there in December. Your suggestions are excellent :)