I booked a last-minute trip to Paris, December 26 - 30. I know you can only reserve tickets 2 days ahead for the cathedral but I've been checking out the website and they seem to be sold out the second it opens up 48 hours ahead of time. Am I correct in assuming I can still enter, but will need to wait in a general line? Second, Sainte-Chapelle is sold out. Can I also wait in a general line and get in that way or must I have a pre-purchased ticket? Third, if you could only visit one of the Christmas markets, which would you choose? And last, is there a store that is reasonable to purchase clothing? I'd like to find a sweater or something, but my budget is more TJ Maxx and certainly not Gucci. Thanks all, excited to go even if I'm solo!
Posted by
981 posts
We had timed tickets for Sainte-Chapelle in April. It was chaotic. There are shoulder height small signs in small print turned in wrong directions that showed on the hour and half hour on it to find the correct line. We were in the wrong line for a long time because the guy ahead of us was in our same time and convinced us it was the correct line. And it wasn't. So now throw in without tickets, and I say ask questions, but also do your own looking around to see if you are in the right place for non ticketed. There was only one person to ask questions and he was so overwhelmed by people I couldn't ever get close enough to get his attention.
Not in anyway trying to be discouraging, it was marvelousl But, pack your patience!
Posted by
North Georgia, USA
1159 posts
Monoprix is like Target. Not expensive but I've seen some cute things there. You can still say, "Oh, yes, I got this in Paris." :)
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2793 posts
Keep checking the Notre Dame website... they aren't all released the second it opens up. I have been watching on my Paris facebook group and people are grabbing them at all times.
I personally always find something at Uniqlo. It's not unique to Paris and they are in the US but...
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1565 posts
This thread for clothes: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/second-hand-clothing-stores-paris
The Christmas market in the Tuileries was nice. The Ferris wheel at night is worth the fee. The biggest market was by la Defense but I didn't go there. There was a very small one right across from the Notre Dame that was nice. You may just want to walk the Champs Elysee, the window dressings at places like Dior and YSL are superb. And there will be sales.
Posted by
UK (London - Chelsea Harbour)
181 posts
Monoprix (the big branches), C&A, H&M, Zara, TK Maxx, Uniqlo… all have fun fashion at reasonable prices.
And if you have time, you could check the sales at the big department stores. We’ve gotten surprising bargains at both Printemps and Galleries Lafayette: you should be able to find some excellent after-Christmas sales!