Paris over Christmas

We were in Paris last year for Christmas and LOVED it. Yes, it's very crowded ie the Louvre was so crowded you could hardly move. But to us it was worth it, because it's Paris! All the streets are so beautiful and since we'd been there once before at Christmas we skipped some things like the Champs-Elysees walk. It's a cool thing to do but the crowds and vendors were a bit overwhelming. It's all about attitude and you need to be patient. Lots of cafes were open on Christmas Day. Seeing the tree in front of Notre Dame at night is even better than Rock Center in NY. Get to the things you want to see as early as possible.

I really love Paris around Christmas time. I think big cities are best in the winter (and then beaches and coastal towns in the summer). Paris is beautiful around Christmas time (mostly white, elegant Chrismas lights). And you can find street vendors selling actual roasted chestnuts (but they are an acquired taste... not necessarily what you would expect a roasted nut would be).

The Louvre is crowded pretty much all year round (I prefer the Musee d'Orsay anyway). The city around Christmas in general seemed about as crowded with tourists as it is any time of year.

Paris is wonderful at Christmas. Arriving Christmas day is a bit awkward. Be sure you have made arrangements for a dinner reservation, perhaps through your hotel, ahead of time. Everything will be up and running on Dec 26 but most things are closed down on the 25th including lots of restaurants.

Be sure to take a spin in the giant ferris wheel at Concord, preferably at night -- it is 10 Euros and I thought that was crazy expensive but my nephews wanted to do it -- it was totally worth it -- fabulous views, wonderful pictures -- 4 people fit comfortably in the gondola.

The ice rinks at Hotel DeVille and the Eiffel Tower should be up and running as well and I think the Seine Cruises actually run on Christmas Day.

Wonderful time of year for Paris.