We planned our trip as follows: Dublin, Amsterdam, Cruise that ends in Rome, Paris and London. The trip starts on Aug. 29th. After reading that you should go to Paris in Aug. instead of Sept. we were wondering if we should change the order to: Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam, cruise that ends in Rome, and London. We have to do Dublin first and London last but we can always start the trip before Aug. 29th. Please help as this is our first trip abroad.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3984 posts
What are the reasons provided for going to Paris in August? Paris is okay in August and but the weather is usually terrific in September. August is the "off season" for Paris and September is "high season" if that makes a difference. I'd do the trip so that I got to Amsterdam, then Paris and then London. Those are very easy connections to make by train.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
I just read the Rick said Paris is slow in August but crowded in Sept. due to trade shows.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
Paris is crowded mostly all of the time. Having been there in both August and September, I'd choose September, but because it can be brutally hot in August!
And I think your itinerary has more "flow" if you go Dublin - Amsterdam - cruise that ends in Rome (presuming it starts in Amsterdam!) - Paris - London.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thanks, that's what I thought and I would rather do Paris after the cruise.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3984 posts
Paris is busy all year round. I forgot about the Rome part of the trip and think that the Dublin, Amsterdam, Rome, Paris, London itinerary is a good one. I have found weather in September to be so great that I would definitely try for September and you will probably also be in Rome in September, which should also have great weather.
Posted by
Kingsburg, California, USA
137 posts
Go in September! Most of the university students have returned to the States by then.
Posted by
104 posts
There are many reasons to go in September but none of the ones I think are most important have been mentioned (except the weather comments).
DON'T go in August because all the Parisians leave closing most of the cute small shops and restaurants. There are A LOT of tourists and lines in the heat; but sadly less little ice cream shops/carts to sooth the heat stroke. The ones that are open are near the sights and always charge a lot more.
DO go in September because that is when the Parisians come back to Paris from vacation. All the shops are open again and the fall shopping season is getting going. The Paris Ballet, Opera, Symphonies and Plays start their fall seasons. The city has concerts, festivals and public events again (check out a Pariscope for the weekly events. This website [http://www.colleensparis.com/how-to-find-whats-on/pariscope-translated/] may help you read your Pariscope. The weather could get chilly in September but then you have an excuse to buy a lovely new scarf, those boots in the window you have been eyeing or a pretty new French hat from a Parisian modiste (hat maker). Don't forget to make your reservations as far in advance as you are able for the Eiffel Tower, theater or Can-can shows tours or whatever. Many sights and/or shows can fill up fast leaving you with out an option to see them with out a line or perhaps at all.
September is still a busy time for all ages of tourists, fyi. (Many West Coast USA colleges go back to school beginning of October, so there are lots of students still traveling!)
Bonne Chance et Bon Voyage!
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thanks for all the advice. I'm going in Sept..
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10621 posts
"Go in September! Most of the university students have returned to the States by then." Very funny but...
in September all the French and international college students are back in Paris looking for housing, getting ready to start their classes. I'd still go in September for all the reasons Sara mentioned.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15781 posts
I'm glad you've chosen September. Because of the trade shows, accommodations fill up, so book early.
Posted by
troy, ny
660 posts
I just returned from Paris yesterday. It was a wonderful time in the city. Lot's of tourists of course but everything was open, the locals were hanging out on the quais drinking talking and fishing. The weather was beautiful, neither oppressively hot during the day nor cold at night. We rode velo bikes all over the city and if lost or misdirected, there was always a local to point us in the right direction in a friendly and helpful manner. I would not want to be in that situation if the parisiennes are gone and have to depends on another tourist for directions.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Saras " all the Parisians " leave tip is very accurate ( it sounds like something from a book from 30 years ago) . in fact few tourists will barely be affected by any closures in August anymore.. a few family run restaurants close.. but its nothing like it was 20 years or more ago. This is rather an old myth.. based on what may have once been more accurate. .. but simply , the times are a changing. Our favorite oyster place was closed this august.. but other then that we found all the cute shops we wanted to enter were open.
August hotel rates cheaper .
August can be miserably hot( but also can be just fine its a roulette wheel )
September does have superior chance of good weather and more exhibits, shows etc are on..
If choosing September start looking at hotel choices now and book as soon as they let you ( some hotels will only taking bookings 6-8 months in advance) ..
Enjoy ,, Paris is lovely anytime.