Should I still visit Paris in 2 weeks?

Although Notre Dame is a top attraction in Paris, I would not cancel a planned trip there. ND is only one of many historical and iconic places in this city. We were there two years ago and were fortunate to have toured ND. We probably spent an hour inside. St Chappelle is right next door and has even more beautiful stained glass windows than ND, Louvre across the river, and so many more places to see. Not sure about the locked down conditions you describe but I wouldn't be concerned.

OMG, go! I have been to Paris three times, but only inside Notre Dame once. While it is sad that the fire happened, IMO there are nicer churches to see. Plus while there are protests, American news tends to play up the hysteria. From what I've seen and read, people are still going about their normal routines and avoiding areas in which protests are taking place.

The cafes are still open, the shops are still open and Paris is still Paris. There are 20 arr. and more areas to visit than just the immediate center. I'm sure you and your partner will find much to love.

What “lock down” is the OP referring to? That is just how crazy, mad rumours take hold.

I am going to Paris in two weeks, and these recent events don't even make me think about not going!

I, too, am wondering about what lock-down is in place. My thought was that I may actually visit Paris this spring as I have an unexpected opportunity for some time off work. There are so any other places to visit other than Notre Dame. My last time in Paris, I was unable to visit the church interior as it was closed to the public for the ordination of priests by the Pope - via teleconference! I felt, and still feel, warmed and strengthened in the knowledge that something so meaningful was occurring for the participants. I did not feel I missed out at all. If I go this spring, I hope to view the exterior of the church from a distance and bring whatever support and optimism I can during my visit.

Media certainly plays on our emotions, and loves to sensationalize 'everything'. Yesterday's news gripped my belly and thickened my throat with unshed tears, but thought reminded me that I actually was not that impressed with my ND experience. This morning I awoke to news of hope.
Given human nature, I would bet the somber moments of this week will have passed and locals will be back to their day to day.
Given the news of the most generous donations, waking up to learn that the Cathedral can be rebuilt, and that many of their treasures were salvaged has to have buoyed up people's spirits. Now they have the opportunity to rise the Cathedral from the fire like a beautiful new phoenix. You cannot replace antiquity and the feel of age, but I bet they will see this as an opportunity for a new and improved tourist attraction. Look at the design of the new Louvre addition......cynical? perhaps, but I prefer to call it realistic.
In two weeks things will be much back to normal. Go and enjoy all that Paris has to offer. GD is an icon, but it is not what makes Paris tick.

I'm leaving for Paris on April 25th and of course I'm still going. What happened at Notre Dame is horrible, but the world keeps spinning and Paris has much else to offer.

life is full of adversity. The world isn't Disneyland. Stop watching the news with all the overhyped negative drama. I will be in Paris, France in three weeks and am looking forward to my visit since my last visit 30 years ago!. I am staying the 4th close to Notre Dame.
Notre Dame Fire is a tragedy in our lifetime but there have been many greater tragedy's throughout history. The stone structure has survived and the roof and spire will rebuilt for another 1,000 years.
My heart goes out to the Parisian and the French people.

Go to Paris. Don't hesitate. GO. You will never regret it, I'm sure. PSG will still play; the cafes and markets will still be lively and have the best people watching anywhere; and the nightlife and food will be in top form.

I just looked my pictures of the inside and outside of the church. Such a tragedy...but it is one of many sites in Paris, only one.
Go and enjoy. This is such a great time to be there. The cherry blossoms should be in full bloom.

"locked down"?

Not sure where the OP is getting his information from but apparently he's on different sites then I am, but I know people there and the only "lock down" is that needed to keep you from wandering into an active fire (which seems entirely reasonable!)

Honestly I am a little shocked that this question came up. They had a fire, where are you going that is exempt from fires?

If you are looking for "I am going someplace where nothing bad ever happens" let me know where you find it, because I never have.

Never pass up a chance to go to Paris. It’s Paris!

Hey Kog,

I've not visited Paris, but I would encourage you to go. I'm sure you can go about your plans.

Sit at one of those cafe's. Enjoy a glass of wine; perhaps silently toast to France and its people and remember what they did for the United States. Many people, especially our ancestors who came to America, recall the feeling of seeing Lady Liberty as their ship approached Ellis Island.

Adding (and borrowing from Audrey Hepburn), "Paris is always a good idea."

Kog, another thought,

Have you signed up? https://step.state.gov/
This may be good for present and future travels.

Just remember that your greatest risk for bodily injury will be the drive to and from your airport --- so walk to be safer.

Good heavens no, I wouldn't cancel. Like some of the other posters, Notre Dame was not my favorite experience in Paris, although I enjoyed the Towers and the exterior architecture (the majority of which seems thankfully to have survived). That doesn't mean I don't commiserate with the French people over the damage to such a historic cultural icon. :O(

But It is/was just one of many, many interesting attractions to see in Paris...which is under no sort of "lockdown" that I'm aware of so take the trip!

Do not cancel just because ND burned. Go, see the other many sites of that beautiful city, and enjoy your time. Don't believe the US news sensationalism.

OMG...GO!! Paris is my all time favorite city. There is so much more to see. If there is a protest, just avoid the area temporarily. So sad to see ND go up in flame.

What does your girlfriend want to do?

I agree that it is always wise to submit your trip plans to the state department (STEP). I can understand where you are coming from in terms of feeling as though it would be a sad time to be in Paris, especially if its a first time. I'm assuming you are booked into a hotel? I would go and explore the many, many other things you can do in Paris. If it gets to feeling too sad and overwhelming, try some of the day trips. Versailles, Fountainbleu, Giverny, Rouen, Chantilly, Reims, so many options!

I love Notre Dame but there are a hundred things to see in Paris; Notre Dame is one sight. I doubt other sights will be harder to see, even on the island, because one is out of commission.

“Paris is always a good idea!” Audrey Hepburn

Welcome to the RS forum! I see you are new here.

Have you traveled much in Europe or will this be your first time? I'm asking because I run into a lot of Americans who have never been who have such a skewed and often negative idea of what it is like.

We were in Paris last year, our grandson has just finished his first year in college where he studied in France and we will be leaving for France in 3 weeks. We have no thoughts of changing our plans.

I actually heard of the fire when my grandson texted me a photo he took. He stayed and watched, then walked back home. I've regarded Nortre Dame is the grand old lady, the heart of the city, but there is so much more to Paris than that and the Eiffel Tower.

Again, traveling in Europe is what you make it. If you go fueled by watching sensationalistic "entertainment" networks that try to pass themselves of as news networks, listening to friends who pass on third hand negative stories and are not open minded, Europe might not be the place for you. If, however, you are generally open minded, have a positive outlook and are flexible, you'll have a great time!

“Rather than experience the city for the first time during a somber/tense/locked-down time such as this, would you recommend I spend my time elsewhere”

I think by the time you arrive, instead of somber, you will find a city that came together with hope. Our last time in Paris was the year of the terrorist tragedy. We were glad to be supportive of this beautiful city.

Notre Dame is just one small spot. People are upset over it but I don't think the whole city will be in deep mourning.

The gilets jaunes are hitting the headlines but the demonstrations tend to be confined to small areas - just stay away if you see any signs of them. They aren't attacking tourists either, their anger is directed squarely at the government.

Thanks everyone for the help!! I wasn't expecting such a flood of helpful advice and I really appreciate the assistance.

I'm excited to hear that this should have little to no effect on the trip and I'm excited to enjoy all that the city has offer!

P.S. Final disclaimer around the "locked-down" comment - I did not intend to insuate that there would be an actual lockdown of the city - I meant heightened security. This was figurative not literal.

Well, Do have a wonderful time, see all you can, indulge in some good food, (and wine perhaps) take a million photos, admire the beaux arts architecture and begin planning your next visit.

We were in Paris -- on a "yellow vest " Saturday -- about a week ago and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Noted where the demonstrations were scheduled, and went someplace else for the afternoon. Certainly not "tense/locked down."
I never turn down the chance to be in Paris.

Paris is neither tense or locked down.. the protests( and yes I am assuming that is what you are referring to ) have not affected any tourist.. other than if you encounter one you will likely choose to walk around it instead of through it.. Note the protests tend to only take place on Saturdays ( why I dont know..lol ).. so most days will be clear sailing even if they continue on..

We will be in Paris this june .. again( thank goodness Ive seen notre dame numerous times , starting in 1972, and have managed to get all three of my kids there over the years.. it holds a special place in our hearts for sure) and I am not concerned about anything other than having a wonderful time and eating as much of their bread and cheese as is possible.

My first visit to Paris was in early 2016, just a few months after the massacre at the Bataclan and other sites in the city. There was indeed an increased amount of security at museums, the Eiffel tower and Notre Dame, and heavily armed military and police everywhere I went. It was sobering, but also made me feel a lot more safe and did not detract at all from discovering the joys of this beautiful city. There is trouble--or the potential for it--everywhere in the world, so just go and have a splendid time.

Kog,
I see you've found there are some trigger words and phrases that will cause some forum vets to react. Since you are new here, I know you are unaware of some past postings that used similar phrases. Those posts were made by some uninformed people who were passing along misinformation.

To help us get to know you better, tell us a little about your travel experiences. We will be in France the same time you are. This will be our third trip to France. Our first was in 1966 when we were in high school. That Europe trip is where we met.

I suggest you check out the market near the Catacombs. It was a 10 minute walk from our B&B. I've never seen a market selling sea urchins! There's a Metro stop (Denfort - Rochereau) right there. Also, consider visiting Pere Lachaise cemetery. It's peaceful and fascinating. You'll see the graves of Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf and Jim Morrison.

Finally, if you really want to splurge, take an evening tour of Paris in a vintage Citroen 2CV. Wait until at least 8:00, when the traffic thins. We took the 2 hour tour and it was one of the highlights of our visit! When our driver found out we were from Macon, Georgia, he streamed Otis Redding between pointing out the sites. He and I sang along to Otis, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin and Leon Russell. There's nothing like driving through the streets of Paris singing along with Albert King's "Born Under a Bad Sign" ("You know wine and women is all I crave, a big legged woman will carry me to my grave...")

I think it would be foolish (and needless, and tragic) to cancel a trip to Paris for the reasons stated above.

Yes, Notre Dame will be closed (hopefully to rise again someday, although not anytime soon). That's a shame and a loss for everyone, but there are ten thousand other great things to do and see in Paris. The loss of Notre Dame is very sad but it doesn't really move the needle on how great a place Paris is to visit.

Turmoil? Tense? "Locked down"? That's just not reality. Paris is no more "locked down" than attending a major sporting event in the USA. If you're concerned about safety and the "yellow vest" demonstrations, remember that demonstrations are common worldwide, and are a sign of a healthy, functioning democracy, and are nothing to fear. If you're unsure of how a demonstration might impact your safety or your trip, please read this list of things to keep in mind about demonstrations that I posted in another thread: Safety in Paris with yellow vests.

I look forward to my next trip to Paris and wish I could go there now all the more. Never miss a chance to be there.

As I said, I would still go to Paris and be flexible once you arrive. I just want to say, I understand your feelings. You've looked forward to your trip and magical Paris. It is understandable to feel apprehensive and disappointed. It is probably easier for those that travel a lot or have been to Paris multiple times to adapt to this terrible event causing changes in plans. Many on the forum have been blessed with lots of travel opportunities and may not understand or recall the feelings leading up to going to a much dreamed about city. I do think their intentions are to support both you and the city of Paris.

A friend of mine left on a trip to Paris with her family a couple days after the terrorist attack. She had asked me if she should still go. I replied much the same way that I did to you. I think you will still have a wonderful time and it is a great way to support the people of Paris with your tourism dollars (and a cheerful and understanding attitude)

**Posted by Barbra

Go and take pictures of Notre Dame without the roof and spire--actually a historic moment.
Then leave because there's nothing else to see and do in Paris. :-0*******

...

Your previous comment about it being time for a new roof initially shocked me.
This post made me laugh out loud for the first time since the fire.

I think I really like you now.

Cheers!

Uh...why wouldn't you?
Paris has much to offer.

I'll be in Paris next month. My first thought is regret that I didn't go sooner. My second thought is concern about where all the hoard of Notre Dame tourists are going to end up. Maybe they will disperse to the lesser-known churches. My third thought is how interesting it will be to see the devastation and to be able to watch it grow out of the ashes in future years. My fourth thought is the hope there is a collection box right there that I can slip a few euros into and know exactly where it is going.

Can't wait to go!

Yes. Don't succumb to click bait. Take an honest, balanced view, and go.

I’ll add one thing... I was in Paris on Sat March 30. The Gilets Jaunes demonstration had about 5 minutes impact on my day as that’s how long it took to check the RATP app while I was eating breakfast. Just needed to see if there were any Metro closures that would have an impact on my plans for the day. There were closures but not where I was going.

I agree you should go to Paris. I also agree with Maria, who said she was not that impressed with the interior of Notre Dame. There are more beautiful churches in Paris, it's just that Notre Dame is so ancient and has so much history (as well as some beautiful things). But it is also quite dark inside. I know this will probably not happen, but I hope they find a way to make the interior lighter -- perhaps replacing the damaged parts of the vault with glass?
I wonder if they will strictly adhere to replacing everything as it originally was, or perhaps modernize it a bit to bring it into the 21st century. Great minds need to work on this.

It's actually in times like these that you need to go. Two years ago we were headed to Barcelona a week after the massacre on Las Ramblas. We contemplated not going for about two minutes. There were somber moments when we were there seeing the memorial there. But we must continue traveling.

Unless the State Department advises me to stay away, I have to continue seeing the world.

I was recently discussing terrorism and someone in the conversation had a friend in London at the time of the tube attacks. She spoke to him about a week later and when she asked him about it he said that "it was on telly for about a day and half and now everything's back to normal". There are people in this country who have a stake in you being afraid.

I was in Paris around Christmas of 2005 and Paris was on high alert. You would often see vans full of Federal police with automatic weapons moving around the city. Trash cans in public were locked - which in typical Parisian style meant people just piled the trash on top of the locked can. Police were routinely blowing up packages or suspicious items around the city. In fact we saw that blew up a moped locked to a chain right outside Notre Dame on Xmas morning - only to have the agitated owner show and start a shouting match with the police as the crowd went about their business.

Even this level of security is just something you learn to move around and everyone just treats it as an inconvenience - and I guarantee you that Paris is nothing like this right now.

Don't let American fear mongering keep you from one of the greatest cities on earth, really, just go and you will wonder why you ever wavered.
=Tod