Wife and I and teenager planning one week trip to Paris. Choices of times are: early June or Thanksgiving break. Wife and kid prefer former, I like the latter, when we have traveled previously. I am not Bill Gates so cost is definitely a concern. What are your opinions and recommendations? Thanks.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1243 posts
Is it important to any of you to spend time outside? If so, June seems much more comfortable and much longer days.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Sorry , but your Thanksgiving is in November,, not sure, but its close to Christmas isn't it? I would choose June too, I prefer the longer daylight hours and less rain and cold. I can do Paris cheaply so can you with a bit of homework,, and the food, metro, museums etc cost the same no matter when you go, so only factors that may be seasonally priced are airfare and hotel. With a bit of research you may be able to find something reasonable for both airfare and hotel, or perhaps an apartment rental may help. save money by eating breakfasts in etc.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Isn't November a big convention month in Paris?
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10376 posts
It may cost a little more to go in June, but I think the better weather and longer daylight hours allow for more sightseeing. I was there for 10 days over New Years three years ago. Between the short hours of daylight and the very cold temps we encountered, it definitely affected the amount of things we could fit into a day and also the kind of things we did. That said, Paris is my favorite city and I would go there any time of year.
Posted by
Wesley Chapel, NC, US
167 posts
I agree that the amount of sunshine during the day cannot be underestimated.. you have much less time to frolic during the day in November. Pete
Posted by
OP
Greensboro, NC, USA
41 posts
Sincere thanks to all who have contributed here. The reality, however, is that during the June-July high season neither the airlines nor the hotels appear to be making any price adjustments. When we have traveled before, usually end October, early November, we were able to get greatly reduced prices on both simply because travel goes down at that time and they want the business. The hotel we like to stay at will knock off as much as 50% in the off-season and plane tickets are also available at much reduced rates. Further, while not spring-like, the fall weather is delightful, all the cafes have space heaters and best of all, you can go places without being surrounded by hordes of sweaty semi-nude backpackers. Still undecided, though.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Don, if your timing can extend to late july into August,, there are hotels that offer "l'ete promotions"( summer sales) for that time period.
If you post your hotel budget( in euros ) I am sure many of here can suggest good hotels that may make it a lot more reasonable. Airfares ,, well thats up in the air, lol
Posted by
Washington, DC
219 posts
I've been to Paris in early June. It was the shoulder season for American tourists but high season for European school groups on tour. Many of the major sights were crowded with large groups of teenagers.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10376 posts
If prices are the deciding factor, then of course November is less expensive. The main difference will be the weather and amount of daylight hours available to sightsee. There should be smaller crowds at tourist locations in November too. You mentioned the cost of lodging. For a week long stay, I suggest you rent an apartment. Not only will it give you more space, but you can save a considerable amount of money on food, since you would not have to eat all your meals out. I use vrbo.com and homeaway.com to find apartment rentals.