I'm looking for some advice on whether or not to plan on going to Paris for Christmas this year. How are the crowds? Are hotels pretty available? And, are we likely to run into snow? Please and thank you!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Answering only your last question, this website gives you the most factual answer you're probably going to find on what the weather might be then http://www.wunderground.com/tripplanner/index.asp, input Paris and your dates. Of course, no one here knows what the weather will be then, the weather in any particular year will vary by a certain percentage around the long term average.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I was there for Christmas in 2007. Yes, go, Go , GO! Coming from the US, with it's Christmas displays of giant inflatable snow globes and light-up Santa Clauses, the understated but elegant decor of Paris at Christmas time was a revelation. Crowds are not as bad as in the summer, but this definately isn't the off-season either.
Posted by
OP
Langley, BC, Canada
3 posts
Thanks very much...the weather site is great - very helpful. The prospect of much less commercialism and Santa appeals to us greatly. This is sounding better all the time. Thank you!
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10603 posts
We arrived in Paris on 12/29/08 for 10 days. We had a great time, but let me tell you - it was very cold! Maybe for someone living in a colder climate it wouldn't be so bad. We had one full day of snow and one of rain, but that didn't stop us from going out. Personally I would not go there that time of year again because of the cold. I love to be outside in Paris and I would prefer warmer weather. That said, it was beautiful. Things were decorated, but not over the top. The crowds in Paris weren't bad. We rented an apartment, which I would highly recommend.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
It's also worth pointing out that this past year was one of the harshest winters Europe has experienced in over a decade, so hardly typical. The three previous Christmases I have spent in NW Europe, the temperature usually topped off in the low 40s every day. Pretty mild, if you're from the Northern US, or Canada.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2790 posts
We went a few years ago, it was cold but not bitter!
It was beautiful and I loved it!
Posted by
OP
Langley, BC, Canada
3 posts
Thank you very much for the comments and advice, I think we'll likely go for it. Happy Travels everyone!
Posted by
Halifax
110 posts
Louise
We spent this past Xmas and NYE in Paris. It was great! As someone else said --its festive in an understated elegant sort of way.
As for the weather? Pfft. Thats what god made cozy cafes, coffee and cognac for!
PM me if you need more info