Christmas in Paris or the French Alps?

Milton, glad you gave up the idea of driving....I'd try to find a nice apartment in Paris; that way you can get in some groceries, fruit and goodies, especially over Christmas. Many hotels in Paris don't usually include breakfast in the room price and also don't usually have fixings for tea and coffee in the room, or a microwave and little fridge, like you would find in the US for instance. They usually also frown on you bringing in food overtly. If you're not used to snow and skiing, the French alps may not be such a great idea. However, Salzburg would probably be fun, because there are city things to do. Paris is also very festive over Christmas and very beautiful. I wish you and your family a wonderful trip!

Thank you all for the good advice. Now decided to stay in Paris and then fly to Vienna. Just trying to find an apartment centrally located.
Any ideas?

You could try VRBO.com (Vacation Rental by Owner) for Paris. There are several other rental agencies that are reputable and have been used by members of this board. I have no personal experience with them (I do want to get a small apt. next spring but I travel alone) because I have stayed in hotels before. If you get no responses, you could try another question, requesting advice on apartments for four specifically. Some of these agencies are run by people in the States and many people have reported very satisfactory experiences with them. The Paris metro and bus systems are really efficient and get you around quickly but, as you said, it would still be good to stay close to the action.

Smart move, Milton. Christmas in Paris is lovely. Driving Paris to Vienna is a drag and even more so in bad weather. Try lodgis.com for a furnished apartment. We've used them many times over the past ten years.

Thanks Anna and Bets.
Will investigate further.

VacationinParis.com is another very good one.

Paris Paris Paris! It is LOVELY at Christmas.

An apartment in Paris is a great idea. Three years ago we spent 10 nights in Paris, arriving a few days after Christmas. We got snow on that trip, so you just never know! I just returned from my 2nd apartment stay in Paris. Both places i have stayed in are listed on vrbo.com. The place we stayed in a few years ago (family of 3) was fantastic. The place I just stayed in (me and a friend) was awful. I have used vrbo many times and this was my first bad experience. I suggest you find a place soon. You will find many places will already be booked for the holidays. In my opinion, staying in the 4th, 5th and 6th arrondissements will keep you central and in lively areas.

|I have never been to PAris in the winter, but from reading everyone elses trip reports about going at Christmas I would choose Paris. First of course its Paris ,, lots to see and do,, and secondly, I keep hearing about little street stands that sell hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts and that sounds so nice and cozy! Being from a warmer climate,, do pack for wet cool weather,, even in Paris.

looks like I'm odd-man out here, but I, personally, would choose the Alps. Chamonix/Mt. Blanc is 1 of the most strikingly beautiful places on the planet and around xmas, would be spectacular (IMHO!). I've never been to Chamonix at xmas, (we skiied there in Feb 1 yr; fantastic skiing and gorgeous views that go on forever) but have been to several other Alpine resorts at this time of year (most memorably, St. Anton am Arlberg in Austria and St. Moritz in Switzerland), and just loved it. Although, clearly, I am a skiier and LOVE Alpine winter environments, so no doubt I'm more than a little biased (living in Manhattan, I just crave big, open spaces, mountain environments, etc.) Not that I DON'T love the city of Paris, of course, 1 of my favorites in Europe. But what I would do, personally, is go to Paris a little before Christmas, so that you can get in the markets and typically Parisian Christmas feel, then head to Chamonix on, say, the 23rd and spend the next few days there. That's exactly what we did in Austria; we were in Vienna for 4 days, through the 23rd, and then in St. Anton for 12/23 - 12/26 (so felt we got best of both worlds). Whatever you choose, you can't go wrong. It comes down to personal preferenes, but you are assured a memorable experience in either location. Hope your family has a fantastic time.