Hi, Me and my wife will be traveling to Paris between 9th and 12th of November. Reaching Paris Orly on 9th Nov (Friday, 2:00 P.M) and leaving on 12th Nov from Paris Est Train station (Monday, 7:00 P.M). We just realized that Nov 11th will be a national holiday for Armistice Day in France. Does that mean we lose one full day from the precious little that we already had? Will the tourist attractions, museums etc be open on the day? Also wanted to check if the 2 day Paris pass for 105 Euros makes sense for us? Since this is our first time in Paris, we would like to see as much of it as possible. A Any advice on the areas to stay in for easy access to all the major sites? We have a booking of an ensuite room at the Le Regent Hostel Montmartre already but i am tempted by a few really attractive deals from some Accor hotels which make them as affordable as the Le Regent! Thanks in advance for your advice!
Here's the website for the Paris Museum Pass: http://en.parismuseumpass.com/. It has a list of all museums it covers, including links to the museums' websites. Look up the museums you're interested in and see what their hours are, especially considering Armistice Day.
This year the 11th falls on a Sunday, and the French do NOT move their holidays like we do -- so it's pretty much a wash. Shops are closed already on Sundays, so they'll still be closed,while most museums will not close for the 11th. Of course, do be sure to check the website for any specific place you're interested in. In general, though, it will be Sunday regular.
A Paris pass is not a good deal, a Paris Museum pass ( cost 39 euros each) and perhaps only one carnet of metro tickets ( cost 12.70 euros , and you can split them between both of you) is a better deal.
As for what is open and closed, well everything will not close, I suggest you sit down, list what sites you want to see, which museums, and then check on their individual websites to see their hours on Nov 11. There will be a parade and something going on at the Arc De Triomphe, that might be interesting. I think the Louvre and Orsay will be open but please check. Be aware most museums close either on monday or tuesday , so do check which ones you choose to see on which days. Frankly depending on what you want to see , even a Museum pass may not work out.. please list what you must see and perhaps people can give more specific help..
Many shops in Marais stay open on Sunday but close Saturday,, its the Jewish quarter and a great place to wander!