I'll have an opportunity to be in Paris in early December. I'm considering doing a drive through Normandy with stops in Honfleur, Bayeux and Mont St. Michel. I would then be back in Paris for the rest of the trip. Is this a crazy time to go there? Would you recommend other options or should I spend the whole 10 days in Paris?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
Not a crazy time to go at all! Paris is all lit up for Christmas with lights and decorations in every neighborhood - the Christmas "fetes" are off and running along the Champs Elysses - the Galeries Lafayette windows are awesome - it is just gorgeous and festive and wonderful. I would choose 10 YEARS in Paris, never mind 10 days... but you could definitely go to Normandy and stop in Honfleur and Bayeux, etc. I would stay in Bayeux, but that's just me.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
The only issue in Dec is that the weather can be marginal. Probably rainy and very chilly if not cold to someone from Texas. Days are very short with a weak sunlight but the lights of Paris off set a lot of that. It is never crazy to be in Paris at anytime but Normandy might be a little dreary but will fight any crowds.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
If Normandy is anything like the coast of Belgium in December (have been to the latter, not the former during that month)... expect very low visibility, not to mention the very short hours of daylight. You won't see much.
Posted by
Springfield, VA, USA
283 posts
I was in Paris last Christmas and IT WAS COLD! Really COLD! And days are much shorter, but in Paris the extra time to see the lights makes up for short days. That said, I found it a wonderful time to be there. Decorations, Christmas Markets, and there are few tourists. I actually spent 45 minutes in the Orangerie Monet galleries all by myself. Notre Dame was nearly empty. It was extraordinary.