We will be in Paris the week between Christmas and a bit after New Years. Just wanted some feedback from someone who has been there at that time. What is Paris like, weather, crowds, activities. I have been before but in May. Whole different ballgame.
Thank you!
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10601 posts
I was there the exact same time of year. First, they are so much more tasteful in their holiday decorating than we are. It was beautiful. The crowds were there at the major tourist sites over the holidays, but there were less people than in the summer. That is the good news. The downside. When we were there (end of 08 to early 09) it was cold. REALLY COLD! The warmest day of our two week trip (including 10 nights in Paris) it got up to 33 degrees F. Plan on many indoor activities to get out of the cold and possibly wet weather. It didn't get light until about 9:00 a.m. and it got dark around 4:30 p.m., so daylight hours are limited. I highly recommend an apartment. You will have more room, and I know that we found ourselves 'at home' more than we typically are on a trip because of the above mentioned reasons. If you are going this year, I suggest you find a place ASAP since that is a popular time of year to travel. The best, and the best priced, apartments go early as do hotels.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
80 posts
My husband and I went for Christmas/New Year's in 2007. It was great...cold, but who cares you're in Paris and you'll be walking everywhere so just pop in a cafe for a hot tea or get a hot crepe on the street. The one complaint I have is that I didn't factor in all of the Europeans that would be on holiday and would be in Paris at the same time! The lines were very long so there were a few things we skipped, but overall a good time. We rented an apartment in Montmarte and I would recommend that over a hotel. We sat on the steps of the Sacre Coeur and watched with hundreds of others as we counted down the new year. Definitely an experience!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
My husband and I go to Paris every year between Christmas and New Year's and we LOVE IT. The Champs Elysses is lined with a grand market - tiny white chalet-style booths selling everything from bread to charcuterie to mittens to train sets to mulled wine - and you can spend hours walking, people-watching, eating and drinking, and window (or actual) shopping. Little tables are set up next to blazing heaters, and you can stand and sip a mulled wine and munch on roasted chestnuts or a great sandwich jambon and just absorb the atmosphere. Every neighborhood has their own quirky, charming displays of lights and decorations. At both Trocadero and l'Hotel de Ville the city sets up a skating rink, there are carousels and roller coasters, and the the windows of all the big department stores are ablaze with lights and colorful, inventive displays. There are crowds - and they are cheerful, happy, family crowds. Kids everywhere, parents taking the family Christmas photo in front of the characteristic flocked trees that are on almost every corner. In short, it is GREAT. I repeat - GREAT. Yes, one year it was very very very cold, but I wore socks and a coat and gloves - you know, like you do in the winter - and it was fine. Have a ball! It's wonderful!