Paris-Best to visit end of October.. or during Christmas time?
Aug 3rd, 2015, 12:43 PM
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Paris-Best to visit end of October.. or during Christmas time?
I am Jess, 25 year old American who will study abroad in France this fall in Orleans,France. I had posted a previous topic about where to travel during my first All Saints holiday (October 24-November 1). I had lovely suggestions that I do intend to enjoy at one point during my stay in France, but I can't get Paris off my mind. I would like to at least take in Paris for about 5 days during a holiday, so I'd like to know...should I stay in Paris during All Saints holiday or during Christmas break? I heard the end of October is very rainy, and I'm not sure about a cold and windy December. I will leave it to you all to let me know from your own experience in Paris! Thank you in advance for your suggestions!!
Aug 3rd, 2015, 12:58 PM
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December may be cold and windy but you have all of the beautiful Christmas decor and lights, the Christmas markets and the general holiday spirit in December! Late October early November may also be cold and rainy/windy without the sparkle.
I've been there both times and I would choose Christmas.
I've been there both times and I would choose Christmas.
Aug 3rd, 2015, 01:22 PM
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I haven't been there at Christmas, so I think it depends on what you want to do and if you have alternate plans or not. If you have no family/friends you can visit at Christmas, it would probably be a good diversion (if you are Christian and that holiday means anything, even from a family viewpoint) and plenty to do. Otherwise, what are you going to do? Hang out in Orleans? ugh If you can't afford or take the time to go to/from the US for Christmas, I think it would be a good idea.
YOu can't predict the weather for a few days, anyway.
If I were you, I'd do something else for ALl Saints and go to Paris for Xmas.
YOu can't predict the weather for a few days, anyway.
If I were you, I'd do something else for ALl Saints and go to Paris for Xmas.
Aug 3rd, 2015, 02:13 PM
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There is no guarantee for acceptable weather in either October or December, but with a luck, it is not at all impossible that the weather can be delightful at the end of October. This is much less likely in December, but the Christmas decorations and Christmas markets make Paris definitely worth visiting then even if the weather is deplorable.
You have not said where you are from in the United States, but even though Paris is north of Montréal, you can generally expect the December weather to be more like Atlanta. Thank you, Gulf Stream.
You have not said where you are from in the United States, but even though Paris is north of Montréal, you can generally expect the December weather to be more like Atlanta. Thank you, Gulf Stream.
Aug 3rd, 2015, 02:23 PM
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I love Paris at Christmastime. The shop windows are decorated so cleverly; they're all so beautiful. The best part is they're free. You have the Christmas market on the Champs Élysées, which is fun.
Just walking through Paris, with the occasional stop for a vin chaud, is a joy during the holidays.
Having said that, I love Paris at any time.
Just walking through Paris, with the occasional stop for a vin chaud, is a joy during the holidays.
Having said that, I love Paris at any time.
Aug 3rd, 2015, 07:33 PM
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We've been in Paris twice in the last ten years for Christmas and had a great time. The first time it was snowing, but it wasn't a problem. The last time it was warm enought to walk around in a light jacket on New Years day.
Aug 4th, 2015, 11:05 PM
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If you like looking at pretty lights - which are turned on around 4:30 PM, when it gets dark - and you can stand very windy, damp, cold weather, then you might enjoy coming at Christmas. Sometimes there is a rare snow flurry or two, which makes everything nicer, but you can never count on that.
Sitting on a cafe terrace to eat or drink is not always comfortable - enclosures tend to be VisQueen sheeting and not airtight - so if you had planned to do a lot of that, you might think seriously about your wardrobe.
The only observation of Le Toussaint (Nov 1) takes place at cemeteries in Paris and in Catholic churches. Both Pere Lachaise and Montparnasse cemeteries are very nice to see at this time of year. The weather will be about the same as in December, possibly a little warmer, always windy.
The Christmas decorations begin in mid-November, for anyone who's interested.
Sitting on a cafe terrace to eat or drink is not always comfortable - enclosures tend to be VisQueen sheeting and not airtight - so if you had planned to do a lot of that, you might think seriously about your wardrobe.
The only observation of Le Toussaint (Nov 1) takes place at cemeteries in Paris and in Catholic churches. Both Pere Lachaise and Montparnasse cemeteries are very nice to see at this time of year. The weather will be about the same as in December, possibly a little warmer, always windy.
The Christmas decorations begin in mid-November, for anyone who's interested.
Aug 5th, 2015, 07:54 PM
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Thank you all so much!! I booked a place in Paris for end of October. I am cold even when it's 80 degrees outside! I figure I can just visit for a weekend in December to see the beautiful lights
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