Paris in January

We were there for New Year's twice. Once the weather was not too cold and it was lots of fun. Some street vendors on Left Bank were giving away food, wine, cake, oysters. They said as "thank you" to customers. Very nice. Another year it was terribly, terribly cold. Miserable to walk anywhere..not as much fun. We did not go to any clothing sales but there were some. Reservations needed for restaurants, of course.

Elainee, what about the museums, and other key sites, etc. Were they open this time of year?

Of course museums are open, why would they close down for the winter. They are only closed on major national holidays, and that would be NY day.

Christina, let me clarify... I have read in guidebooks that museums and other major sites have significantly reduced hours. That's really what I meant to ask.

I have not heard about limited hours for museums in the winter. You can check the websites for the specific sites that interest you. I have visited Paris in February and did not notice any unusual closings or restricted hours.

Which guidebooks told you that museums and other sites have limited hours in the winter? Did they mention specific sites that have such hours?

I was there over the holidays last Christmas/New Years. Nothing was really closed - I was surprised how everything was open on Christmas. I had expected to have issues with dining options on Christmas day and had done research etc. Not a thing to worry about - we had Christmas dinner in the 5th at a Greek place - SO fun. On NYE we ate at a local Chinese place - again no issues - we had a blast - one thing it was FREEZING last year - snowed a few times and it was bitter. Even the locals commented on it. I do not remember shorter hours with anything but perhaps there were?
My stepson and his friend went out on NYE and had a GREAT time - they did not mind the cold... I say GO!!

In college, I spent the month of January in Paris for an interim class. The weather was drizzly and cold most of the time - I was glad I had a raincoat with a zip in wool lining. There was even a little snow on the Champs de Mars! We had no trouble getting into museums or other attractions. The theater season is in full swing. The crowds were light at Versailles and Chartres. Of course, Monet's Garden at Giverny is closed.

Ms_Magellan, my friend and I will be in Paris for New Year's, too. We are two older women who have been to Paris several times, together and with other friends. So far, our NYE plan is to book a ride on a Seine cruise, to find a cafe or wine bar that stays open late, and then to watch the last lighting of The Eiffel Tower at around 11PM. If you hear of any other interesting alternatives, please post them. If we had the money to spend, my first choice would be to ring in the new year at Pre Catalan in the Bois de Boulogne. If my information is correct, they offer a celebration dinner and fireworks in the park that can be viewed from the restaurant. I've been to Paris in the winter and it usually rains, so although it isn't often as cold as my home town, the dampness can chill you to the bone. Layers of clothing and rain boots are in order. Luckily, there are so many museums, department stores, and other indoor venues to stay warm and dry, that the city is wonderful in winter.

Merci beaucoup for your helpful input, especially Poetess.. I can't believe how detailed your NYE festivities are! You obviously have your act together vs. trying to wing-it last minute like me!