Tips for Paris at Christmas and New Year

Use the search box at the top right to read Paris trip reports. Although perhaps not specific to the holidays there is much valuable info already posted. Here is a thread about getting from CDG to your hotel. http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/cdg-airport-transfer-to-paris-hotel.cfm

A taxi is my preference for transport from CDG as I don't care to lug a suitcase from bus to metro while jetlagged after being in planes for 12+ hours. There are several very helpful Fodorites quite willing to give you detailed info on how to use public transport to get to your specific hotel if you start a thread with that question. With three of you a taxi will be fairly economical but public transport will most likely still be cheaper.

You might watch the video linked in the following thread and ask the OP questions about being in Paris at the holidays. http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/want-to-visit-paris-at-christmas-with-maitaitom-and-tracy-now-you-can.cfm

I save by eating at fancier places at lunch rather than dinner so I can enjoy the lovely atmosphere, service and food without paying dinner prices. Of course not all restaurants are open at lunch. Here is a thread with some nice suggestions for splurges although some are for Provence as well as Paris. http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/splurge-worthy-choices-in-paris-and-provence.cfm

Hi Jume!

If I am right, Jume is not coming from the US but is in Europe.

Where are you staying?

With three people, a taxi from the airport might not be much more expensive per person than public transportation.

I have had several great trips to Paris with my two daughters of a similar age, only never with the two of them together.

One memorable, fun evening was spent at the Caveau des Oubliettes, a jazz club at 52 rue Galande in the Latin Quarter in the dungeon of a bar with an actual guillotine upstairs. Live music every night from 10:00 (get there earlier and line up before the doors open to be sure of a seat), no admission charge, one drink minimum (I think).

You might be interested in my trip report from last month (warning, very, very long):

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/whipped-and-kissed-at-the-cirque-dhiver-nikki-runs-away-to-paris.cfm

There are other reports from my previous trips which can be found by clicking on my name and scrolling down to trip reports.

Hi all

Many thanks for your replies! Much appreciated.

Nikki - Your last piece was brought to my attention by Sheila last week! Lucky you, back to France again. I can not talk, however, as I will be in Paris for both Christmas AND New Year (the latter without daughters!)

To whet your travel appetite...
http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=europe&thread=2837&page=1#54121

Hi Jume & Nikki, I learned lot of travel tips from you people.
Thanks
Happy Christmas & Happy New Year
Thanks
http://knol.google.com/k/christmas#

amwosu - the photos from "your" link are AMAZING! Can not now wait to get to Paris. Thanks!

I opened this thread to send it on to you, Jume. Well done for finally dipping your toe in the water!

Sheila - it took me long enough, didn't it? You must have thought, softly, softly catch the monkey!

I saw no monkeys in Paris in November, maybe December is different? Or is that some Scottish thing?