levinberman

My family which is comprised of me, my husband and my two kids, (16yo daughter), and (14yo son) are going to Paris this winter during the Christmas break. This is our family’s first trip ever outside of the US. We are of course really excited! This is my gift to my husband on his upcoming 60th birthday. He picked Paris, so here we are. We are leaving on 12/21/17 and returning on 1/1/18. My husband’s birthday is on 1/1/18 but we celebrate it always on New Year’s eve.

So why am I reaching out to you? I need as much info as possible on how to plan and prepare for my trip. I guess it’s never too early to think about what to wear, what to pack, especially since there are kids involved. I want to make sure that we are all dressed appropriately since we’ll be doing a lot of walking in Paris during the cold winter days. Are the winters in Paris as cold as they are in New York? How do people dress? I am especially interested in knowing what to wear on our feet. Do you recommend specific warm boots for men/boys, women/girls? I want us to be fashionable, but most importantly comfortable and warm. My son pretty much wears his basketball sneakers everywhere and has one pair of shoes that he rarely wears. I want him to be warm but comfy because if he is not, then we won’t be able to cover much ground which would be a total waste. Do you recommend any particular brands for women’s/men’s boots/shoes, coats? Being prepared to brave the cold is so important, I can’t stress that enough. I can recall so many times walking with the kids in NYC only having to cut our walks short because everyone was freezing.

I also need names of some cool restaurants, especially a restaurant that I can reserve for my husband’s 60th birthday celebration. I don’t want it to be touristy and want it to be elegant, yummy and special. Also, just to give you an idea of where we will be in relation to any of the restaurants you may be recommending...we are staying at Le Burgundy Hotel the entire time.

If there is a good book that you think is a MUST read prior to our trip, please let me know.

Feel free to share anything you can think of to help us make this a memorable vacation. We are also thinking of taking a trip to Versailles. In terms of $, should we bring any Euros with us or exchange $ once we get there? Everyone is bringing an iPhone. Is there a good international phone plan we should consider buying? Best way to see the major museums? Anything noteworthy closed during this time of the year? Best way to get around the city? Do the iPhone apps work outside of the US, i.e. Uber? To visit or not to visit the Jewish area? Thinking about the safety first and foremost especially because having our children with us. Book restaurant/museum, other attraction reservations on-line prior to our trip or through the hotel concierge when we get there? Best way to get to and from hotel and the airport?


Thank you so very much in advance! Can’t wait to start making our plans! Last time I was in Paris was the summer of 1999. This is a dream come true to share this ultimate experience with my husband and my two children. Please share as much as you can! Every advice counts! Thank you again!!!!

Envierges

You have a lot of questions there. I hope you've done some serious guidebook looking. You're visiting Paris at a marvelous time but best to be prepared. On this forum you'll get lots of answers to your questions. I'll only deal with two

"Are the winters in Paris as cold as they are in New York?"

Yes, damper and darker with very short days. Waterproof shoes/boots are important as are layers, scarves etc. Then again you might run into a string of lovely days. Paris weather is much more changeable on a dime than is New York's.

"To visit or not to visit the Jewish area?"

There isn't a Jewish area. Jews live all over Paris. If you mean the historic Ghetto . . .the Marais, esp. around Rue des Rosiers this has undergone considerable change and is now a mixture of trendy boutiques and remaining vestiges of the former ghetto. Falafel restaurants a plenty. Perfectly safe.

fuzzbucket

Weather in New York - same as in Paris. Days might be shorter.
It will probably rain most of the time.
Wear what you do in New York and you'll be fine.

Frankly, you'd do better to go to TripAdvisor for your questions. You have too many to answer!!! They'd love to tell you all the details...

Fishnlines29

Dress warm, bring layers and yes to comfortable shoes.

Tell the 14 & 16-year-olds to do some of their own research and pick their top 2 or 3 must-see sites or things to do. This will get them more excited and enjoy the trip more if they feel they have a say.

I always get a little of the local money in cash just in case prior to traveling, maybe 200 euros from my bank, but the best way to do it to just use your ATM card over there for the best exchange rates through your bank. Most places in France take VISA for instance but not AmEx. Make sure your card is not old and has chip and pin.

Your iphones should work - call your phone carrier ie. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, whatever and ask them what your best option is while you're away. I know Verizon for example, you can buy a one-month international plan.

The best way to get around the city is Metro/RER. Download the map onto your phone ahead of time as it's helpful to be able to view the map as you're riding or trying to figure out which direction to go.

If you're going to hit major sites, museums, including Versaille, you might want to invest in the museum pass - see this website:
http://en.parismuseumpass.com/ I ordered this ahead of time and it was worth it for us. In addition, I think you can order some subway tickets (carnets) in advance as well.

Our biggest challenge was actually navigating the airport - figuring out where to meet our car (we ordered car service in advance) and navigating train stations etc. If you are unsure if you are in the right place, ask someone. It's a little confusing at first - we found things to be labeled strangely. Don't be intimidated it just takes a little getting used to and don't be afraid to ask for help!

If you do travel on trains etc, always keep your belongings with you - not in a suitcase rack by the door.

Paris is gorgeous, dress warm and you will all have a blast!

Bedar

Congrats on choosing Paris for your first visit. It should be everyone's first place to visit.
Great that you appreciate the need to dress warmly and good that you're from NY and already have the proper clothing.
Footware is important. Try to get boots with a little platform sole which will really help you keep warm.

fuzzbucket

Take a taxi from CDG to your hotel. 50 or 55 EU for all 4 of you, depending on address, including luggage. Best deal going.

You will have trouble - probably - understanding the Metro or Bus system. Always keep your validated tickets until you leave the station.
Here it is in plain English:
http://www.ratp.fr/en/visite-paris/e...rounding-areas

jamikins

Why would they have trouble understanding the metro or bus? They have lots of time to learn how it work. Although a taxi may be easier from the airport.

fuzzbucket

Your bank can provide you with Euros if you plan a week ahead.
I like having cash in hand - you never know when you'll need it.

Or, you can use ATMs, which might or might not have charges associated with them.

You should do some research on data and phone usage before you go.
Probably one of your kids could do it.

fuzzbucket

Take a taxi from CDG to your hotel. 50 or 55 EU for all 4 of you, depending on address, including luggage. Best deal going.

You will have trouble - probably - understanding the Metro or Bus system. Always keep your validated tickets until you leave the station.
Here it is in plain English:
http://www.ratp.fr/en/visite-paris/e...rounding-areas

Because, jamikins, nobody bothered to explain it to her...

KTtravel

I am hoping someone with more knowledge of restaurants in Paris can better help you, but I have often thought Le Train Bleu would be fun for a special occasion. I have not eaten there.

jamikins

The Paris transit system isn't rocket science.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/how-to-use...tation-1618925

A few google searches or questions here will easily explain it.

PalenQ

ten day in Paris you could do some easy day trips by train - like to Chartres and its famous mother of all Gothic cathedrals - see if tours by Malcom Miller are being offered!

Or Reims for the stunning cathedral there and Champagne House and Caves (though not sure of holiday schedules)

Or even Normandy's D-Day beaches -train to Caen or Bayeux and mini-bus tours of the most famous beachheads.

Or a day in the Loire Valley -again train to Tours and hook up with mini-bus tours to some of the most famous chateaus.

Or Brussels -just over an hour away by high-speed train or even London barely over 2 hours via Eurostar 'Chunnel' trains with special fares for day trippers.

And of course Versailles which to me is really part of Paris.

Or of course just staying in Paris is cool too!

For lots on trains and where to go near Paris- www.voyages-sncf.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

A fun perhaps divergence from cultural attractions check out Europe's largest urban indoor water park - Aquasplash - maybe leave kids there if something parents not into:

https://translate.google.com/transla...r/&prev=search

https://www.google.com/search?q=aqua...w=1745&bih=863

fuzzbucket

jamikins - with the kinds of questions the OP asked, I'd be surprised if she could figure it out.

marvelousmouse

Well, if they can figure out the NYC subways, they can figure out metro.

If they have verizon phones, it's going to cost and arm and a leg for data. They may just want to have one phone between the four of them, or get SIM cards.

It's damper than NYC. The cold damp that creeps into your bones. I found it similar to Seattle. I don't know if last year was mild or whatever but it was not as cold as NYC. Tennis shoes are fine; he'll just look like a student. A lot more adults wear leather shoes there but I saw plenty of students in sneakers. Wear a hat, gloves, scarf, water resistant coat. I wore silk long underwear under my leggings but I get cold easily. Screw looking fashionable. If you're walking 10+ miles a day, a lot of it up and down metro stairs, you just want to be comfy. Let him wear his sneakers and buy him some warm wool socks.

I wore my waterproof trail runners and Columbia omniheat jacket. And a sweater dress with leggings and a scarf. I wore the same thing in NYC. I'm wondering what you wore in NYC to be so cold. Unless the weather is extreme, it's mostly common sense. No uggs, no heels, no ballet flats, no dress shoes in general. I would broil in winter boots. It's a city not a ski resort. You spend just as much time inside as outside.

Pay to see the tower gargoyles at Notre dame. Go into Notre dame to see the nativity. Musee des arts les forains- carnival museum (probably reservations needed. I think they do an open house around Christmas, maybe someone can comment on that). The D'Orsay- art. les metiers- science and technology, great for teens/kids. I don't know if I'd drag teens through the Louvre. Let them drink hot chocolate and tour pastry shops. Book a walking tour, and a food tour. You and your daughter might enjoy lunch at Angelina's. Everyone is old enough for Moulin Rouge (I think) and it's a surprisingly awesome show. Dress up, let them buy a dorky souvenir, order champagne. Go see the Christmas decorations as g. Lafayettes.

I agree, get the rest of your family involved with planning. And take a good hard look at reality. Look at the weather reports. Consider just how many museums you can drag your family through. Consider what kind of restaurants everyone would enjoy. If you're from the east coast, maybe jet lag wouldn't be so bad, and you could take the train and spend the first two nights at Strasbourg for the Christmas Market. Or maybe plan an overnight trip to somewhere else. You have the time.

fuzzbucket

...or just read 3 or 4 good guide books.

PalenQ

why all 10 days in Paris? Maybe bop up to Amsterdam by train (3.5 hrs) and spend a few days there and fly home from there?

janisj

The metro is flat easy -- I speak no French at all (other than basic greetings, simple menu terms, that sort of thing) and the very first time I went to Paris -- found no difficulty using using the metro. Now, CDG on the other hand . . . a WHOLE 'nuther kettle of fish

Re celebratory dinner, Le Train Bleu would be great. But I might try for Ciel De Paris first. AMAZING views, wonderful service, and good food. But if you want to do this on New Year's Eve they might already be booked up (I didn't check)

Jean

janisj beat me to the suggestion of Le Train Bleu...

On Thursdays, the Musee d'Orsay offers a combo entry ticket and dinner in the restaurant. It's a lovely room.

I would only make day trips if the weather in the destination town/city looks good. You won't run out of things to do/see in Paris unless your family is particularly anti-museum. Peruse some guides (paper, online, YouTube) and determine the days and hours your sights will be open during the holiday period. Have a general plan for your days and make reservations where and when suggested (esp. for Xmas eve/day and NYE).

Forget fashion. Dress to be comfortable. Take layers of different weights and warmth and a waterproof jacket. I have a London Fog jacket with an insulated liner that zips out and a hood that detaches. I've worn it in a huge range of weather conditions including snowfall in Switzerland. Like marvelousmouse, I've worn waterproof trainer-type shoes. I take knee-high wool socks and a silk underwear top (never the bottoms). Take a hat, gloves and a scarf. I also like to take a packable

Jean

...a packable day pack for the days when the weather changes and I want to add or remove a layer. I've found these day packs at the Container Store and travel-related websites.

levinberman

Thank you so much for your input!