Nikki

Another idea for a special occasion meal is Neva Cuisine, with a chocolate sphere for dessert that I dream about. They come out and pour melted chocolate over it and reveal the ice cream inside. It was the best meal my husband and I shared in Paris.

Check with your cell phone company about international plans. They vary widely. I have T Mobile and get free international texting and data, with a low cost per minute for phone calls. But some other companies are less affordable internationally, and you might have to look into other plans.

I use my phone in Paris just as I do in the US. The Uber app does work in Paris.

levinberman

ENVIERGES, thanks for your input and yes, I meant the Marais...I do realize that the Parisian Jews do not reside in a ghetto. That did sound like an off comment on my part. I am brand new to this site and so very appreciative to be a part of this community. I am truly grateful for everyone’s comments however short or lengthy they are. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Leely2

I have been twice to Paris during that same time period, and the more recent visit I was surprised at how crowded the city was the week between/of Christmas and New Year's. I was with a first-timer, so we were seeing a number of the major museums + Notre Dame. We waited in line for a long time in the cold outside Musee D'Orsay, even with the museum pass. Same with Pompidou. Waltzed right into the Louvre, though many parts were mobbed inside. So layers and thicker-soled shoes are key, because you get quite a bit colder when you're just standing around than when you're walking.

However, I am from California, and perhaps a bit wimpy when it comes to cold weather. And I still had a wonderful time.

Not sure if your teens would dig it, but Musée Jacquemart-André is open on Christmas Day.

http://www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com/fr/home

I love La Grande Cascade for special occasions, but it may not be what you're looking for NYE. And I was last in Paris three years ago, so I'm not current on restaurants. I would probably zero in on a few restaurants before you leave and make reservations here--not for every night, but some. You could do some reading on John Talbott's blog for a start. Or check chowhound.

http://johntalbottsparis.typepad.com/

I always take a taxi from the airport when I arrive because I am usually dead tired.

Have fun!

levinberman

Nikki, thank you so much for the restaurant recommendation. Sounds wonderful especially since we have many chocolate desert lovers in our midst. I will most definitely check it out.

levinberman

Leely2,
Thank you for all of your wonderful tips. I am definitely going to read up on the mentioned websites. Wow, thx for the heads up on the museum pass situation...would not have expected that...thank you!

levinberman

Fishnlines29,
Excellent information! I am so appreciative for so many great tips. Thank you so very much!

levinberman

Bedar, I appreciate your kind words. We are all excited about Paris being our first European city to visit as a family!

fuzzbucket

There are 2 synagogues (Temples) in the Marais:
One is on rue de Tournelles - don't confuse it with rue des Turenne - and is on the back side of Place des Vosges.

The other is turning left on rue des Rosiers, but you can't go inside, unfortunately. Right near Schwartz's Deli.

The rest of the pletzl is only about 2 blocks long - lined with maybe 2 or 3 kosher bakeries, bookstores, and Marianne for Mediterranean mezzes, which should be visited. Miznon is impossible to get into. Sacha Finkelsztajn's yellow store is good for most things. I do not like L'As de Felafel and see most of it in the garbage bins.

The rest of the pletzl is made up of Addidas stores and other chain stores and is best forgotten.

fuzzbucket

That should be rue des Tournelles and rue du Turenne...

Envierges

There is another important synagogue in the Marias. . . Agoudas Hakehilos synagogue on rue Pavee because it was designed inside and out by Hector Guimard. If you're interested in French Art Nouveau, this means something.

denisea

The metro and buses are not difficult to use. I wouldn't bother with a taxi or Uber. Buy several carnet (10 tickets) to use throughout. You can use the same tickets for both.

A good book for determining fun day trips and the importance or relevance of them is Paris to the Past. You can take great day trips from Paris by train and be back for dinner, if you would like.

You just need layers for December in Paris. Travel umbrella, good scarf, gloves and I like water resistant shoes. Use the hand warmers they sell at outdoor stores if it is really cold. Otherwise, the chocolat chaud in Paris is wonderful and that's the best way to warm up. Your kids might enjoy the tea room at Un Dimanche a Paris for hot chocolate and wonderful desserts.

I agree with the rec to climb the towers at Notre Dame. Obviously, the stire windows at Galleries Lafayette and Printemps will be a Christmas season "must".

You will also want to reserve a table for dinner on Christmas eve. Christmas Eve can be very quiet and many places will be closed by the end of the afternoon. We always enjoy Allard for Christmas Eve. They have two dinner seatings on Christmas Eve. Jules Verne is a restaurant many enjoy for an occasion. Ciel de Paris is also a popular choice. We love Verjus---but not sure if they are open NYE.

Your kids (and you) might enjoy Le Souffle for lunch or dinner..if you like soufflé.

One way to see the Marais and enjoy great cheese, chocolate, charcuterie etc...is a Paris by Mouth food tour. We have done two different ones and have enjoyed them. It's a great way to sample French foods, learn about the neighborhood etc...you sample a lot and if yiu don't like something, there is plenty more that you will like.

I love Paris at Christmas (click my name to find my trip reports if interested). Enjoy your trip!

levinberman

Fuzzbucket, thank you so much for the info regarding the synagogues and all of your other valuable tips/insight. You are such an incredible community and travel resource...so very comprehensive and generous with your responses. I am so grateful to have been introduced to this site! ��

levinberman

ENVIERGES, thank you very much...we are looking forward to visiting the synagogues in Paris.

Envierges

You asked for a book rec. There are so many!! This is a link to one that may be of interest to you. Read the info and see what you think. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hare_with_Amber_Eyes

Leely2

Not specific to Paris, but this doc about the theft of European art during WWII may be of interest to you and your teens:

http://www.rapeofeuropa.com/aboutTheStory.asp

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0iL7k_R0LM

levinberman

Leely2,
Thank you!

levinberman

ENVIERGES, thank you. I will check out the recommended book.

levinberman

Denisea,
Thank you for your helpful tips and yes, just took a look at your trip report which has more a vast amount of great info! Thx for mentioning. Now that I have been intorid

levinberman

Denisea,
Apologies...technical difficulties I guess. Anyway, as I was saying, now that I have been introduced to this community, I can’t imagine traveling without first checking in here. Can’t thank you and everyone who posted here enough! Merci beaucoup!

scdreamer

A few corrections to advice above:

You don't need to get Euros ahead of time, unless you want to. The ATMs at the airport will suffice. Use your debit card for getting money ... and when in the city always use Bank ATMs, not funky stand-alones in shops.

Also - your credit card should have a chip, but you don't have to have a PIN. Most US credit cards don't have PINs yet. You can just sign for anything you charge. Be sure NOT to have them convert your charges to $$$. Dynamic Currency Conversion (that's when they offer the option to convert to dollars) is not good - you will get a very bad exchange rate. Just leave it in Euros and let your credit card company bill you. Also - make sure your card does NOT charge a "foreign transaction fee" - many do charge up to 3% on all your foreign charges, so be aware. It's worth it to get a card that doesn't charge the fee, if your current card does.

And - If you have Verizon for your cell phone, it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. You can get "Travel Pass," which costs an extra $10 a day in Europe - for the same data plan you already have. Call Verizon or go online and they will explain it. You're only charged for the 24-hour periods you use it, so it's a good deal, and no fee to sign up for it.

And not to be negative, but be aware of your surroundings and belongings at all times. Don't put your purse down anywhere - cross-body bags carried with the opening toward your chest are the best option. Do not be distracted by ploys such as someone falling down in front of you, or telling you they just found a gold coin, or anything that seems a little "off." There are pickpockets who are amazingly talented (IMO even more so than in NYC).

That said - You will LOVE Paris! It's a wonderfully beautiful city that will capture your imagination forever.