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Old Nov 9th, 2015, 11:57 AM
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27 Days until Paris

We are in countdown mode...27 days until we land in Paris. Lodging booked, Day trips booked to Rimes and Strasbourg , Eiffel Tower Tickets booked, Bustronome tour booked... so I think I am set for some of the things our group wants to do...... Now , here are my questions: What is the weather in Paris in December ? We arrive on 12/7 and leave on 12/22. I have read that it is in the 50's or 40's - is this right ? What are the best types of clothes to pack for the 3 weeks we will be there, keeping in mind - we get 50 lbs only for the suitcase. I am only allowing each traveler one suitcase. Our lodgings will have a washer and dryer. We will have lodgings with a full kitchen , we will be in the 9th This will be our first time in this area(previously stayed in the 1st and 3rd). Are there any specific markets in this area we should hit for food ? Specific shops that are not to be missed ?

All suggestions and information welcome.... I am very excited, we have been to Paris 8 times but the others going with us, it will be their first times. I am exicted to show them the Paris I love ...
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Old Nov 9th, 2015, 12:06 PM
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Your weather stats are a little optimistic, it's typically about 5-10 degrees colder, it's roughly about like Washington DC. So high more like 45, down to upper 30s at night. May rain

http://www.holiday-weather.com/paris/averages/december
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Old Nov 9th, 2015, 12:11 PM
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You have a washer and dryer and are each bringing 50 lbs.??? WHOA!!

Paris weather, like weather anywhere, is totally unpredictable. Check forecasts for a few days before you leave and plan accordingly. Bring plenty of layers, raingear, boots, scarf, and gloves.
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Old Nov 9th, 2015, 12:57 PM
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It's not totally unpredictable, average over the years are a very good guide. It's not going to be 70s and sunny, for example. And checking just a few days before you leave is no guarantee of anything for a stay of more than a few days. Sure, check, but I wouldn't ignore historical weather stats.

I forgot, I stay in that area some, be sure to try the market street rue des Martyrs for food shopping and for fun. Can't find a good description, here's one https://girlsguidetoparis.com/shoppi...arket-streets/

It really depends where you are as in any arrondisement. Marche Anvers (near that metro stop) is open Friday afternoons from 3 pm to 8 pm (unusual for a food market). http://equipement.paris.fr/marche-anvers-5471
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Old Nov 9th, 2015, 01:28 PM
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Christina. Thank you for the market suggestion. We will stop there. Not too far from our apartment which in on Rue Pierre Fontaine
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Old Nov 9th, 2015, 01:50 PM
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We've traveled to Paris several times in early December and I always pack for layering. I take a raincoat that I can wear with multiple layers (jacket, silk turtleneck, sweater) as many indoor spaces are quite warm and I don't like carrying a heavy coat. Take gloves, umbrella and scarves and you'll be fine.

I get the 50 lb limit as I have lots of weight in boots that time of year as well as sweaters, etc. If going for 3 weeks I need footwear options and will wear "biggest" boots on plane but pack ankle boots and walking shoes. It really is harder to pare down this time of year.
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Old Nov 9th, 2015, 02:53 PM
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Paris in december is around 5C.
Might snow, but not often the case. Might be rainy, might be windy. Might even freeze.

Now, november should be below 10C and today it was at least 15C and beautiful weather.
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Old Nov 9th, 2015, 07:20 PM
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hahaha ... fond memories!
DH and I spent New Years in Paris a few years ago (almost 10? how time flies!) We flew BA from NY To Paris wih connection in London ... when London luggage handlers were on strike. Needless to say, our luggage was lost.

We had always, until that point, traveled with no carry-on luggage to avoid potentially deemed no-no's by TSA

Landed in Paris on December 28, me wearing a skirt, warm sweater (Thank You God!!!), boots and a semi warm coat. DH wearing jeans, warm sweatshirt and semi-warm jacket.
That's all the clothing we had for one week. We had to buy underwear, toiletries and scarves (it was about 40 degrees), hand luggage to lug home a few souvenier purchases, but had one of the best short trips we've ever taken.
We managed to have dinner at quite high priced restaurants and no one made us feel under-dressed or out of place. Wore the same clothes ... day in, day out. Best rip, ever.
Rainy. Cold. Fabulous!!!

BA? Never again. They reimbursed us for zilch. Will never use British Airways again. Never.
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Old Nov 10th, 2015, 07:38 AM
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You should start at the top and consider what's on your head. A hat that will repel rain and can cover your ears from chill is essential. Buy a nice scarf as a souvenir (Google "how to tie a scarf" for ideas -- for men and women.) Be stern with yourself about shoes: One heavy pair on the plane; one light pair packed as backup. Anything more is vanity. Denim is heavy, so if you must have jeans, wear then to fly. Like other posters, I think 50 pounds is at least 20 more than you should pack.
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Old Nov 10th, 2015, 09:31 AM
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I don't understand why you have already booked Eiffel Tower tickets if you are worried about the weather. Already right now, you can't even see the top of the Eiffel Tower most mornings because it is hidden in the mist. Advanced booked tickets are a wonderful gift to the Eiffel Tower administrators because it means there will be a lot of people who have to go there even when the weather is terrible and there is no visibility.

I would never go to the Eiffel Tower if visibility was not good, but they have found a way to trick you into it no matter what.

Who knows? Maybe you will be lucky.
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Old Nov 10th, 2015, 12:07 PM
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Maybe you will, maybe you won't...

The temperature during the day hovers around 25 F, night runs around -2 F. There is often ice around in the early mornings.

Due to the Environmental Conference being held in Paris from 11 November - 11 December, you should expect some holdups due to security measures at the most popular monuments and attractions, as well as some transportation problems.

It is not unusual for the Eiffel Tower to be closed at any time of the year - due to bad weather, official functions, security problems,etc. If this is the case, no refunds are issued. But since you've already purchased your tickets, you'll just have to hope for the best outcome.

The weather in Paris during the month of December is usually dismal. There are very few sunny days, and it is almost always drizzling, unless there are a few snow flurries. The sun rises around 8:30 and sets around 4:30 - not much daylight to speak of.

Unless you are extremely fortunate, you won't be able to see much from the Eiffel Tower, due to low-hanging clouds, mist or rain - especially if you plan to go all the way to the top.

Frankly, when you go inside almost every building in Paris - museums, cafes, restaurants, department stores - you'll have to take off most of what you're wearing, or succumb to heat stroke. Be sensible and pack removable light layers, instead of heavy sweaters, etc. A pair of boots might be a good idea, and another pair of shoes should be all anyone will need. It takes about 2 hours to wash a medium-sized load of laundry, and about 60 mins to dry.

50 lbs might be fine when you're coming home loaded with souvenirs, but that's way too much to bring to Paris, especially if you'll be wearing your coats. Nobody will know or care if anyone wears the same outfit all the time. Really - rethink the packing.
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