I will be traveling with my adult daughter and grand-daughter. Is Paris shut down for Christmas and the next day, as it is in London? Is the weather better in one or the other. <BR>Thanks Margie

i'm not sure of the holiday situation, but being an adult daughter myself, i'd rather be "shut down" in paris rather than in london ... while london has so much to offer from a nightlife and metropolitan point of view, paris is as much a hotspot of beauty, museums and sites on the outside as it is indoors!

Thanks for your inputMargei

I also agree that Paris is more aesthetically pleasing than London, but you can't beat London at Yuletide. There is something so cozy, so Dickensian about London than it seems the apitome of Christmas. There is nothing like going to the Connaught Hotel and having roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, or going to Harrod's to shop for gifts. There is also that cold, crisp air making your cheeks all red and the smell of roasting chestnuts in the air--this just puts you in mood for Christmas.

Contrary to London, the Paris metro operates normally on Dec 25 (a reminder: in England, NO Underground or rail services available on Xmas day, including the Eurostar, a real nightmare). So, if you want to move around in a city, choose Paris. On the other hand, sales season starts on Boxing Day in London, not until mid-January in Paris !

Margie, I have been in both cities during the Christmas season, but not on Christmas Day itself. In general I prefer Paris as a destination, but at Christmas London wins hands down. Paris has a low key and less commercial atmosphere at Christmas that I admire-you almost feel that you are walking into a time long past in America, but London has all the touches that make Christmas the season that we all conjure up in our imaginations. It is not unusual to have students start impromtu carol singing on street corners, the decorations are lovely, and Christmas activities abound. London Walks does a Christmas walk with June, a wonderful woman frequently written up for her great skill. London hotels have many special offers for the holiday, I am intrigued by the Cadogan package, that would probably make the day special. Boxing Day sales sound exciting too. Good luck. <BR> <BR>linda

I was in Paris for Christmas last year and it was magical. Went to church at St. Germain du Pres on Christmas Morning and when we came out, all the cafes were open around the square. Went to a concert on Ile St. Louis that night (Russian music) and many restaurants and cafes were open then too. Plus a few little stores in the afternoon such as L'Occitane. Very surprising. Plus the decorations are lovely and the food...oh well. Can't wait to get back.