My husband and I are planning a trip to Paris for our anniversary in February. We heard that there is a European holiday during the time that we had hope to travel there. Has anyone been to Paris during this time and can you tell me what to expect? Crowds, lines, millions of kids, or just typical big city activity?

What holiday are you referring to? Is it just a day or a longer school holiday?

There are no national French holidays in February. There are school vacation periods, though, which is probably what you are referring to. In Paris, the school winter vacation period is Feb 8-Feb 23.

My husband surprised me with a Valentines trip to Paris a year and a half ago. It was marvelous! Though we had some rain, it was not enough to dampen the mood. We weren't cold at all (from Wyoming), but every picture of my sister-in-law (Florida)looks like she is freezing. We didn't have a problem w/crowds anywhere except the Louvre, which always has a line. Have a grand time! We're green w/envy!

The winter school holiday in February usually presents no problem for Paris. Most families take the opportunity to go family skiing, with the result that ski resorts and slopes are packed and prices soar.

http://www.national-holidays.com/ dates of holidays around the world, including Paris<BR>as the others said, there is not one in Feb<BR>I have a file on Paris; if you'd like to see it, email me

I wouldn't be too concerned about be inconvenienced by crowds, long lines, etc., in Paris. We were there during three separate holidays in May and enjoyed seeing French families out and about enjoying the city. In fact, I would say that it added to our enjoyment.<BR>Just make sure you buy museum passes to avoid the possible long lines!

I was in Paris from Feb. 14-18 this year, and I wouldn't say it was overwhelmingly crowded. There were still a lot of people at Versailles and the Rodin Museum (the only really touristy places I visited on the trip), but the lines to get in were nowhere near as long as I've seen them when I've been in Paris during the spring or fall. I noticed that there seemed to be a lot of Americans (including me) in Paris last February; I'm not sure if that's because there are always a lot of Americans in Paris, or if there were even more of us than usual because it happened to be the President's Day holiday weekend in the U.S.

Thanks to all for the responses. I am pleased to learn the &quot;Holiday&quot; I had heard about was simply the winter break for school kids and we will continue our plans with renewed enthusiasm.

A funny note - we were in Paris on the Feb. break 2 years ago and things weren't crowded at all (not by our standards!). We enjoyed seeing French families out and about. When we came back from the Loire Valley on the TGV, it was packed with kids. I envisioned a very long trip...but I couldn't believe how much quieter (soft spoken) French kids are than American kids. They are also very well mannered -it was like being in a library. Anyway, it was a nice experience and my son met a boy his age.