Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

New Years in Paris

Search

New Years in Paris

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 10th, 2011, 10:11 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
New Years in Paris

Have 8 days to spend in Paris over New Years week, or 5 days in Paris, 3 somewhere else such as Loire Valley or Champagne region. Looks like Loire hotels are closed or empty- is this a really dead time of year? Any recommendations for 3 days somewhere else? We've spent Christmas in Paris before but not New Years, is it difficult to get restaurant reservations? We love to walk but if the weather is bad will limit the options in Paris I think. Looking for some expert advice!
PatD is offline  
Old Dec 10th, 2011, 10:19 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes, the Loire is really dead in winter - gray, bleak, empty. You might want to hop on the TGV and spend a few days in Avignon or Aix or Nice or even Marseilles.

If you mean reservations for THIS New Year's, it's almost certainly too late for reservations. Most of the popular places offer special NYE prix fixe meals with entertainment, and they are booked months in advance. I'd go for ethnic food.
StCirq is offline  
Old Dec 10th, 2011, 10:22 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We spent a week in Paris over New Years in 2009/2010 and absolutely loved it! You can check out our report and pics here:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...stmas-2009.cfm

We had cold weather but never found that to be a problem - wrap up and stop in cafes for wine

Definitely make your reservations NOW! perhaps ask your hotel for some help with this!
jamikins is offline  
Old Dec 10th, 2011, 10:34 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I suggest three days in Colmar, you can visit from there also Strasbourg or to go for one day trip to Freiburg (Germany).

By the way (excuse me, English is for me a foreing language), is it correct to say "New Years"?
Marighita is offline  
Old Dec 10th, 2011, 10:37 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Marighita - yes, we say new years all the time - technically it is supposed to be spelled New Year's (as in New Year's Eve)
jamikins is offline  
Old Dec 10th, 2011, 12:43 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you, Jamikins
Marighita is offline  
Old Dec 10th, 2011, 05:39 PM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the tip on Loire. Have thought about Colmar and the Alsace- good suggestion. So, much like the US, the New Year's eve bashes are booked but the local restaurant are still serving dinner as usual? I can deal with that. Grammatically, yes it is New Year's Eve, the possesive form of year. Sorry for the typo.
PatD is offline  
Old Dec 10th, 2011, 05:51 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Most of the local restaurants (unless you're talking about the outer arrondissements, and maybe even there) are doing the same thing - a night of food and drink and entertainment, booked well in advance by, well, locals. And no, they're not serving dinner as usual - that's the point people are trying to make here. Seriously, you are going to have a hard time getting in anywhere. Call your hotel NOW and see what they can do for you. Or plan to eat Chinese.
StCirq is offline  
Old Dec 11th, 2011, 05:51 PM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I hear you, much like any big city restaurants then. Ok got it. thanks for the info, could get a great bread, some cheeses and bottle of wine and camp out on the lawn of the Eiffel Tower? I appreciate your advice StCirq-have taken it in big doses previously and had great trip to Dordogne. So will heed your advise. Always look for your byline. Keep it up.
PatD is offline  
Old Dec 11th, 2011, 05:53 PM
  #10  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Also, staying in the 17th so will check out local small restaurants first. But asking hotel for info is best advice.
PatD is offline  
Old Dec 11th, 2011, 10:49 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You could sit on teh lawn of the Eiffel Tower but it is likely going to be VERY cold!
jamikins is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
josep55
Europe
4
Feb 18th, 2007 09:59 AM
rschamb137
Europe
4
Oct 4th, 2005 08:02 PM
Quark
Europe
6
Jun 9th, 2004 05:49 AM
lil_camper
Europe
6
Feb 15th, 2004 12:26 PM
Julie
Europe
5
Dec 16th, 2002 02:11 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -