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!

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.

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!

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 - yes, we say new years all the time - technically it is supposed to be spelled New Year's (as in New Year's Eve)

Thank you, Jamikins

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.

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.

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.

Also, staying in the 17th so will check out local small restaurants first. But asking hotel for info is best advice.

You could sit on teh lawn of the Eiffel Tower but it is likely going to be VERY cold!