New Years trip to Paris
Dec 3rd, 2012, 07:45 AM
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New Years trip to Paris
My husband, daughter and I will be in Paris from Dec 28 possibly up to Jan 7. Should we stay in Paris that long or venture elsewhere? Is Moulin Rouge dinner and show on New Years eve worth the ~$1,000 price per person for the experience? Other suggestions for NY Eve in Paris? What are good day trips from Paris other than Versailles, Giverny, Normandy? We arrive on my daughter's 21st birthday. Any good suggestions on how to celebrate given that we arrive at 10 am and will be jetlagged? Expecting to rent apartment in 3rd or 4th arr.
Dec 3rd, 2012, 09:25 AM
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Definitely stay in Paris - Dec 28 to Jan 7 (departure) is not a very long time.
I would say that $1,000pp is way over the top for any experience, let alone Moulin Rouge. If you want to see the show go another time when the prices have returned to normal.
Giverny is not a great trip in December as Monet's Garden closes for the season on November 1.
Normandy is a bit far for a day trip, although very interesting. You could spend an entire day visiting the beaches and then another day for the Peace Museum and tapestries.
I would say that $1,000pp is way over the top for any experience, let alone Moulin Rouge. If you want to see the show go another time when the prices have returned to normal.
Giverny is not a great trip in December as Monet's Garden closes for the season on November 1.
Normandy is a bit far for a day trip, although very interesting. You could spend an entire day visiting the beaches and then another day for the Peace Museum and tapestries.
Dec 3rd, 2012, 09:26 AM
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Moulin Rouge diner and show for a $1000/person? The VIP package on Viator is only $519.48/person. If you've got the money to burn, and you're interested in a "classic" celebration, then I guess it's worth, but for that kind of cash I know I could come up with something far more interesting to do on NYE in Paris.
As far as dining goes, you might be interested in checking out "Paris by Mouth" (http://parisbymouth.com), or, if you have an iPhone or iPad, you can download "The Food Lover's Guide to Paris" by Patricia Wells to see her recommendations on where to dine in the city of light.
You might be interested in visiting the city of Rouen during your stay, but the weather will plan an important part if you want to visit Monet's garden in Giverny. Besides, it's far better in the late spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
As far as dining goes, you might be interested in checking out "Paris by Mouth" (http://parisbymouth.com), or, if you have an iPhone or iPad, you can download "The Food Lover's Guide to Paris" by Patricia Wells to see her recommendations on where to dine in the city of light.
You might be interested in visiting the city of Rouen during your stay, but the weather will plan an important part if you want to visit Monet's garden in Giverny. Besides, it's far better in the late spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
Dec 3rd, 2012, 11:37 AM
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I would stay in Paris the entire time, and make choices based on weather as to which daytrips, if any, to take. Giverny is mostly about the gardens, which will be closed, so I'd take that off the list. Versailles is a good daytrip, of course, but so are Chantilly and Senlis, Fontainebleau, Auvers-sur-Oise, and many others. Normandy deserves more than a daytrip.
I wouldn't pay even $100 for the Moulin Rouge on New Year's Eve. That said, NYE celebrations in Paris tend to be prix-fixe dinners with champagne and festivities at restaurants, and I'm guessing almost all have been booked for months. If you really want to do something special and Parisian that night, I would make that my priority.
IME, dinner the first night after arrival can be a challenge. Most restaurants don't start serving until at least 7 pm, and you're unlikely to feel up to a big celebration or a big meal. I would scout out a good patisserie in your neighborhood and buy a small cake or pastries, have a light meal, then dessert, and get to bed early. You can celebrate your daughter's birthday again later if you wish. Alternatively, take her somewhere for a nice lunch on the day you arrive (but you aren't likely to feel up to a big meal, and you should stay outside as much as possible to grab all the Vitamin D you can to help with the jetlag).
I wouldn't pay even $100 for the Moulin Rouge on New Year's Eve. That said, NYE celebrations in Paris tend to be prix-fixe dinners with champagne and festivities at restaurants, and I'm guessing almost all have been booked for months. If you really want to do something special and Parisian that night, I would make that my priority.
IME, dinner the first night after arrival can be a challenge. Most restaurants don't start serving until at least 7 pm, and you're unlikely to feel up to a big celebration or a big meal. I would scout out a good patisserie in your neighborhood and buy a small cake or pastries, have a light meal, then dessert, and get to bed early. You can celebrate your daughter's birthday again later if you wish. Alternatively, take her somewhere for a nice lunch on the day you arrive (but you aren't likely to feel up to a big meal, and you should stay outside as much as possible to grab all the Vitamin D you can to help with the jetlag).
Dec 3rd, 2012, 02:02 PM
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We spent a week in Paris over NYE 2009/2010 and loved it. You can read our trip report and see our photos here:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...stmas-2009.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...stmas-2009.cfm
Dec 4th, 2012, 07:24 AM
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I know Im in the minority here...but we actually went to MR on NYE about 3 years ago...and it was THE most memorable NYE ever. Yes it was expensive...but what a treat for your daughters 21st birthday. The show goes til 4am...so its different than the regular show. Also...your seat location is based on when you reserve...the earlier the better. There is a show...than after midnight there is a fantastic party...then breakfast at 3am. Again...its expensive..but if its affordable for YOU (not other posters) it will be a once in a lifetime experience
Dec 4th, 2012, 01:27 PM
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I'm all for spending on an incredible experience...we blew it out at Le Cinq on Christmas Day a few years ago! However, I wouldn't go to Moulin Rouge if it were free.
Do you have an apartment rented? The holidays book up, so get on that if you don't already have something secured.
Vaux le Vicomte, Chantilly and Reims would make good day trips. Giverny closes Nov. 1.
As far as arrival, maybe plan an evening tour on one of the boats on the Seine. It will get dark early, so you won't have to stay up late to see all the monuments lit up! Just getting into Paris always gives me a second wind. Drink water and eat light. I never nap but stay up until bedtime (Paris time).
We don't usually make big dinner plans the first night, as we are tired and don't get the most out of a fabulous restaurant on day one. But on day two, I am ready to start sampling as many pain au chocolat as possible!
Do you have an apartment rented? The holidays book up, so get on that if you don't already have something secured.
Vaux le Vicomte, Chantilly and Reims would make good day trips. Giverny closes Nov. 1.
As far as arrival, maybe plan an evening tour on one of the boats on the Seine. It will get dark early, so you won't have to stay up late to see all the monuments lit up! Just getting into Paris always gives me a second wind. Drink water and eat light. I never nap but stay up until bedtime (Paris time).
We don't usually make big dinner plans the first night, as we are tired and don't get the most out of a fabulous restaurant on day one. But on day two, I am ready to start sampling as many pain au chocolat as possible!
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