Does anyone know what the weather is like in Paris in late December/early January?? Are there any special events going on this time of year? Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi Gary. We were in Paris over Christmas/New Year's two years ago and it was chilly, but not too chilly to walk around and see the sights. I had a winter coat on for most of the trip and the day we went to the Eiffel Tower, I had to wear a hat and mittens. It's a great time to visit if you want to see the indoor sites-museums and such. The only "special event" that I'm aware of is the informal new Year's Eve party held on the Champs d'elysses. I think everyone in Paris was there! Make sure if you go to get a museum pass if you plan on seeing any of the museums. The pass lets you in without standing in line-very important at Versailles and at the Louvre. You can buy at the Tourist office or at any of the participating museums. <BR>

Gary: My wife and I were in Paris this past January and daytime temps were mid-50's and nighttime were about 40. This is unusual. I think that you should expect temps in the 30's. <BR> <BR>Make sure you get out on New Year's Eve and certainly Champs Elysees close to the Arc de Triomphe. Dress warm (coat, hat, gloves) and you'll be fine. <BR> <BR>Everything is open: The museums, Versailles, Notre Dame, the tower, Sacred Heart church, Painter's Square (yes, they will be out!), etc. If you take the Metro, you won't be standing outside waiting for buses. <BR> <BR>Have fun! <BR>

Kris is right. The Champs is blocked off to traffic on New Years Eve for an informal street party. Walk down to the Eiffel Tower for fireworks at midnight. Be aware the Metro closes around 1:00 A.M. depending on the line. We were stuck at the Tower on New Years Eve of 1992-93 and had to walk to our apartment in the Paris suburbs in the middle of the night. Enjoy.

Hi Gary, <BR> <BR>I agree with everything that has been said by the previous people. But, as a Parisian, I would like to add two more tips: <BR> <BR>- as an American, you will be disappointed by the lack of X-mas parapharnelia in the shops and streets. In France, the emphasis is more on eating than shopping or religion ; <BR> <BR>- on New Year's Eve, not only is there no metro, but, of course, forget about taxis. So you'd better be within walking distance of your hotel, or prepare to walk to it, or wait until 5h30 AM, for the first metro. <BR> <BR>Have fun anyway !

To add to Kris's message above, you can also buy the museum passes at the METRO stations (at ticket window where you buy train tix and passes). No extra charge for purchasing there--which means that there are offices to buy the pass at every block! We got a 3 day pass (my husband and I) for 320,000 ff--for BOTH the passes. IT IS WORTH IT!

A poster here saw fireworks in Paris....

I, too, am contemplating trip to Paris for 5 nights Dec 20 to 25...not staying for Christmas/New Years. Lack of "christmasy" stuff not a problem or an issue, but any thoughts about those few days leading up to Christmas since it follows a weekend this year, and especially transportation on Christmas Day back to the airport. <BR> <BR>Thanks for any advice. <BR> <BR>