I am thinking about going to Paris for a week in mid December. I've been there before in the fall when it was great weather. Should I let the fact that it will be cold deter me. Is Paris more festive than usual around Christmas time?

Ellen: It will for sure be colder in December than in the fall. But the weather "can" still be dry and sunny. <BR>The most unpleasant thing is of course a never ending drizzle which was the case last year right after Christmas. <BR>You will love all the nicely decorated shops and department stores. Go to a concert in a church like the Madeleine, St-Germain des Prés, Ste Chapelle, etc. It's magic. <BR>Have a nice trip. I will be there myself, but right "after" Christmas.

Ursula: Do you know if Ste Challepe has concerts every night or just on weekends. We are planning a January vacation and would love to hear one. Did one in Budapest and it was great.

Mike: They do have concerts during the week as well, esp. in winter and during Christmas time. <BR>Check the Paris What's on "Pariscope" in the concert section. It runs from Wednesday to Tuesday. It's also online at www.pariscope.fr but only in French. <BR>You can also have a look at my favourite web site for Paris which is <BR>www.parisavenue.com <BR> <BR>I once had a web site for upcoming concerts in Paris, but have lost it. Try doing a search with www.google.com or so and type in "concerts+Paris" or so. Just an idea. <BR>Also, you will find flyers being distributed in town for upcoming concerts. A good place to get info and tickets is also the Tourist Board at the Champs-Elysées or the FNAC bookstores (one is at Rue de Rennes, close to the Montparnasse Tower). <BR>Hope you get to attend one.

Ursula: Thanks. Used google and found the list for all of the venue's in Paris. Can even book online. Ellen: There is no weather in Paris, just good times.

Mike: Just did a search for my lost bookmark and found it. It lists the concerts at Ste-Chapelle, Madeleine and Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre church. It ends with this month, but will surely be updated soon.. at least I hope so, as I need in myself for December. It's in French, but can easily be understood. <BR>It's at <BR>www.ampconcerts.com <BR>(Association Musique et Patrimoine). <BR> <BR>Yes, you are right, there is no weather in Paris, just good times. I like your attitude. Enjoy your trip!

Pop down one afternoon to the wine section of Fauchon's (in the basement level)--they usually have free champagne tastings every day in December, a different champagne each day. Mmm...

BTilke: Thanks and merci beaucoup. Je ne manquerai pas...

I was there in December (between Christmas and New Years) about three years ago. The weather was in the high 50s and low 60s (not that one goes to Paris for the weather). The lights on the Champs Elysees are spectacular.