Paris in jan/feb?
 

Never been to Paris and now have the time. Is it crazy to travel to Paris in late jan early feb?

No, why would it be crazy?

I love Paris in February and have been several times during the winter. The parks aren't quite as inviting, but if the weather is just chilly and not bitter (and some winter days in Paris can be mild), then it's a nice time to walk, though it's hard to really enjoy the parks during February. The cafes are generally enclosed in the winter and have heaters, and the weather is good for hot chocolate and cassoulet. It makes me want to go. It can be cold, and I think Europe is having another bad winter, so you might even see snow. But I wouldn't hesitate to go.

Paris is wonderful anytime. If you have the chance to go then, by all means, go!

Leaving Tuesday for a week in Paris - January is a great time to go! No crowds, lower prices (slightly) and I feel like a local.

alright then paris it is! any suggestions on hotels? thank you all for your feedback

I'm just adding that I like Paris in the winter. If you tell us your budget and style, we can suggest hotels.

I like the idea of a hotel for a first time visit, but like many others here, I've switched to apartments in Paris.

If you're an independent traveler, and willing to do your research, Paris is an easy city to visit without the aid of hotel services.

I'm a complete wimp southern wimp when it comes to the cold! My only winter trip to Paris I kept wishing for warmer weather. I missed being able to stroll along the Seine or over the bridges and everything looked gray. But, here's what was wonderful! If you can arrange to be there before Valentine's, you will be amazed at the chocolate shops with treats even more special than ever, and the wonderful floral arrangements were beautiful! It gets dark quite early so evening meals become a real focus. Be sure to enjoy lots and lots of good dining, never a hardship in Paris, and the folks here will have many good ideas. I recall leaving the D'Orsay one afternoon, with every intention of strolling to the Place Vendome. Two minutes out the door and the wind was so chilly that we grabbed a taxi to the Ritz and had some beverages that warmed us up! Don't ever miss a chance to go to Paris, regardless of the season.

We've been to Paris many, many times in January and February and have never really had awful weather. I'm from the NE so used to cold winters and Paris has never equaled a winter in DC. I dress in layers and prepare for the worse weather, but we've never had it. We were there last June/July and really didn't care for it -- ridiculously crowded, long lines everywhere and we hit the only heat wave of the summer. It was HOT for half the week we were there. A nice bonus in the winter -- all the wonderful hot chocolate!
Have fun

It is never a bad time! I love those hand warmers you can get at sporting good stores...great to have in your pockets if it is a cold day.

Agree with the above...chocolat chaud always is worth the cold.

Regarding hotels...do you know which arrondissement you prefer or you budget per night?

not sure about the arrondissement looking for suggestions. re hotel budget per night...can i get away with something nice for $400 to $500. typically we stay at ritz carlton's however since this is more of a touring vacation i don't think we'd anticipate spending lots of time in the room. open to suggestions. thanks.

<<can i get away with something nice for $400 to $500>>

You can easily get away with something very nice for under $200. There are dozens of threads here on hotels in Paris.

Most first-time visitors to Paris seem to like to stay in the 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th arrondissements, though they're all just fine.

To quote Audrey Hepburn, "Paris is always a good idea."

As StCirq said, please take a look at some of the threads on hotels. Unless you're planning to spend all of your time in your hotel, why spend so much?

Spend the difference on great experiences or something beautiful to take home with you.

Some people prefer to stay in nicer hotels - to us it's a part of the vacation experience.

I'm not suggested that people need to spend $500 a night to get a decent hotel - there are many pleasant for much less than that - but we're always willing to spring a little to get a larger room with a seating area where we can relax - and breakfast in bed and hopefully a nice bar for a drink before or after dinner.

I often to to Paris in February and it is wonderful. Paris is Paris and in the winter you may find a place with a fireplace to sit in front of. In the winter you will not need a reservation, no que's, and people are more relaxed. Prices are cheaper, waiter's are in a better mood (maybe) and you can linger as long as you want at a cafe. I always travel to Europe in the winter and enjoy it more because you get the chance to mingle with the locals and not be overrun by fellow tourists. Going in winter you can get a great meal annd wine for the same price you would pay for the meal in July. Enjoy yourself and enjoy the people of Paris!!!!

leave tuesday for prague vienna and then paris?

any recommendations as to "must see", beyond what the travel books tell me?

IMO, if you hit what the guide books tell you on your first trips to any major cities, you ought to do just fine. Keep your eyes open and maybe read a few threads here about sights in these places. Paris is covered heavily.

If we knew what you like, we can make more meaningful suggestions. Art, galleries, museums, hip hop? Markets, sports, you get it...

I currently live in Vienna. It's cold here! Enjoy the must-sees, with frequent visits to coffee shops in between to keep warm. If you're adventurous, take a hike in the vineyards to the north of the city--it's beautiful up here.