Paris in January
 

Hello Fodorites, I am looking for your expertise. I just booked my annual trip to Paris, and for the first time I will be there in January. Any advice? Things to do or things to avoid? I am coming from the West Coast and will be going through Chicago both ways so I am aware there may be weather issues. Is there anything beyond that that I should look for? I will probably take ShuttleInter to the city as I did last March...are they still doing a good job? I have not been on this site for quite some time so I am looking for any recent finds you all might have to offer. Thanks so much in advance.

The only things I would think of to do or avoid would be based on my personal preferences, so think people have to decide that for themself. I wouldn't even go to Paris in January to begin with due to the weather, at least not for a vacation, so would avoid outdoors and day trips things. Too cold for me, too gray and dark too early, and not very pleasant, and no scenery. Except stark winter scenery, which is sometimes scenic and sometimes ugly. Anything dependent on gardens, etc., obviously is out and some of those places are even closed (like Giverny).

The only thing I can think of is that they do have the big winter sales in January for the stores, including the big dept stores, so if you want to do shopping, that works out well. They begin usually sometime the second week in January and go the rest of the month. Other than that, just look in the weekly entertainment guides to see about any special museum exhibits or shows.

I personally would love to go in January, as I love winter. As for things to do, I have no idea about special events, but hopefully some locals can help with that. Otherwise I would just do whatever else looked interesting, things that either I have enjoyed on other trips and would want to repeat, or new things that I haven't yet found time for. The sales would definitely draw me in. We have been to those in the summer and had fun. We got some great deals too!

As for the shuttle, we used (or tried to) Shuttle Inter this summer and did not have a good experience at all. Upon arrival, they were no where to be found. It took 2 phone calls before they arrived. When we got to our apt, we reconfirmed with the driver for our return trip. During that week, I also reconfirmed via email and they replied. The morning of departure though they left us high and dry. Good thing we were a few blocks from a taxi stand, and good thing there were taxis there so early in the morning. What really gets me though is when we got home, Shuttle Inter emailed me saying their driver was there and we were not. I emailed with the facts and never heard back from them. So for me, I just won't deal with a company again that puts so little in customer service. Just my opinion though:) BTW, the taxi was 11 euro less than what the shuttle would have been, even with the 5 euro discount they had for the return trip.

I went to Paris in Jan 2005 and it was a wonderful trip. Aside from being dirt cheap it was delightfully uncrowded. There are so many indoor things to do in Paris you will keep quite busy.

One thing I did that is unique to winter in Paris is ice skating on the Eiffel Tower. I had only ice skated once before in my life back when I was 15 years old. But I could not pass by the opportunity to ice skate on the Eiffel Tower. I looked like a fool, clinging to the railing and begging people to get out of my way. Yet somehow it's one of my favorite memories of that trip. I also recall the Christmas decorations still being up. Our taxi driver told us they leave these decorations thru January.

I think you will enjoy your trip, Paris is still Paris at any time of year.

Thanks all for your encouragement - I have wondered whether I am crazy to head to Paris in January. But I love the city so much and so I will be happy to be there at any time of the year.

P_M, you are right, Paris is Paris at any time of year.

mms, I was most impressed with Shuttle Inter last spring, but I may just take a taxi into the city as it seems to be just about the same price as Shuttle Inter. So thanks for the warning.

Paris me manque - I have to get my fix soon. Cold weather be damned!

I would definitely attend a performance at Opéra Garnier - the interior is magnificent, especially inside the performance area.

Instead of taking a shuttle, I take the Roissy Bus to Opéra, then a taxi to the hotel. Much less expensive to get to my hotel after a long flight. I find that the shuttles take too long to arrive at the terminal, or as stated previously, don't even show.

<b>dlejhunt,</b> I love Paris in January! (of course I love it any time of the year!)
But seriously, I'm planning to go (again) in January, and I love it because:
1.You don't have to fight huge crowds.
2. The sales are great!.
3. You can stop in a cafe for a coffee or hot chocolate.
4. It may be cold, but it's not as cold as where I live. (probably not the case for you)
5. Galettes des Rois! Yum!
6. I find it easier to pack light in the winter than in warmer weather: Black pants, a couple of black cashmere sweaters, and a couple of scarves. Voila!

I second what <b>timsmom</b> said about seeing a performance at the Opéra Garnier- definitely a must-do!

Personally, I don't see any reason to take a shuttle. Taxis are readily available and reasonable in cost- no worries about them finding you or arriving at the right time. Or the RER is cheap and easy if you don't have much luggage.

Have a great trip, and maybe I'll see you there!

I've been to Paris in January and February many times and love it -- will be there again this January. Like dle, I have to agree, its not as cold in Paris as where I live in DC; its not crowded on the streets or in the musuems and restaurants, sales are great, restaurants and cafes are oh so cozy...No reason to avoid being outdoors, take layers, you'll be fine. Actually I find the indoors tend to be overheated, so layers work esp well...it's Paris, it's fabulous, Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall whenever!

The Roissy bus is easy to take, but so is the RER and it's much less money -- more to spend on wine and cheese and delicious lunch and dinners.

When in January will u be there?

I've been to Paris in January twice and enjoyed myself both times. IMO Paris is wonderful any time of year. Though I will say the last time I was there in Jan we just escaped getting out before a storm hit and closed CDG!

Have a wonderful trip!

Bring a warm coat.

Bon voyage! :-)