Paris in July!!!
 

Hi Everyone, Sad to say my DH and I had to cancel our trip to Paris leaving this Thursday... because, after a trip to the dentist the other day, I ended up with a mouth of cold sores (gross I know) I get them every time I have a lot of work done on my teeth. Needless to say we are very upset. So now we are thinking of rebooking and taking our two teenage daughters leaving July 5th. Finally, here is my question: Is Paris in July a good idea? Also, we are looking at the Paris-Perfect apartments. Are they as great an apartment as I think they are? Thanks so much for all the help.Ptm

Have been in Paris in Jult a couple of times. It can be VERY hot - well into the 90's - and most apartemtns don't have AC - in fact some simpler hotels don;t have any either.

If you can find appropriate accommodates wth good AC go for it. If not - I would change the dates - or go someplae cooler.

But that's me - and I can;t bear heat. I know some people don;t mind it.

Sure, Paris in July is a great idea, I go there in July a lot -- maybe six times by now. I'd just get a hotel with AC, if I could. If you want an apt., that's another story, I have no experience with that firm but many do.

I like July in Paris because it stays light so late, so there is lots to do, and it's so nice to be out and about in warm weather and when it's light. Also, you don't need to pack heavy clothes, so it's easier to pack light. Of course, it does seem to rain quite a bit in July, you never know, but I still like it.

Going on July 5th is pretty good timing, also, as a lot of things really slow down after the 15th in terms of performing arts, but you can still go to the ballet, for example, in early July. That may not matter to you, it's just one thing I look at.

One advantage: mid-July all of the stores have massive sales before the August holiday. My wife went crazy clothes shopping.

Ian

July is the heart of the tourist season -- the most interesting time and the most crowded. You will have the big summer sale and also Paris Plage beginning just after the 14th. Both can be incredible sights.

It is true they have the summer sales, but they start at the very end of June, actually, so you have a better selection early in July, not mid-July. Things are often pretty picked over by mid-July.

The date for summer 2007 has not been set yet, but in 2006 it was 28 June to 8 August. Most of the sales were finished before the beginning of August, because everything had been sold already.

Have you checked airfare yet? You may be dismayed at the difference in price from April vs. July.

Also, it may be more difficult to book a Paris-Perfect apartment considering how popular they seem. I may be wrong but I think all of that company's apartments have AC.

I've been to Paris twice in July and I'm going to be there again the first week of July this year. I actually wore a sweater most days the last time I was there due to overcast rainy weather.

ParisPerfect apartments are all very nice and very nice people to work with. I have one rented for October. If you are thinking of this June or July, you may find that you are much too late for a reservation.

Personally, I would not fo that time of the year. Some people have to go in the summer months..so whenever, you are in Paris!!

Hi!

Let me assure you that the Paris Perfect apartments look every bit as wondefful as they do on the website and then even better!! The view of the Eiffel Tower outside our dining room was magical! I read with great interest that the apartments had all had air conditioning installed during the last several months. My girlfriends and I stayed in the Sancerre and the Champagne last July --both on the top floor of their respective buildings, and it was HOT!!!

However, the neighborhood of the 7th is wonderful - and the "book" they leave in each apartment explains everything in great detail. The Paris Perfect people are a delight to work with.

I must say that it was very crowded last July and assume that it's that way every year. I have decided that my trips to Paris are going to be in May or early October -- both weather and crowds should be manageable.

Would you still be in Paris for Bastille Day?

Wish I was going !!!!

Enjoy!

joy/luvparee

Anytime you can get to Paris is a good time to go, IMHO. That said, July is generally a busy, hot, expensive month to visit. I've stayed at ParisPefect apartments (they really are quite lovely), but they were not air conditioned at the time. I wasn't aware that they had installed AC in all their flats; great news, if true. You'll want to make sure that your particular rental apt. has AC. Also, you'll want to know if the AC is central to the flat, or only in certain rooms. These are bright, sunny flats on upper floors that get quite hot on a summer's day. You'll find that the ParisPerfect team is very easy to work with, and quick to respond to any email questions you might have. Have fun planning your trip. EJ ((#))

In 2006, July was hot and August was icy. Might be the reverse in 2007.

I met with Carolyn while there in Feb. She told me that ALL ParisPerfect apts. would be A/C by March 31st........

Gracejoan,
Carolyn would certainly know. The addition of AC is good news, and makes the PP flats more attractive for summer months. Given their prices, I always thought they should have AC. Thanks for the info. EJ

elsiejune,
I actually had thought that they were all, or almost all AC previously. I was surprised to find out how few were.

Carolyn and I met and chatted in one of the apts. that I previewed, when she assured me of the work in process for all the A/C. It can't be an easy job to do!!

They are nice places and all being in the 7th you couldn't do better.

I have rented the www.parisianflat.com rue Dauphine apartment for April, 2008 when I am taking my granddaughter. Not my favorite location, but her first trip. She will like it. The apt. will be a 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath by the time we arrive.

Definitely go! I've been to Paris many times in July and am going again in July this year. Because it can be very hot ( and sometimes noisy!)I would recommend choosing a hotel with AC and double glazed windows. I don't know what your budget is, but the Hotel La Fleurie in the 6th is very centrally located, and offers family accomodations - one double bedded room connecting to a room with two twins. It's a lovely, quintessentially Parisian hotel.

Although I don't know the hotel personally, you could also check out Ira's recommendation- Hotel Bonaparte, which apparently has AC as well, and is probably significantly cheaper than La Fleurie.

With any luck, you'll be visiting during the sales, and if not, there's still some wonderful shopping off rue dauhphine, in the Latin Quarter, and in the Marais. Have fun!

Gracejoan,
The rue Dauphine flat looks very nice, and it's a great location for your granddaughter's first visit to Paris. I've found that you must play to your audience when renting apartments. So much depends on who's traveling, how many, and where you want to be in the city. Although we generally gravitate towards the 7th, our next visit (10/07) we'll be renting on Ile St.Louis in a tiny flat for two. The following spring, (5/08) we'll be 5 family members, all adults including 3 who've never been to Paris before, and we'll stay in a large flat in the 1st, with easy access to many first-time sights. All in all, I consider myself lucky to be able to visit Paris each year. EJ ((#))

I've only been to Paris in December and I had an amazing time. I was planning on attending a university for a French Immersion program, either the Sorbonne or ILCF, this summer. I was excited to see the city in warm weather. But all this talk about huge crowds of tourists has got me a little scared. I want to speak in French not English! Should I opt for a program in another part of France this summer? any suggestions?

Paris is great in the summer. It will be a different experience, but nothing to worry about. And anyway, there are very few places of interest in France which are not full of tourists in July.

I think you have accept that if you anywhere in Europe in July, especially an international capital like Paris, then its going to be extremely busy and very hot! If you prepare yourself mentally for this then you'll be fine.

http://www.travel--guide.org/Paris

elsiejune,

You will enjoy your stay on l'Ile St. Louis if you have not stayed there before.

I, too prefer the 7th. I am looking at a charming place in the 17th,,near Parc Monceau for Oct. 2008. It will be that or a ParisPerfect again.

I go to PAris, or to France, twice a year. April and Oct. are pretty much my preferred months. Would like May, but just too many holidays.

Hi Gracejoan,
Lucky you, Paris twice a year! IMHO the weather in May is generally very pleasant, and we work around the holidays. Of course, we only have a week's visit, but still, we've been in Paris during holiday and it's just as lovely as any other time. In fact, it's nice when the pace of the city changes. At any rate, I wouldn't let the holidays in May discourage you from visiting at that time. EJ ((#))

EJ,
I have been in Paris, and in France in May more than once.

I have decided that I really do prefer April and October.

I was there in Feb. this year for a week. Stayed at the Westminster Opera on rue de la Paix. It was a great trip!!

We prefer May, June, September.

One June, there was a heat wave for a week. Our room had terrific A/C, but the heat and sun significantly impacted our visit. Even museums and restaurants with air conditioning weren't really comfortable. Walking in the sunshine, riding the buses, were miserable. And, it was still very warm late at night.

Here's another huge recommendation for ParisPerfect apartments (we're staying in one for a third time in September), though we've always booked more than a year in advance.

Hi Everyone, You will not believe this but we just heard from ParisPerfect, they have an apartment available for the week we want in July!!! Amazing!!! We certainly got lucky. Anyway, we are traveling on airline points (seats are booked) and now we have the "perfect spot" to stay, so needless to say we are very excited. I also asked if the apartment we booked was air conditioned and yes it is!!! We can't wait to go.
Thanks to everyone for all the great advice. Now I have to plan a week of sightseeing. I will be asking for your help....Thanks Ptm

ptm, which ParisPerfect apartmenrt did you rent? Just curious - I have stayed in six of theirs so far. You won't be disappointed.

Wow! I am so happy for you! What apartment are you in? If you are in an apartment on Rue St. Dominique, the Eiffel Tower is about a 3 - 5 minute walk and the Bat-o-bus about a 5 minute walk across the bridge from the Tower(it's a hop on/hop off water taxi which we used several times). We didn't use the Metro at all while in Paris.

We had a dinner reservation at Le P'Tit Troquet on rue de L'Exposition which is the little alley-type street just between the two restaurants, Fontaine de Mars and Fables de la Fontaine (131 Rue St. Dominique). Le P'Tit Troquet is about one-half block off Rue St. Dominique and is just wonderful! Perfect little Parisian restaurant. We had dinner there after a wonderful concert at St. Chapelle.

The coffee store, Comptoir Richard, is at 145 rue St. Dominique and we purchased our apartment coffee there several times. Yummy! Also, a great "supermarket" very close.

On rue de Grenelle is a store, Picard, which is a fabulous place with everything you ever thought you'd want in wonderful food in a frozen state! I wish there was a Picard in the Chicago area!

The Saxe-Breteuil market on Saturday morning was lots of fun and we bought lots of goodies for the apartment.

Rue Cler is close as is Rue de Grenelle, both with many take-away places as well as cheeses, wines, fruit, chocolate, patisserie, etc., etc. You certainly will not go hungry!

Have a most fabulous time! Can you tell I'm in love with that area?!?!?

Enjoy!

joy/luvparee

Thanks everyone for all the info. I am not sure what street our apartment is on...details to be worked out. Thanks, luvparee for the info on all the restaruants. I leave all directions and street names to my DH, he is great with a map, me not so good...anyway that is our exciting news for now...The count down in on....thanks Ptm