Paris in November
 

We are planning a trip to Paris in November. It is the only time we can go and the airfare is ridiculously cheap. We were planning on staying at the Relais Saint Sulpice in the St Germain area. We have heard good things about the hotel and neighborhood. My question is are we making a mistake going in November? Should we wait until sometime when we can go in spring or summer? Also interested in any opinions on our choice of hotel.

Kevin, In my opinion it is NEVER a mistake to travel to Paris EVER! Your trip is actually at a great time of year, there will be fewer other tourists, hotels and as you mentioned air fares are much less expensive then in the summer. I am a huge fan of off season travel. However you should be aware that the days are shorter and some tourist places might be on "winter hours" or timetables, just check ahead. Also, the weather, as you might expect could be rainy or chilly. Wear lots of layers and bring gloves, we always end up wearing our gloves. Sorry I have not heard of the hotel you mentioned. One of my favorite things to do in Paris during winter is to buy chocolate crepes from street vendors and eat them, all steamy while the chocolate drips all over my gloves.... ahhhh heaven.

Kevin, see the post sent to the top for you regarding Paris in November

Hi Kevin: <BR>I agree there is never a bad time to visit Paris! Dress in layers as the weather is unpredictable. Bring an umbrella and a waterproof jacket. I had the best time sitting at a cafe table in my heavy coat drinking hot chocolate. And the other tables were full! I have not had any experience with that particular hotel but do not worry about it. I know you will love Paris Enjoy!

I have not stayed there but have read good reviews of that hotel in some Parisian-related newsmedia I get, so I wouldn't worry; it's an excellent location. As far as going in Nov, I think you have to decide on your investment yourself. I would not do it if I had a choice, as saving a couple hundred dollars in air fare would not make up for the ways the trip would be less enjoyable to me than in the summer and that savings is dwarfed by the costs you pay for other things that are not cheaper in Nov and will be the same cost winter or summer, not to mention using up vacation time. Nothing in cheaper in Nov except air fare, it seems, so I personally feel I get more for my money in a nicer weather period. I don't have the money to go more than once a year, so if I went in November that would mean I couldn't go much of anywhere in the summer. November is pretty much November anywhere, not a pretty sight, Parisian weather is about like mid-Atlantic US during most of the year (it's just as not as hot or humid over there in summer). The winter months Nov-Feb are the wettest in Paris of the year, and it gets dark between 5 and 6 pm. Someone said hotels were cheaper in November, but I don't think that's true; actually, July and August are the low season for all Parisian hotel rates that I've seen, as there are fewer business travelers then. There definitely will be fewer tourists, though. Another advantage of travel in better weather is it's a heck of a lot easier to pack lightly. However, if it really is the only time you can go, as you said, then go--it is confusing that you said it was the only time you can go and then your last sentence said you could wait to go in spring or summer. If you don't mind it getting dark that early, it won't be so bad if it doesn't rain, but stats are that it rains 17-18 days out of the month.