Paris in October?
Jul 13th, 2006, 11:15 AM
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Paris in October?
Hi Guys,
For the past 3 years I have gone to Paris in the summer and absolutely loved it. The markets, the vibrancy, the buzz. Want to go again this year but missed the boat for summer so am trying to decide whether to go in the fall or maybe Dec. ? I need your advice please. What's the weather like at that time of year and are the flea markets etc. open and what's the atmosphere like?
For the past 3 years I have gone to Paris in the summer and absolutely loved it. The markets, the vibrancy, the buzz. Want to go again this year but missed the boat for summer so am trying to decide whether to go in the fall or maybe Dec. ? I need your advice please. What's the weather like at that time of year and are the flea markets etc. open and what's the atmosphere like?
Jul 13th, 2006, 12:26 PM
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Weather in October will be generally nippy, maybe rainy -- but it rains a lot in Paris. If you didn't get any last time, you were fortunate. But October can also bring brilliantly clear weather with great light. I'd bring warm clothes and expect to enjoy myself.
In December the hours are so short and the temps can be so low it really cuts into outdoor sightseeing. (And you could get a touch of snow.) However, if you are a museum lover, it is of course a GREAT time to go because the crowds are so low (although Christmas week could be crowded).
In December the hours are so short and the temps can be so low it really cuts into outdoor sightseeing. (And you could get a touch of snow.) However, if you are a museum lover, it is of course a GREAT time to go because the crowds are so low (although Christmas week could be crowded).
Jul 13th, 2006, 12:32 PM
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October can be quite pleasant, but be warned that it's very high season in Paris and rooms can be scarce and prices higher. There are all sorts of trade and other shows, making space tight. Reserve well in advance.
Jul 13th, 2006, 12:42 PM
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I spend a week in Paris last December and had great, for that time, weather - sunny and about 50 - but that's probably unusual - but i found it a good time - Christmas decorations, markets, etc. Unlikely to be really cold until after Christmas i think and then never really bone-chilling sub-zero cold like in the Mid-West where i live.
Jul 13th, 2006, 12:42 PM
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We were in Paris the first week of November last year and had a great time. It was a little rainy and nippy the first day or so, but after that it was nice and sunny. We even got a little hot in our long sleeved turtlenecks a few times! We didn't go to any flea markets but we did go to a few outdoor produce markets that were vibrate and buzzing with people.
Tracy
Tracy
Jul 13th, 2006, 05:04 PM
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Thanks guys for your feedback. Normally I wouldn't worry but this year
I had a terrible time with my sinusitis and asthma and for the first time ended up in hospital emerg. with an attack and all because of the cold
and rainy weather. definitely something to ponder..
I had a terrible time with my sinusitis and asthma and for the first time ended up in hospital emerg. with an attack and all because of the cold
and rainy weather. definitely something to ponder..
Jul 13th, 2006, 07:06 PM
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ReddVelvet, we prefer Paris at that time of year (fall). We were there last year, Sept.4 to Oct. 8. The weather was fabulous the entire time. Shirt sleeve weather - including that the week in October.
I can identify with you and your asthma problems. The exact thing (emergency room) happened to me in NY over Christmas two years ago.
Do a search on my name and you will find my Paris - Asthma post of a few weeks ago. We will be there this year over the Holidays for two weeks and I was afraid that the same thing might happen. I got such a nice response from other Fodorites, which not only gave me asthma hints, but encouraged me to go.
We are now booked and I'm willing to take the chance to see Paris to see the Holiday lights and New Year's fireworks.
If you do decide to go in October, book NOW. Because of the many events, most hotels and apartments are booked well in advance.
If you go around Christmas, we can discuss inhalers ;-)
Nina
I can identify with you and your asthma problems. The exact thing (emergency room) happened to me in NY over Christmas two years ago.
Do a search on my name and you will find my Paris - Asthma post of a few weeks ago. We will be there this year over the Holidays for two weeks and I was afraid that the same thing might happen. I got such a nice response from other Fodorites, which not only gave me asthma hints, but encouraged me to go.
We are now booked and I'm willing to take the chance to see Paris to see the Holiday lights and New Year's fireworks.
If you do decide to go in October, book NOW. Because of the many events, most hotels and apartments are booked well in advance.
If you go around Christmas, we can discuss inhalers ;-)
Nina
Jul 13th, 2006, 07:56 PM
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Hey Nina, would love to read your earlier post... It looks like we may go in Dec. My sister wants to see Paris at christmas.My friends went last year and they said it was nice but not as decorated and festive as north america. My asthma friend got
really sick and ended up seeing a doctor.. Yikes.....what about inhalers?
really sick and ended up seeing a doctor.. Yikes.....what about inhalers?
Jul 13th, 2006, 08:19 PM
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I was just kidding about comparing inhalers .. people who suffered the same illness tend to get together and compare medicines - who takes more type of thing ;-)
I'm from San Francisco and am not used to a cold damp winter climate, but I have always wanted to see the Holiday decorations in Paris, not to mention the fireworks.
I talked to my asthma doctor a few days ago and he said that the cold weather may or may not trigger an attack - the luck of the draw. He said to go and have fun - I guess that's easy for him to say ;-)
He said to be sure to get a flu shot before I go .... which is exactly what I did before I went to NY. I didn't catch the flu, but I had the first attack asthma attack that I've had in years.
Just in case ... I'm going to ask him if I should get a nebulizer for the trip. I may be overly cautious, but we know how frightening an attack can be - and being away from home at the time, not knowing exactly who to call, can be even scarier.
Hearing about your friend getting an attack in Paris at Christmas is also scary. Who did she call? What sort of treatment did she have and how long before she was better and did she have another attack during here stay?
???? Does anyone know if they have an emergency number similiar to a 911 type of phone number there?
You do use inhalers don't you? Ask your doctor if there is anything else that you can do, or anything special that he recommends.
Just click on Nina66 at the top of this post and you will find my Paris-Asthma post.
Nina
I'm from San Francisco and am not used to a cold damp winter climate, but I have always wanted to see the Holiday decorations in Paris, not to mention the fireworks.
I talked to my asthma doctor a few days ago and he said that the cold weather may or may not trigger an attack - the luck of the draw. He said to go and have fun - I guess that's easy for him to say ;-)
He said to be sure to get a flu shot before I go .... which is exactly what I did before I went to NY. I didn't catch the flu, but I had the first attack asthma attack that I've had in years.
Just in case ... I'm going to ask him if I should get a nebulizer for the trip. I may be overly cautious, but we know how frightening an attack can be - and being away from home at the time, not knowing exactly who to call, can be even scarier.
Hearing about your friend getting an attack in Paris at Christmas is also scary. Who did she call? What sort of treatment did she have and how long before she was better and did she have another attack during here stay?
???? Does anyone know if they have an emergency number similiar to a 911 type of phone number there?
You do use inhalers don't you? Ask your doctor if there is anything else that you can do, or anything special that he recommends.
Just click on Nina66 at the top of this post and you will find my Paris-Asthma post.
Nina
Jul 14th, 2006, 08:08 PM
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Well thanks to your post and your drive and confidence in going at Xmas I booked Paris today Dec. 3-13. Hopefully we won't end up in the hospital together...I only use inhalers when I wheeze, when I get a cold or sinisitus. I am going to start on my puffer before I leave and continue while I am there. I'm also going to use a nose spray every day too. Nebulizer eh? My mom had one of those and they do go to work right away.Have you ever beenon Prednisone?
My Doc today gave me a sample of a new med for asthma that is supposed to work fast and last longer than Advair. It is called Symbicourt.
My girlfriend told me she got sick because of all the smoke in the cafes so my remedy for that is renting an apartment so I can cook and minimize going out to eat. I live in Vancouver, B.C. and will never get used to all the dampness, cold and rain. I will keep my fingers crossed that everything will be fine for both of us.
My Doc today gave me a sample of a new med for asthma that is supposed to work fast and last longer than Advair. It is called Symbicourt.
My girlfriend told me she got sick because of all the smoke in the cafes so my remedy for that is renting an apartment so I can cook and minimize going out to eat. I live in Vancouver, B.C. and will never get used to all the dampness, cold and rain. I will keep my fingers crossed that everything will be fine for both of us.
Jul 15th, 2006, 12:28 AM
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ReddVelvet, I've been on Prednisone a few times - I couldn't figure out why and it never seemed to make any difference. I use Atrovent, Serevant, and Aerobid every day and Proventil for minor emergencies. But, when I had my attack in NY, the Proventil did absolutely no good.
I'm in San Francisco and our weather is very similiar to yours. I have no idea what caused my attack in NY, probably the cold weather.
Your leave Paris 10 days before I arrive, so please post and let me/us know if the weather effected you. GET A FLU SHOT...they give them in Oct. or Nov. down here.
If I catch cold just before a cold weather trip or at the beginning of a trip, it usually turns into bronchitas (sp). Has happened to me on at least three European trips.
This trip will different for both of us.
Nina
I'm in San Francisco and our weather is very similiar to yours. I have no idea what caused my attack in NY, probably the cold weather.
Your leave Paris 10 days before I arrive, so please post and let me/us know if the weather effected you. GET A FLU SHOT...they give them in Oct. or Nov. down here.
If I catch cold just before a cold weather trip or at the beginning of a trip, it usually turns into bronchitas (sp). Has happened to me on at least three European trips.
This trip will different for both of us.
Nina
Jul 15th, 2006, 04:06 AM
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Paris at Christmas is awesome. We had a blast. It is very much like Seattle where we live but htere were actually a couple of sunny days and as others have said no crowds. the temps are 40-50-deg f. but could be colder.
Jul 15th, 2006, 04:55 AM
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October is a great time to visit Paris, the weather should be in the high 50's-60's...excellent walking weather to tour the city. October is also the end of the shoulder season for tourists, so the city is usually a little less crowded, especially during the week. Have you considered renting an apartment instesd of a hotel, that is a great way to truly experience Paris!...Cheers, Mikek
Jul 16th, 2006, 01:59 AM
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Yes as a matter of fact I have considered renting an apartment. This will be my 4th time to Paris and would love to experience living in an apartment this time. Any one have any reccomendations for a cheap and cheerful apt. rental ? I'm also very glad to hear about the medical system in Paris although I expected nothing but the best from France anyways;
Nina, I do not take any puffers or medication daily . I only go on Advair when I get a cold and like you I get bronchitis and the weezing starts. I will post my trip report when I get back. My friend who went last year also stayed for new years and she said whatever you do stay away from the Champs Elysee , New Years Eve. She said it was scary... alot of hoodlums(her words) she felt very unsafe.
Nina, I do not take any puffers or medication daily . I only go on Advair when I get a cold and like you I get bronchitis and the weezing starts. I will post my trip report when I get back. My friend who went last year also stayed for new years and she said whatever you do stay away from the Champs Elysee , New Years Eve. She said it was scary... alot of hoodlums(her words) she felt very unsafe.
Jul 16th, 2006, 03:36 AM
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Paris in October is a very nice time of year indeed.
Paris is actually quite nice all year long, but if I had to pick the "least nice" times of year, I'd say January and February, when the weather tends to be constantly overcast, the days are short, and there is often a lot of rain. It doesn't get very cold, though, and usually stays above freezing even in the dead of winter.
Paris is actually quite nice all year long, but if I had to pick the "least nice" times of year, I'd say January and February, when the weather tends to be constantly overcast, the days are short, and there is often a lot of rain. It doesn't get very cold, though, and usually stays above freezing even in the dead of winter.
Jul 16th, 2006, 04:34 AM
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Reddvelvet:
We stayed in a great apartment in Paris last October. It was located in the 17th Arrondissement which is a great neighborhood sort of away from the tourists, but close to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees (10 minute walk). There are great fresh produce markets and restaurants right outside the apartment. The price is very reasonable (cheaper than any hotel), it was about 150 U.S. a night.
I dont know how many people you are travelling with but it was perfect for me and my wife. Great kitchen and living area. Info is on the VRBO web site, France/Paris, listing #18667. You will see my review on the web listing. Cheers, Mikek
We stayed in a great apartment in Paris last October. It was located in the 17th Arrondissement which is a great neighborhood sort of away from the tourists, but close to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees (10 minute walk). There are great fresh produce markets and restaurants right outside the apartment. The price is very reasonable (cheaper than any hotel), it was about 150 U.S. a night.
I dont know how many people you are travelling with but it was perfect for me and my wife. Great kitchen and living area. Info is on the VRBO web site, France/Paris, listing #18667. You will see my review on the web listing. Cheers, Mikek
Jul 16th, 2006, 05:01 AM
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We love Paris in October. I hate hot weather so would never go in summer. The weather can be great or not so. Last time we went we had a complete week of beautiful sunshine and temp that just needed a light coat or some sweaters with layers. Perfect.
Jul 16th, 2006, 06:15 AM
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ReddVelvett and Nina - I read your posts about the medications you take and how you take them. As a long time asthmatic I can tell you I have done the same things. I would encourage you to see a specialist. I would also encourage you to take an asthma test, you can find all kinds of tests by googling. Medications have changed in the past few years. It is now possible to control it with a pill and a puff in the morning and one of each at night. I do carry an inhaler but it is only for emergencies. (I haven't used one in a month). Even though I am a severe asthmatic, I have not used prednizone in years.
You are right, I'd be worried travelling if my asthma was not under control, ReddVelvet - there is no such thing as taking your medicines on an irregular basis, Good breathing exercises and the advice of a knowledgeable doctor will make your life so much easier. I am sorry to preach but you seem to love traveling, you should be able to do it without worry.
You are right, I'd be worried travelling if my asthma was not under control, ReddVelvet - there is no such thing as taking your medicines on an irregular basis, Good breathing exercises and the advice of a knowledgeable doctor will make your life so much easier. I am sorry to preach but you seem to love traveling, you should be able to do it without worry.
