Paris in Summer....or Fall?
 

I've been reading all the posts on this site and am planning my first Paris trip. I had thought I would go in October, thinking the weather will be nicer and the rates will be lower. But now I'm seeing lots of discounts for travel in July and August. Is the fall a more expensive time to go? <BR><BR>Also, as a woman travelling alone, would there be any preference for the 6th or the 14th? I don't care for boistrous, crowded streets...but I also wouldn't cherish the idea of walking down a deserted street late at night to reach my hotel.

August<BR>,all the Parisians leave Paris and go on their own holidays.<BR><BR>We always go either in the fall or at the end of March.<BR>I love Paris in the fall.The rates usually drop, airfares are usually a little better, the hotels are ok, the crowds are not as bad, opera and ballet starts again,everyone is back in town after that summer and there is a great energy, sorry, I love Paris in the fall:)

sorry, one more thing-I would stay in the 6th.<BR>We always stay on rue Jacob.There are some lovely small hotels,the area is fine for ladies alone.Great cafes,book shops,boutiques,cinemas,very safe,not what I would call boisterous at all!

Are you talking about airfares when you mention rates? October rates still really aren't published; they probably will get better toward the end of summer. Hotel rates are iffy - October is a big business month in Paris - trade shows, etc. so the hotels used by business people are probably full, hence the higher rates. If you look for indie hotels, not those part of chains or hotel groups (like Best Western or Hilton), you'll find decent rates.<BR><BR>For a first trip to Paris, stay in arrondissements 1-8; they are close to the main tourist sights, always active (although it's easy to find quiet hotels), and lots of good places to eat or get a cup of coffee. I like the 14eme, but it's further away from the tourist attractions, and is mostly residential - it's still safe, though, so if the only hotel room available is there, don't worry.<BR><BR>October is my favorite time in Paris; the weather's usually pretty good, the opera/ballet/concert season is in full swing, lots of special exhibits at the museums, not nearly as many tourists as in summer (but still plenty to go around), everything's open (summer means vacations for Parisians, so smaller restaurants and cafes are often closed for some if not all of the summer - it doesn't mean the whole city's shut down, there are still a gazillion places open).<BR><BR>An added bonus to October - you won't need air-conditioning, which means more hotels from which to choose.

One of my favorite things to do in Paris is to stroll along and stop for lunch and also to eat dinner at sidewalk cafes, as well as to sit and enjoy an afternoon cocktail or coffee outside. The last time I was in Paris in October -- and it was the first week of October incidentally, it was quite cold. There was very little sidewalk cafe activity for us. Dinner had to be inside. <BR>I personally don't mind that many Parisians are gone during August. Although it can be very hot and humid for a few days, it is nearly always very pleasant in the evenings. May, June, and September remain my favorite times for Paris, but I actually think I'd choose August over October, and would certainly choose July over October.

I've gone in every season and I agree with Kate. You're not likely to regret going at ANY time, but I think you would be likely see better airfares into the fall. Tourism pressure is a little lighter with school back in session. Between the 6th and 14th, I would suggest the 6th for your first trip, but there are other choices you might like, too. Happy Contrails!

Good point elvira! in the cool fall air,no one needs air conditioning! <BR>We are usually there over Halloween and the first couple of weeks in Nov.and feel quite lucky about not having many rainy days and it is never too cold.It usually feels good to walk in cooler weather, although I am not one for walking all over a city in the heat of summer.<BR> It is always refreshing about walking through Paris in bracing fall air,after the long hot summers of NY!<BR>

Sing with me:<BR>"I love Paris in the springtime, I love Paris in the fall........"

I agree with Kate: the 6th is closer to major sites and restaurants, cafes abound; lots of people and shops.

Thanks, all, for your helpful advice. When I mentioned the summer discounts, I was referring to hotel rates. Obviously, it's too early to shop airfares. <BR><BR>We seem agreed that the 6th is preferrable for a first-timer. As to the season, maybe I'll compromise and go in SEPTEMBER! For one thing, I wouldn't have to lug a heavy coat. Do you think airfares and hotel rates will have dropped by then?

we were in Paris last in late October and I didn't wear a coat the whole time, just a layered sweater and a big shawl in the evenings..don't let the fall weather be a deciding factor ..it may be cool or may not...You KNow August will be hot!<BR><BR>I prefer the 6th too, we also stay on Rue Jacob, at several different hotels in the past few years

I'm singing with you Traveler...<BR><BR>Ev'ry time I look down<BR>on this timeless town,<BR>Whether blue or gray be her skies,<BR>Whether loud be her cheers or<BR>Whether soft be her tears,<BR>More and more do I realize....<BR><BR>I love Paris in the Springtime.<BR>I love Paris in the Fall.<BR>I love Paris in the Winter, when it drizzles.<BR>I love Paris in the Summer, when it sizzles.<BR>I love Paris ev'ry moment. <BR>Ev'ry moment of the year.<BR>I love Paris. Why, oh, why do I love Paris?<BR>Because my love is near.<BR><BR>Thank you Cole Porter!

Re: air fares..we always try to get our tickets early in the year, before they go up for the summer fares.That is really planning ahead, so some people are not comfortable,but I like having that detail taken care of ..so it is not unusual for us to buy tickets to Paris in Feb for a trip in the fall~I seem to remember that either the airfares drop their prices after the end of Oct.

One thing that would prevent me from visiting Paris in summer again is that we did just that last year in July and we were boiled by the intense heat and humidity. I even suffered heatstroke there, something I've never had before in my 29 years! We still persevered in getting around the city and seeing a lot of what it has to offer, but next time, we'd go in autumn.

Been to Paris in July and been in October. If you don't mind hot weather July is great ...Be there on the 14th for the big Bastille Day parade on the Champs E., it's something to see. In October 2000 it was cool but sunny, in October 2001 it was quite warm and we went around in t-shirts. One difference I did note was that some places in central and southern France didn't open for the whole day for tours as they did in the summer, or not all the fountains at Versailles were running. Another factor is if you want to sit outside for meals ..in July it's preferable for any meal. In October we ate lunch at a cafe, sometimes dinner especially if there were outdoor heaters. If too cool we had to eat indoors..many of the cafes have a tent-like covering in the fall.

OK, I'm sold on autumn. Being from the US Gulf Coast...heat and humidity I can do without. I don't mind eating inside, perhaps with rain sheets running down the cafe window, reflecting the lights of the city. (Am I getting in the mood, or what?!) The only downside is Autumn is sooooo far away!<BR><BR>

jeanne,<BR>picture wearing a coat and a scarf and walking all over Paris,when you get too chilled or just need a break, you stop at a cafe.They have these warmers that are outside so you can still sit outside and have a coffee,tea or wine and be warm.If it is raining, some of the cafes, like the Deux Magots, have plastic "walls" that protect you from the rain but you still are sitting in the outdoor part.<BR>It feels so good to walk in and out of shops and museums when it is chilly out.<BR>There is always something to do when the weather is warm, but looking forward to fall in Paris is wonderful~<BR>Kate