Hi,

I was thrilled to have had a chance to visit Paris for the first time in May 2003. It was beautiful, of course, and the weather was rather pleasant. I'd love to hear thoughts from anyone who has been in the winter months. I've no doubt it is still beautiful (needless to say!), but I love reading the opinions and advice of avid travelers, and would so love to hear your thoughts. My winter trip is certainly not carved in stone, but I am pondering it. I'm going to London in the fall, and if I don't go to Paris this winter, I will go to Santa Fe...I know, big switcheroo!

Belinda

Paris is delightful any time, but in winter you get the added benefit of minimal crowds and low off-peak prices for airfare and lodging.

Dress for rain, because it drizzles more than it snows, and don't forget a warmth layer or two. I wear my trench coat with the zip-out lining over a sweater and shirt. Of course, it might also be 70°F and sunny.

Have a great trip!

Paris in winter has its charms. It's less crowded, better theatre seasons, I like shopping for winter clothes (great knitware, hats). Certainly no need to worry if you're going to get A/C in hotels, restaurants etc...

The only drawback I can think of is the day is short--it gets dark by 6pm.

Thank you, Robespierre, and W9London. Its amazing how the different seasons can create a fresh new perspective on a city, and I'd love to experience Paris in winter light.

Belinda

I have been to Paris several times in February and once in March. This is a great time to travel if you don't mind the weather. Air fare is much lower, crowds are much lighter, the opera, ballet, and concert seasons are in full swing. There are plenty of indoor distractions in Paris if the weather is rainy, cold or snowy, and I have encountered all three, although there have also been some sunny warm bonus days.

This February there was a bumper crop of interesting trip reports about Paris, and in fact several of the people writing the reports had a get-together in Paris. If you do a search you may be able to pull up some of the trip reports.

I have written two reports about February trips to Paris:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34762455

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34574921

I've only been there is summer and I can't imagine Paris without a lively outdoor cafe scene. I'm curious. Do outdoor cafes remain open and people bundle up? Or do they possibly have those heater things? Or is that something winter visitors just have to give up?

Some outdoor cafés put a few less tables out, but with the large propane burner, a warm coat and of course the rigueur foulard it is very pleasant.

On top of all the good reasons already mentionned, I will add that it is easier to digest the classical terroir cuisine during the colder months.

The views from the city parks are also very different since the leafless (c'est un mot?) trees permit a further view. And the colder temperature make a perfect excuse for drinking delicious thick chocolat chaud at Angelina.

The most important to remember is to bring a coat with a warm removable lining, warm shoes and a collaptable umbrella.

I've been there 3 times in the January - March months. It has always been pleasant, never too cold, + I did some of my best photography during those times. They also have outdoor heaters you know. What better way to spend an afternoon, than bundled up w/a hot chocolate & your significant other in Paris ?

Does late November count? I adored it for all the reasons stated, and I dressed warmly but found some days were to nice to be so warm and then OOPS there it was cold. I didn't find the short days a problem...people were still out and about...and yes, there were propane heaters in lots of cafe's.
Otherwise, it is a great time to eat great winter foods...stews, braised shanks, OYSTERS, charcrute...etc.

I was there in December and loved it! Less crowded, lots of locals doing pre-Christmas shopping, crisp winter air. I was lucky that there wasn't any rain. Skies were blue, and I just made sure I brought a scarf & gloves along with a warm jacket.

Thank you everyone! All of you offer excellent opinions. Neopolitan, I had wondered about lounging at an outdoor cafe' at this time of year, but I think it seems possible, and SAnParis, I am so happy to hear about your photography success in the winter months. There is just something about winter light that I love!

LuckyLuc, your mention of the views being "different" with the bare trees is another of those "new perspective with the change of seasons" that I was talking about...all of these things are making Paris in the winter sound really dreamy.

And Nikki...thank you for the links! As soon as I finish my rambling here, I'm off to read.

SuzieC...November does indeed count! You paint an enticing picture of Paris at that time of the year. I suppose it all comes down to the fact that Paris is an enchanting city, year round.

Thank you all,

Belinda

It was lovely in February with a light snow dusting the statues. There were no fountains running and the trees were bare but the trade off is that we were able to see whole buildings that would have been hidden behind foliage.

Alan64, sounds like you were blessed with lovely weather in December. Now there's a thought...Christmas shopping in Paris. I'm afraid greedy me would be shopping a bit too much for myself though!

Belinda

L84SKY...sounds beautiful. Now where is that "scarf tying" thread! I want to be chic, you know?

Belinda

Some friends of ours recently mentioned they were considering going to Paris next February. They haven't been there before, and I don't know them well enough to know if they have traveled to Europe at all as yet.

I've been in March(earliest) and October (latest), and gave my opinion that February would not be a great month to go for one's first view of Paris. My concern is that the city will not have the best visual appeal and come off as more 'gritty' to new eyes that haven't been influenced by the lovely outdoor ambiance of beautiful gardens, sunny cafe terraces, and long walks thru medieval streets.

I'm wondering how many of you who loved Paris in winter were there for the first time, or had returned, knowing already how beautiful Paris can be...

I have been in Paris in November (3 times), January, February (it was 80 degrees) and March. I would rather be there in winter than not at all. One can still sit outside at the cafes. The heaters and the plastic enclosures keep it comfortable. As far as it getting dark at 6...where I live it is dark before 4:30!!

Just bring layers and dress lightly if going into the large department stores. They are unbearably hot inside.

January is also the month of "solde"--another good reason to be in Paris!

My first trip was on an e-saver in February, I continue to go back, whenever I have the chance.

My first and only trip to Paris was April '05. The weather was horrible. I think we saw the sun for about 4 seconds and then the sky opened up again and started pouring.
It was dark, rainy, dreary and raw. I was kicking myself for not bringing a warmer spring jacket. But I WAS fashionable

My time there was so wonderful, I still found the city to be breathtaking.

I figure if I fell in love with Paris when it was gross out, I can only imagine how much I'll enjoy it when it's nice out when I go back.. and I WILL go back!!!

And another thing. <GRIN> That beautiful eerie light the lights cast on the wet cobblestones...