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-   -   Paris: very specific where to stay thread (restaurants) (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/paris-very-specific-where-to-stay-thread-restaurants-1728394/)

seamet Feb 25th, 2025 05:02 AM

Paris: very specific where to stay thread (restaurants)
 
We are going to Paris in December (between Christmas and New Year).

We have been several times before.

We have a choice of three Hilton hotels (because we will use points): one is near Madeleine, one is near Trocadero, and one is near Pernety (near Montparnasse station).

Ordinarily we would choose to stay at the one near Pernety, as our priority is to have nice, non-touristy restaurants nearby, and the other locations are (I guess) going to be too central / touristy to have too many options in that regard.

However...

I am concerned that many non-touristy, non-central restaurants will be closed between Christmas and New Year, such that we might be better off staying more centrally.

What do you all think?

Ps: I recognise that we will not starve wherever we stay, but our priority is eating so that's why I am asking the question.
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ekscrunchy Feb 25th, 2025 08:20 AM

If you have a few restaurants in mind, why not contact them and ask if they will take a vacation break at that time?
I would have thought most places would be open to accommodate all the tourists that will be in the city during the holidays. Not on the actual holidays, but in the time between Christmas and New Years. Even the restaurants that seem non-touristy surely get loads of tourists..it's Paris.

AlessandraZoe Feb 25th, 2025 10:04 AM

Over 35 years and I now can't count the # of trips, we've stayed in various Paris locations over three Xmas break holidays, once in the fifth for the Millenium, once in the 8th just a spit from the Hermes Paris Faubourg St Honore (which would be near the Hilton Madeleine location), and once in the 7th, where I had to plan both an engagement dinner and another celebration on Xmas Eve and Christmas Day for 7 persons.

My favorite Xmas Eve dinner was at 24 Le Restaurant, 24 Rue Jean Mermoz, 75008 Paris, France (again, nearer the Madeleine Hilton). Not only was the food great, but it seemed as though the families of servers and owners were also in attendance. We felt honored to be there, and we made sure we let them know that.

Ironically, the WORST experience was nearby at
Le 114 Faubourg inside The Bristol. It was EVERYTHING we detest about $$$ in Paris.

And I should say that this specific area was one we've always avoided and one to which we've not returned, but we actually got a kick out of staying in the area just once. The holiday street decorations were cool, the store windows were fascinating (walking down the street and all of a sudden being stopped dead by VALENTINO RED!), and the people watching around the Hermes lines (chauffeurs everywhere) was a hoot. The Metro and bus connections, plus access to scenic walks, were super, allowing us to get away from these idiots (Birkin owners, my apologies. Then again...) were easy too. We escaped to little local restaurants all over Paris and had a lot of good food and fun.


Each time, planning ahead, I'd look for local publications of what was open THE YEAR BEFORE to give me a heads up. Heck, Open Table has a list available now for Xmas 2025.

Good luck! I'm sure you will do well.
AZ

seamet Feb 26th, 2025 01:57 AM

Thanks both. I will send some restaurants some emails.

Fleur_de_Lis Feb 26th, 2025 07:08 AM

I'll admit I haven't been to Paris during that time frame (although it's on my list!) but I highly doubt allll the restaurants in Montparnasse will be closed - maybe just one or two here and there. Plus, you're so close to the 6th you could just walk over to the more touristy areas if it really becomes an issue. (Biased a little bit here since I love Montparnasse and the other two spots would be too touristy for me.

seamet Feb 26th, 2025 10:10 AM


Originally Posted by Fleur_de_Lis (Post 17636166)
I'll admit I haven't been to Paris during that time frame (although it's on my list!) but I highly doubt allll the restaurants in Montparnasse will be closed - maybe just one or two here and there. Plus, you're so close to the 6th you could just walk over to the more touristy areas if it really becomes an issue. (Biased a little bit here since I love Montparnasse and the other two spots would be too touristy for me.

Yes, if all else fails I am sure La Rotonde and the other grande dames will be open every da​​y (appreciate they are touristy, but I quite like them).

kerouac Feb 26th, 2025 10:25 PM

I never notice a lot of local restaurants being closed during that time of year. Smaller places can't always afford to take days off.

I would choose Pernety.

seamet Feb 27th, 2025 12:07 AM


Originally Posted by kerouac (Post 17636335)
I never notice a lot of local restaurants being closed during that time of year. Smaller places can't always afford to take days off.

I would choose Pernety.

Thanks Kerouac. We have now committed to Pernety.


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