Three sisters in our thirties want to take a vacation together either Nov or Dec this year. We have 10 days. We've all been to Paris before but never together. We're also thinking of going to Reims but we might not want to leave Paris once we're there. Help us plan please! What are the pros and cons going Nov or Dec? We're all flying from different cities (SF, LA, NYC) and haven't bought flights yet.

YOu could just visit Reims as a day trip, it's not that far by fast train. That would resolve worrying about changing hotels.

SOunds like a good idea. I think the advantages of November or early December are it is low season so you may get some cheaper hotel rates. Not necessarily, but I've seen some hotels lower rates them. By contrast, the Christmas/NY holiday period is one of the most expensive of the year in Paris for hotels. But there are the festivities, if you want that. There are some Christmas "markets" which are just outdoor markets selling Christmas knickknacks, decorations, some handcrafts, and they can begin at Thanksgiving.

You would also get better airfare during the nonholiday period, no doubt.

I haven't been in November, but have been for Xmas/New Year's twice. Sites are very crowded that week, so I might avoid that time period and aim for late November/early December if that is okay for your work schedules (it never is for mine, unfortunately).

Oh, I hadn't yet read Christina's reply when I posted. I agree with all her comments.

We have gone the first 2 weeks of December twice and are going again this year at that time. Prices are lower, we get to enjoy all of the Christmas decor, markets and spirit in the city but are home for Christmas! We've also done a day trip to Reims that time of year.

Thanks ladies!
We always spend Christmas with our mom so we definitely have to be back home for that but we would love to catch some holiday decor. We're thinking of a suite instead of getting 2 hotel rooms or maybe connecting rooms. My older sis wants to stay in the 16th, little sis prefers the Marais and I was thinking either the 1st or 6th. I guess it depends on which hotel we choose. Our mom used to bring us to afternoon tea all the time so for old times sake we want a fabulous tea place if you could suggest? My little sister has not done the Seine cruise so we're thinking of doing that too, and any other fun ideas!

We've been there in both November and December (shorts weather a couple of years ago). You will encounter rain, but nothing that should bother you.

If you have a budget, there are some excellent places to choose from.

You might want to take a look at Patrica Wells' "The New Food Lover's Guide to Paris". Patricia's good at what she does (www.patriciawells.com).

If two of the sisters are okay sharing a bed this apartment looks fabulous. This is where is want to stay for our trip- however I have a brother not a sister and it would be weird to share a bed.
http://www.parisvacationapartments.c...two-bedroom-2/

If you want some holiday decor, definitely go last week in November or early December.

I'm not into tea myself, but the most famous tea rooms are Angelina's on rue de Rivoli and Laduree. here's a good article on them
https://bonjourparis.com/archives/paris-tea-salons/

Seine cruise if it's not too gray would be nice.

Both November and December are excellent, but of course if you are interested in Christmas decorations, you will hold off until the last week of November.

Other afternoon tea hot spots in Paris include Le Meurice and La Galerie at the Four Seasons.
Mariage freres in the Marais (and elsewhere in Paris) is also great for tea. Take some home too.


http://www.dorchestercollection.com/.../afternoon-tea

http://www.fourseasons.com/paris/din...noon_tea_menu/

http://www.mariagefreres.com/boutiqu...us-marais.html

Thank you for the book and tea salons and also the apt link! Ill be passing on to my sisters. I think end of November is the best time to go based on your description. Could you suggest a trusted company doing private Seine tours? We want to surprise my little sis, have her favorite champagne on the boat at sunset, etc.