denmal

Thank you Fuzzbucket - That is exactly what I have planned to pack... We are hoping for a few nice days , would love to be able to sit outside in a cafe once or twice....

PalenQ

Some Parisian cafes have outdoor heaters IME and put up plastic walls around the two ends. and IME of Christmas in Orleans several times, just south of Paris, is that it can be downright warm - friend told me yesterday in was 12-15 C at her home - she thought it were too warm - too balmy for the time and thought it may be due to global warming (probably not IMO). But with a few long-sleeve sweaters and layers I'd bet you'll be sitting outdoors at cafes!

yestravel

I've been here a couple weeks now and what I notice on weather sites is that forecasts change constantly. I can look and see rain forecast a couple days out and within a day or so it changes. It has been dreary and rained every few days, but that is what I expected. A hood on your raincoat or hat is helpful so,that when it drizzles you can use it if that matters to you.

We've had no lines at museums, but special exhibits are crowded with what appear to be French. I hear much less English as we move about the city. Metro lines during rush hour have been pretty crowded. In the evening we have visited the displays for the holidays and they are pretty empty. Stores have not been crowded. Expect to have any bags searched and often we are asked to unzip coats or jackets. Some place "wand" you.

I've been in the areas many times where the attacks occurred and there are people sitting in cafes and going about their life. First evening I was there, one week after the attacks, I was surprised to see so many people at the bars and restaurants, Maybe less people are out overall, but having stayed in that area, it doesn't seem horriblly different, except for the memorials obviously. On Sunday Republique was blocked off and the metro didn't stop there, so it was rather empty when we were there. All in all less people everywhere and I hope for the economy of Paris that changes.

pariswat

http://www.meteofrance.com/prevision...rance/paris/75

is not the worse site.

TigerMcQueen

I have been planning a Christmas week trip to Paris for almost a year now, because I thought it was time (and I had the budget) to expose my children to cultures other than those in the U.S. and English-speaking Canada. We chose Paris because my children are enthralled with the Eiffel Tower. We are still going, and, honestly, not going never really crossed our minds (mainly because of personal experience during and after 9/11 and the Boston Marathon).

Thank you to those in Paris for giving updates on the current situation, mood, etc. I'm terribly sad that the city will most likely be much (MUCH) more subdued over the holidays than it normally would be. My husband and I spent a week there over Thanksgiving years ago, during our honeymoon, and the city was so lively and fun.

But I am determined to give my 9- and 10-year-old the best experience in Paris that we can give them. I would love for them to have been able to experience Paris as it was when we were there, but I am sure they will still have fun. Shorter lines, fewer crowds, etc. will make things 'easier' for us as tourists traveling with kids, I'm sure.

Anyway, we will be there! And knowing what to expect (thanks again, Fodorites on site) helps tremendously as I finalize plans for this trip.

yestravel

Tiger- I think you and your family will have a splendid time in Paris. It really is all decked out for the holidays.

I did notice a couple lines today. One at St Chappelle, but it is a gorgeous sunny day, perfect for viewing the Windows. Also at the Pmpidou there was line a bit ago. We walked right into the Musée de L'Orangerie earlier today.

fuzzbucket

Your kids won't notice anything is out of the ordinary, unless you draw their attention to it.

Paris is really pretty at Christmas, especially at night - that's when I would take them around to get into the spirit. Let them eat all the crepes and other junk food they can handle, and they'll be happy. All you have to do is get used to the "bag checks" in all the stores and attractions - it's over with in 2 seconds, and is really a small price to pay.

Have a look at www.premiere.fr - this site lists all the expos, spectacles, etc - many are terrific for kids, even those who don't speak French.

DonTopaz

Long and slow lines at immigration at CDG this morning -- 50 mins to clear at Term 2E

jamikins

We have been in Paris for the weekend. We noticed it to be much quieter than previous years (we come the first weekend in Dec every year). Our hotel is always full but hasn't been this weekend. Lots of empty seating outside cafes, less merchants at markets. But the Christmas lights are up and there are people out and about. Metro is busy too.

pariswat

I discussed with a guy from BNP last week - they had been forbidden to travel to Paris for 2 weeks. It seems they were not the only company to do so.
This means more room in the Thalys and less people in the hotels.
My wife had to go through a real check of her bags when returning from Paris at Gare du Nord.

TrendGirl2

LINES AT THE MUSEUMS & COAT CHECKS WERE VERY SHORT.....(Which was great for me, as all that took no time at all to visit exhibitions)

I was "Thanked" a few times in boutiques, cafes, & restaurants for coming to PARIS. It was actually very "touching!"

The store windows were still beautiful, as always.....Paris was as exciting to me as always!

Yes......there were less tourists but NO THRONGS of Tourists to deal with with. Can't wait to return.
TrendGirl2

fuzzbucket

Well, this weekend, my neighborhood was really almost back to normal - cafes and restaurants filling up, loads of people wandering the sidewalks and open air market. Perhaps it's because people have all of a sudden realized that Hanukkah and Christmas are just a few days away and they had better get a jump on the sales, which are pretty much everywhere.

So, that's good news.

I had to go to BHV yesterday and though was prepared to open my coat and tote bag, I didn't catch what the guard was saying, due to his heavy accent. I finally understood that he was repeating, "Do like Jesus! Like Jesus!" - which means that you have to spread your arms out, crucifixion-style, so he can wave the metal detector wand over you. Lots of other people were confused, too.
But now you'll be prepared if you go shopping in any of the big department stores - everyone is being very serious about security.

yestravel

We spent a few hours in the Marais and it was very crowded. Last Sunday it was not at all crowded. I wonder if the Climate conference and all the hullabaloo about it last weekend effected people's willingness to get out?

We've had all kinds of security checks. Some rather thorough and others cursory. The guard at the Pantheon today was annoyed with me because he wanted my jacket not just unzipped and pulled open, but completely unzipped and completely opened. He pretty much ignored my husband who was right behind me.

Aren't museums free on the first Sunday? Lines at the Pompidou were very long. Hopefully this surge keeps up and the economy can begin to recover. I noticed the sale signs in Windows have many sales ending today.