when to travel to paris?
Jul 16th, 2007, 05:59 AM
#21
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Anytime IS a great time but we really prefer going in the Winter or Spring. Winter is cheapest + you avoid many of teh tourist hordes. It seldom gets cold enough to snow much & we have actually been there in Feb., & it has been in the 60's.
Jul 16th, 2007, 07:59 AM
#22
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I've seen Paris in all months. I prefer September but, as Graziella5b mentions, there are trade shows in certain months, especially September. Book ahead of time and you will be fine.
December - January - February are to be avoided for a first-time visit - you risk being overwhlemed by the grayness of the buildings, the streets. May can be wonderful but beware 'les saints de glace' - the (saints')days at the beginning of May which the French will tell you can be very very cold indeed. The actual days are the 11-13 of may but past mid-May you should be fine.
December - January - February are to be avoided for a first-time visit - you risk being overwhlemed by the grayness of the buildings, the streets. May can be wonderful but beware 'les saints de glace' - the (saints')days at the beginning of May which the French will tell you can be very very cold indeed. The actual days are the 11-13 of may but past mid-May you should be fine.
Jul 16th, 2007, 10:09 AM
#23
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I love Paris any time of the year. It is my favorite city. Having said that, my personal favorite times of the year were April and Oct. When we were there in late May, into early June, it was too hot { I believe that was the summer when all of Europe was overheating!] and Dec., while not terrible, was grey and not as appealing.
I loved Musee D'Orsay, Jardin d Luxemborg, and strolling along the Seine. My family jokingly refers to 'my' seat,on Point Neuf, as we stopped there to people watch on each visit. I did have a couple good memories at Samaritan Dept.Store, having lunch at the top, as it's a wonderful spot to take in many of sites, but I believe it's still closed for renovations.
Have a wonderful trip!
I loved Musee D'Orsay, Jardin d Luxemborg, and strolling along the Seine. My family jokingly refers to 'my' seat,on Point Neuf, as we stopped there to people watch on each visit. I did have a couple good memories at Samaritan Dept.Store, having lunch at the top, as it's a wonderful spot to take in many of sites, but I believe it's still closed for renovations.
Have a wonderful trip!
Jul 16th, 2007, 10:29 AM
#24
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Perhaps Paris (or anywhere in central/northern Europe) is at its greyest in Dec/Jan/Feb, but those can be good tims to go for money reasons. Lower prices (air fare, for example) can make it doable if it wasn't otherwise.
I've gone in March and November - cold sometimes, no leaves on trees, and had a wonderful time. (Acutally was 82F when we took a day trip to Fontainbleu!)
BTW - Anyone know if there are Christmas decorations or anything happening of that kind during in early Dec?
I've gone in March and November - cold sometimes, no leaves on trees, and had a wonderful time. (Acutally was 82F when we took a day trip to Fontainbleu!)
BTW - Anyone know if there are Christmas decorations or anything happening of that kind during in early Dec?
Jul 16th, 2007, 10:30 AM
#25
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Whatever you do, try not to pick September-literally, this past September, all of central Paris hotel rooms were full during the week, all the way out to the airport. That's because it's trade fair/convention season, and you pay absolute top dollar for hotel rooms that you would pay half that in November or March. August, however, is a great time to go-it's low season in Paris, very relaxed, shops, restaurants open-I'd pick August if I wanted to be there in the warm weather-and it is lovely to be there at that time-particularly at night.
Jul 16th, 2007, 03:23 PM
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I just returned from my 3rd trip to Paris. This time, we went the last week in June & 1st week in July. It rained lots and lots and was rather chilly. (I was told, however, that they don't normally have this much rain this time of year.) It was also quite crowded - especially the tourist things. The time before that, we went the last two weeks in July, two years ago. The weather was gorgeous! Nice & warm, but not too hot, not too humid & no bugs!! Also, I don't remember it being so crowded (although our kids weren't with us on that trip so we didn't do many tourist things). Only bad thing was a fews of the nicer restaurants were closed for vacation early that last week. The first time I went was during August around 15 years ago, and I recall that the weather was nice and it wasn't all that crowded. I do recall many closed restaurants & shops due to vacation. Next time, if we go during the summer, we'll shoot for mid July since it'll be warmer and hopefully, less rainy.
Jul 17th, 2007, 12:49 AM
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See if there are any special concerts, operas, or ballets you would like to see. That said, if this is your aim, you might have to plan months in advance.
If you want to go to Paris in September, you might have a hard time finding a good deal on airfare and/or hotel. Check this out, if money is at all an issue for you, and if it's too much, plan for a later visit.
From my experience, I'd favor February over July, because hot, sticky weather is not so enjoyable. That said, the summer nights are beautiful. I don't see a problem with a winter trip, as there are so many indoor activities to enjoy all through the day and evening.
If you want to go to Paris in September, you might have a hard time finding a good deal on airfare and/or hotel. Check this out, if money is at all an issue for you, and if it's too much, plan for a later visit.
From my experience, I'd favor February over July, because hot, sticky weather is not so enjoyable. That said, the summer nights are beautiful. I don't see a problem with a winter trip, as there are so many indoor activities to enjoy all through the day and evening.
Jul 17th, 2007, 03:48 AM
#34
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The French take their holiday in August and, therefore, Paris will be more "American" than at other times. There will be some closures, both shops and restaurants while the the proprietor is away. Tourism spots are open, but I've read reports of long lines.
Jul 17th, 2007, 05:40 AM
#35
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I've been there every month of the year and November is my favorite for the same reasons mentioned by others: nip in the air, fall clothes, falling leaves, fewer tourists, lower air fares, lower hotel rates, etc. and the early sunset doesn't bother me at all. I love walking out of a museum in early evening and seeing the lights of Paris, especially reflecting in Seine.
I've gone a few times in late November, flown Thanksgiving day, and been there when the Christmas lights go on the Champs Elysee and the store and shop windows have magical displays.
All that being said, my next choices would be May/early June, or October.
Whatever you decide, I think you will have a wonderful time.
I've gone a few times in late November, flown Thanksgiving day, and been there when the Christmas lights go on the Champs Elysee and the store and shop windows have magical displays.
All that being said, my next choices would be May/early June, or October.
Whatever you decide, I think you will have a wonderful time.
Jul 17th, 2007, 06:16 AM
#36
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Hello Askar--
Our travel plans are set (leaving the US on April 29) but your message differs from what others have told us. It would be nice if May Day was uneventful, but with a new (and one-year-old next May) non-socialist government, aren't public protests likely on that day.
Our travel plans are set (leaving the US on April 29) but your message differs from what others have told us. It would be nice if May Day was uneventful, but with a new (and one-year-old next May) non-socialist government, aren't public protests likely on that day.
Jul 17th, 2007, 08:39 AM
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I went early May. I was expecting it to be warmer than it was. Wore the same jeans, sweater and boots almost every day. so much for the cute spring clothes I took with me. I had done my research, but it was a particularly crisp May. Not complaining, I love autumn weather and that's what it was like. Not busy. Loved it.
