Paris anyone?

[javamoma]

We are thinking of going to Paris in the off season (january or febuary) to save thousands of dollars, literally! Has anyone traveled there this time of year? What is the downside of the off season? I am headed to get a guidebook tomorrow but I am dying to hear someone's personal experience. Is it cold, wet, and rainy? Is it worth it or will going during off season ruin our first Paris experience? It must be said that is we do not go in off season, we cannot afford to go at all.

 

[TiggerMomNine]

We went to Paris (and London & Luxembourg) last March. We were in Europe for about two weeks. We only got rained on once, in Luxembourg, on the day we arrived there.

The temps were nice and it was usually cloudy or overcast. We wore pants and took light jackets.

It was fabulous!

I would recommend a little hotel near the Eifel Tower by the name of Hotel Valadon - it was very charming, had good location, and very nice proprietors.

I'd be glad to give you more info, if you're interested.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Kitzka]

Just suscibring as i would love to know as well. i would love to go to europe in feb or march 2010 for DH and my late anniversary.

lara

 

[wendy46001]

We normally go in March as well....its a bit rainy and cold
but as a florida girl i guess my idea of cold is kind of off

Still Paris is a wonderful city, but its a walking city...so be prepared to grab an umbrella and get a little wet...if your up for that you'll have a great time

 

[xanman]

We have gone both of those months, and really like it. Just make sure to bring a scarf, it gets windy, and bundle up. The weather doesn't really matter that much because, when you think about it, alot of what you want to see is indoors. Some of the monuments you will see from the outside, but the museums, shops, restaurants etc. will all be inside. Not as crowded either, so you can see much more. I would not hesitate, go for it!!

 

[Fizzgig]

We went for 8 days in December 2005. It was very cold and grey. The Metro and Louvre are not stroller friendly. We stayed in Renaissance La Defense, which was steps away from Metro line 1, I believe, which made for a quick trip to Champs Elysee sights.

Hope that helps!

 

[TDERadulski]

We currently live in Brussels (moving back to the states - Texas - in three weeks!). I have to say, nothing beats Paris in the Spirng...LATE spring, but that is high season and much more crowded.

The weather is cold and rainy in January/February. You may luck out and get a few days without rain, but it will be cold. It also gets dark very early. That beaing said, if you don't mind traveling with a bit more gear (layers of clothes and a warm, waterproof coat/hat/scarf/gloves/boots/umbrella) - you can definately find some great bargains!! I went in November and the wait to reach the top of the Eiffel Tower was still over an hour...and the wait in the cold wind was almost unbearable...but worth it once we reached the top!! There are always tour groups all around the city and the museums will still be crowded (as people will linger longer to stay out of the rain and cold). All that being said, Paris is an amazing city! There is a very efficient metro system or even better the buses (so you are above ground and you can see the city as you travel from point to point). If the ONLY way you can get there is to go off season, then go for it...just come prepared. However, if you can save your money for a little longer and maybe take a trip in later spring in a few years, you won't regret waiting. The city is gorgeous in the springtime.
Good luck with your decision and happy travels!

 

[Nik's Mom]

Did anyone venture over to Disneyland Paris? I wonder how bad it is to tour DL or any outdoor activity in the cold of winter?

 

[xanman]

We went and it was a beautiful winter day, no rain, not too cold, and not crowded! Again, I would say, go for it!! We have been in Florida at WDW for Christmas/New Years and it was so cold and rainy we had to wear coats, scarfs, mittens etc. The weather is always a variable that you just have to deal with.

 

[shortbun]

I LOVE Paris. That said, no gardens(Versailles, Monet, Tuilleries) in January/February. No roses crawling up trellises, no street vendors or artists outside at Montmarte. Check the museum schedules, they may be a bit limited. Good prices on hotels compared to what the dollar buys in Summer. Air fare is a bargain again comparatively. I'd go to Paris anytime. Try to find a hotel with a fireplace in the lobby.

 

[leebee]

We went in April 2008 with DD14's ballet company. Stayed 5 nights in the Loire Valley (put on a ballet with a company there) and then 4 nights in Paris at the Hotel Opera Cadet. Nice hotel with b'fast, very convenient to the subway line (Cadet), friendly neighbor of little shops, food stands, etc. The weather was mixed in April, sometimes overcast, drizzly, cool, sometimes warm and sunny. We paid THROUGH THE NOSE for airfare and hotel, travelling in April. Grab a good fare while you can, if that's what it takes to get to Paris!! I loved it and cannot wait to take DH there!

 

[Kitty-chan]

I've been to Paris twice...never in the winter, but so many of my favorite things to do there are indoors anyway! There are a ton of fabulous museums, including Les Invalides, the Rodin Museum, and the Pompidou. Also, because I am quirky, I got a huge kick out of the sewer museum.

I love Disneyland Paris...I'm planning to be there next summer, yay! I wouldn't hesitate to go in winter, especially as I believe the crowds would be lighter (except during holiday weeks). The dragon who lives under the castle simply should not be missed! Here's a picture I took in August 1005 (and a link to my trip report):

 

[QT Pooh]

Also when you're in Paris...check out the Pere Lachaise cemetery. They have a lot of famous people buried there...Oscar Wilde, Chopin, Jim Morrison, Sara Bernhardt & much more. Read up on it...it's a pretty neat place.

 

[eliza61]

Subscribing,
I'm hoping to go early April '09

 

[Tinkerbelle32]

O.K. we are also trying to decide spending Christmas in Europe(Germany and Paris) or take a cruise. We would have friends to visit in Germany and we love Paris so much. Was just there in March and the weather was quite nice. Not trying to hijack a thread but is the Holiday worth the cold weather? Thanks!

 

[pilgrimage]

The winter Christmas decorations are stunning in Dec, previous poster.
I lived in Europe 2 1/2 years on business. While cold, a big attraction
for me were the museums and churches. Be sure to see St. Chapelle
for its stunning stained glass. Take the time to tour Notre Dame
and maybe stay for a service.The beauty and reverence of the service was very moving.

 

[prncess674]

Question for the OP - Are you going with kiddies or this an adults only trip? I love going in the winter. You can snuggle up under umbrellas and get cozy in little cafes. It is all a matter of what you really want to do. The dollar to the Euro is so bad, you may want to try another destination where your dollar goes further. One option to consider is Buenos Airies, which is considered the Paris of South America.

 

[javamoma]

O.K. we are also trying to decide spending Christmas in Europe(Germany and Paris) or take a cruise. We would have friends to visit in Germany and we love Paris so much. Was just there in March and the weather was quite nice. Not trying to hijack a thread but is the Holiday worth the cold weather? Thanks!

Hijack away. I'm drewling while I read all this!

 

[bavaria]

It doesn't always get cold. Paris can be anywhere from 0 to 15 degrees November - March, clear or cloudy or rainy. But for Americans remember that we have little or no air conditioning in public areas, so you will find it HOT in the metro stations, trains, shops, restaurants, hotel lobbies, etc. I am in Paris every few months and cannot recall one time in the last three years where I needed my winter coat (but can recall many many times when I was dripping in sweat)

Germany varies widely, for the poster who asked - it is a large country. Sometimes we have late winters in Bavaria, sometimes early ones. This past year winter started early ie we had about 15cm of snow in late October, and ended late ie we have 15cm of snow in late March. But many areas have no snow at all.

Sadly in Paris they started holiday decorating earlier this past season. Usually in Germany we don't have decorations go up in shops etc until First Advent, and people don't put up the tree until the actual holiday. But to draw tourists that is changing and no longer our usual traditions.

 

[javamoma]

Question for the OP - Are you going with kiddies or this an adults only trip? I love going in the winter. You can snuggle up under umbrellas and get cozy in little cafes. It is all a matter of what you really want to do. The dollar to the Euro is so bad, you may want to try another destination where your dollar goes further. One option to consider is Buenos Airies, which is considered the Paris of South America.

We will have our 3 year old with us. We were actually planning a summer trip to Colonial Williamsburg and ended up with a winter trip to Paris! Long story.
Anyway, with getting an airline deal, the dollar ratio won't be that big of a deal. Our place to stay is taken care of.

DD will be almost 4 by the trip, she does great on planes and in restraunts but I am a museum junkie and I am wondering how long she will be able to endure them. Thanks to wonderpets, Ratatoulle, The Aristicats, and many other cartoons, she has an Eiffle tower obsession!

I think I just spelled 15 words wrong but you know what I mean!