Mid October or Late October?

[wbl2745]

Although my wife is from Germany and we go to Europe fairly regularly, this October will be our first visit to DLP! I'm so excited! My employer agreed to pay for me to attend a conference in London and I talked DW into "making a quick trip to DLP." We can either start in London and arrive at DLP on Friday, October 28, staying two nights. This would be over a weekend and very close to Halloween. Or we can start in Paris and arrive at DLP on Monday, October 17, staying two nights. The advantage to starting in London is that by the time we get to Paris I'll be acclimatized to Europe time, whereas starting in Paris means I'll be acclimatized to Europe time for my conference in London. Hmmm... What's the real reason for the trip?

I have no clue about school holidays, crowds on weekends, and whether Halloween has any effect on crowds at DLP.

Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

 

[Carrie_Cat]

As far as crowds go you would be better going on the Monday 17th as French school holidays haven't started (they are from the 23rd of October till the 4th of November), plus there are always less people on weekdays than the weekend and last but not least the 28th - 31st of Octobre is a black out restriction for 3 of the 4 AP's so they are expecting crowds

For the acclimatising only you know how you travel as everyone is different and it depends on so many factors

 

[karenmoloney]

I'd go for the 17th too. The crowds will be much smaller & you would avoid the weekend. Plus, the earlier in October you go, the warmer the weather. 10 days can make a big difference to the temperature.

 

[jillrobinson]

Weekends at DLP are always chaotic which can make for quite an unpleasant experience, that weekend will be even more so, due to French and UK school holidays and just because the Halloween season is so popular.
I'd opt for the 17th, the Halloween decorations will be up and the season will be in full swing and it really is a fantastic fun time to visit.

 

[Lisa_C]

Ok, my little bit of advice would be, that while some have opted for the early trip, I would go with what you say about getting used to European time.

As a jetsetter who used to do the trip often, the jet lag is awful flying this way, and you will need some time to really appreciate DLP with all of your senses

While it will be busier, I enjoy the crowds, and if you plan carefully, you will be able to get down what you want in two days. It's not massive, but it's big enough for you to miss a few things if you do not research before hand

Whenever you decide to go, you'll enjoy the Halloweeen decs and atmosphere!