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An Original Chandelier
Paris
Rue des Lombards in the morning
Avenue Marceau
I'm considering to travel to Paris with my boyfriend for about 4 to 5 days but I'm not sure which when be the best time to go. My options are during christmas (24 - 27 Dec '09) or Valentine (12 - 16 Feb '10).
Please advise.
i'd opt for Christmas
purely and simply because of the connotations surrounding Valantines Day - my other half would think i was trying to force him into something he doesn't want at the moment - unless that is of course what both of you are after - a romatic valentines day in the "supposed" capital of romance
its not going to be much better weather wise either as we were there in early feb a few years ago and it was still pretty grim
Unlike doodybee, we went to Paris a few Valentine Days ago, and it was very warm and lovely. I think it really depends what sort of atmosphere you enjoy. It will be hectic, cold and crowded around the Christmas holiday. Museums, especially, will be filled with people. In February, you will have a more peaceful atmosphere, and hopefully some nice weather.
You might want to look into what's open during the Christmas time frame, I've been to Paris late in December but we arrived on the 26th and weren't there on the actual holiday. I'm betting most museums and restaurants will be closed on the 25th and maybe part of the 24th, just like they would be in the US. A quick look at the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay shows that both of them are closed on the 25th, public transport might also not be running.
I haven't been to Paris in either of those time windows, but was there early in March and we had reasonably nice weather.
My main concern with the December window is that many of the places you might want to visit would be shut.
In February you won't have that problem. Remember that most museums are shut on Mondays, so that that into account in your plannning (Feb 15).
Usually February is a time of the year when it is easier to find discounted rates for hotels and flights.
A lot of museums are closed on Mondays but there is still plenty to do, the Louvre and the Orangerie are closed on Tuesdays instead so they are open, the Arc de Triomphe and the towers of Notre Dame are open every day, etc. I imagine most everything will be closed on Dec 25th.
My husband would never agree to travel on Christmas because he wants to be with his family, I assume you've checked with your boyfriend regarding the two time periods.
if I were you I would come to Paris for Christmas.
Paris is at its best with an overwhelming and beautiful decoration and lightnings.
In case you are on facebook, just connect visit the fanpage of hotel concortel and look at the invitation christmas in Paris. It is beautiful.
There is also the 120th anniversary of the Eiffel Tower with amazing light show every hour in the night from 8:00 to 11:00 pm
Concortel by the way is a good option for your stay. Extremely friendly and cosy hotel. Nothing fancy, but nice decoration in an old building. Close to Madeleine so excellent location on the right bank.
Ask me if you have more question.
You absolutely must make a side trip to Givourney (spelling?) This is the garden Monet painted over and over again. He did not do it justice. It is the most beautiful garden I've ever seen. We came across a small square somewhere in the Latin Quarter. There was a park in the middle and shops along the edge. We bought a bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, the block of cheese and sat on the curb and watched the world go by while eating our French lunch.
One of the great things to do in Paris is to wander round the streets, and look out for the many monuments and statues dotted around the city. They're all over the place!
It's interesting to observe in particular the alignment of the many buildings and monuments between the Louvre and La Defense. But you'll see them on many street corners, in squares and parks, so keep your eyes open and your camera ready...
The Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower is definitly our symbol. She belongs to everybody (yes, she's a girl and not only a piece of metal). That's funny because every parisians love the tower but very few of them have been on it.
Since 14th of july 2001 she doesn't flash anymore, you'll have to wait the beginning of 2003 to see it again. But don't worry, you can see the lights.
Click on the 'History' travelogue to see pictures and a history of this tower.
These informations come from the official website Eiffel Tower history, very interesting and in english.
At the Eiffel Tower 'legs' there're lawns where ppl can sit on, relax. they make available one lawn at one leg for this, while the grass becomes vital again on the other and then does it with another side, simple, but wise soliution. French people are polite, men polite too:), but outside Paris (I've spent a week in other part of France) they hardly speak English, so either learn French either sign language :) Very cultured country and that's why I love French language, culture, movies, athmosphere and people.
Rene Gerard Saint Ouen is my mon ami (friend) and also makes great bread like brioches in the shape of the Eiffel Tower and elephants! His boulangerie is on the Boulevard Hausmann. He is also the baker to President Mitterand of France and used to be a paratrooper in Vietnam during the war against the Vietminh. Rene is a very nice gentleman I am honoured to have as my friend. When I am in Paris - La Ville Lumiere I always drop in to buy some bread and share a glass or two of wine with him. By Dr. Michael Lim The Travelling Gourmet who is a renowned Travel, Food and Wine Writer/Editor in Asia
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Address: 98 Rue de Clery, Paris, 75002, France
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