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Post by holger on Jul 4, 2012 21:48:21 GMT -5
Thinking of 2013. Could go to Paris for two weeks in July or two weeks that would take us from about the 20th of December through New Year's 2014.
What are some thoughts? Want to be able to enjoy our restaurants and walking and just hanging out. Weather is now so unpredictable.
What is the winter like in Paris? Need to decide shortly so we can start looking into securing apartment and planning.
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Post by Anne on Jul 5, 2012 2:21:32 GMT -5
If you have never spent Xmas/NYE in Paris then you should go at that period. With all the decorations and illuminations the mood feels much more festive than in US cities and temps should be milder than in Philadelphia, in the 0-5°C range which is better for walking that the stuffy heat or else rainy weather that is common in July. But then as you say weather is unpredictable, we spent the end of 2008 in Paris and were freezing cold, then 2 years later at the same period France was snowed in ...
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Post by jo on Jul 5, 2012 5:52:16 GMT -5
The latest time of year we've been was the last week of November. It got cold enough for a light dusting of snow one day but that didn't stop us from walking everywhere (with many stops to warm up with a cafe creme or mulled wine). We got to see the wonderful Christmas lights and displays everywhere. We were dressed for the weather (Canadians, eh?) and I found it a lovely time to be in Paris.
I don't think I would like to be in Paris in July due to the heat. I like hot weather at the beach, but not in a crowded city where I am walking for miles.
The thought of spending Christmas in Paris would be the deal clincher for me. Maybe you will even be there long enough for the soldes!!
Jo
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Post by holger on Jul 5, 2012 6:37:57 GMT -5
Thanks. That is the way I am leaning. Especially as we are heading into an even hotter period here for the next few days. Temps between 97F and 100F BEFORE the heat index.
I have been trying to work from home but will have to head in today.
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Post by Sandy M on Jul 5, 2012 7:04:20 GMT -5
December is definitely the way I would go - just TOO hot in July plus you would have all the kids who are out of school - big crowds! I don't do the heat well at all so it would have to be a free trip for me before I would go to Paris in July.
And, you would love, love, love all the Christmas decorations - just beautiful from the big stores down to the smallest shop - as Anne said, it really puts a festive mood to the city!
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Post by Happygoin on Jul 5, 2012 7:35:25 GMT -5
I agree completely with Sandy, Jo and Anne. It's a bit subjective though. I've been in Paris in August, and I'd never go again, even if it meant not going at all. Too hot to enjoy. My preference is Nov/Dec for the weather reasons, but also the lack of crowds, as previously mentioned too. The Christmas decorations are the cherry on top  |
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Post by geordy on Jul 5, 2012 8:05:27 GMT -5
I'm with the majority...the Holiday season is very special in Paris! Only there once in July..quite magical as well..year they won the Soccer World Cup plus Bastille Day! The nite of the 3 Tenors Concert at the Eiffel Tower we had to buy sweatshirts  ;)it was so cool and misty..then the rest of the trip hotter than..... Also wasn't sure I sure have exposed S/O to a bunch of half naked French women!!! ;D |
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Post by PariS on Jul 5, 2012 9:37:23 GMT -5
I agree with everyone else. We spent Dec. 26-Jan 9 in Paris this past year, and it was great--not as cold and not as rainy on that trip as it's been on other trips we've made in Dec., Jan. & Feb.--but you are used to the cold anyway! It was crowded the first week we were there, but once New Year's had passed the crowds left. A few restaurants we wanted to eat at were closed for the holidays, and dining on New Year's Eve was a little tricky since we decided not to book one of the special all-night parties (we called 3 places and struck out, then just walked around to several others until we hit on one we liked that was taking walk-ins--so I'd do that differently next time).
As for July, we did that last year and will be there again in a week ;D I love that it doesn't get dark until after 10 pm. I love being able to walk around without being bundled up and not having to shed coat, scarf, hat, gloves, etc. every time we go indoors. I love being able to wear sandals, and spending as much time as we want lounging in the parks and along the banks of the Seine and not having to cut it short to go warm up somewhere. I do not love the crowds of summer, but if you're not doing touristy things you don't have to fight that. Last July we had only 1 or 2 rainy days, 1 or 2 hot days, 1 or 2 cold days, and the rest were very pleasant. The night we walked along the Paris Plage we were freezing! The weather in Dec/Jan is much more predictable!
For me, what tips the scales are the Christmas lights and decorations, the winter comfort foods, and fewer people once New Year's is over. Oh, and lower airfares!!!
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Post by Jody on Jul 5, 2012 10:33:20 GMT -5
We have not been in Dec. but late nov, I have enjoyed the cool weather we get enough of HOT in Fl to last a lifetime. Chriistmas decoe
rations were up already.And winter foods are on all menus.I really want to spend Christmas sometime.I'll stay at home with
i the A/C and the pool close by in July!
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Post by luckyluc on Jul 5, 2012 11:19:57 GMT -5
One more vote for December, with the leaves gone the view of the buildings and the places are very different, I love Place des Vosges in the winter.
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Post by JustTravel on Jul 5, 2012 11:40:06 GMT -5
I, too, would choose December. We spent two Christmas holidays in Paris: 2003/2004 and 2006/2007 - simply lovely! During the cold days, I simply dressed in layers plus scarf and sometimes gloves but no hat. ;D I don't like wearing gloves unless I absolutely have to; too much hassle when taking pictures. My mid-thigh coat had big enough pockets for my hands and camera. I would love to go again. |
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Post by sunshine817 on Jul 5, 2012 11:59:18 GMT -5
I realize it's only the 5th, but thus far, this July has been anything *but* hot. Some pleasantly warm days, but nothing even remotely hot.
Last year was cool and grey and miserable, too.
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Post by denise on Jul 5, 2012 12:07:28 GMT -5
 Well I know I am in the minority here, but as I've just been in Paris for the last 6 days and I have been thinking how lovely everything is in the summer. How nice it is to stroll about in light clothes and sit and relax outside in the parcs and street cafes, browse the markets and above all cycle all over the place. The weather has been in the high 70's and the only thing I have been so glad of is aircon in the apartment. ... yes i am a convert! The city is not crowded. and we have not had to queue for anything. We have just had a ferocious downpour and it remains to be seen if it will continue but I think I still prefer summer as all the flowers are in bloom. Denise Love from Paris. PS. Trip reports on my blog see link below.
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Post by geordy on Jul 6, 2012 8:39:35 GMT -5
Dear Denise, Yes you are in a minority..not for perhaps choosing July..but because you are there every month!!!!!!!  ;D..or so it seems...... No either or for you Sister....... Lucky you.....I'll put the Green Monster away now...... |
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Post by ianbis9856 on Aug 9, 2012 2:44:14 GMT -5
I agree, December is the best time for visiting. The weather is comfortable (if you like the cold), They have Christmas markets and decorate beautifully. That and lodging is cheaper! I would look on the official tourism website to see what weekend events are on.
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;)it was so cool and misty..then the rest of the trip hotter than.....
Well I know I am in the minority here, but as I've just been in Paris for the last 6 days and I have been thinking how lovely everything is in the summer. How nice it is to stroll about in light clothes and sit and relax outside in the parcs and street cafes, browse the markets and above all cycle all over the place.
;D..or so it seems......
hahahha