1 month in paris in winter
Am planning for next december/January -
Plan is for 1month in Paris (day trips) making most of train and perhaps 2 nights in each of Brussells and Strasbourg. Accommodation in self contained appears cheaper for 1 month stay but wondering if this is too long.
We have been to Paris before for 1 week and plan to stay in the same area as before Montmartre.
We have approximately 5 weeks in total this time and thought that minimizing 'travel time' by staying primarily in 1 place would be an advantage.
Any advice/commence would be appreciated - first time in winter o/seas (previous trip late September).
Thanks
Anne
leanne
brisbane 11/4/11
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You might want to rethink that idea a couple of times before you jump off the bridge.
1. A whole month in any single spot can get tedious fast.
2. A week is about right for a first visit to Paris - - you get to see most of it and it leaves you with urge to go back. Another week is almost too much - - you relook at a few favorites, explore what you might have missed, and then you're ready to move on.
3. The central core is small. Once you get out of it, there's not much else that interests the average tourist - - you may have already seen most of what there is to see.
4. The nearby surroundings are commercial/industrial - - you have to get out around fifty miles (about the distance to Chartres or Fontainebleu) before it gets intetesting again.
5. You can't really get in too many day trips since the next ring of much interest is close to a hundred miles - - you'd need to make it an overnight (Rouen, Reims) and now you're paying for a room in two places on the same night.
6. Montmartre is great, but the city gets damp and chilly in the winter - - you'll wind up riding the metro a lot instead of walking in to the central area. It's also going to add maybe a half hour each way for day trips as you hike yourself across town to get to some of the train stations for day trips.
As much as I love Paris, I think that Ed has made some valid points. We spent 8 nights in Paris in October and that was a good amount of time. We were able to explore various parts of the city, visit some museums and markets, and try some new restaurants. Maybe extend your time in Brussels and Strasbourg and add another city - perhaps Lyon?
Thanks for replys.
The big drawcard appears to be our very reasonably priced accommodation for a 1 month stay and the ability to have a base- particularly at that time of year.
Might have to rethink however.
We have previously been to Paris for 1 week in late September.
Any other ideas are appreciated.
Anne
Hi Leanne,
If you have the opportunity, the desire and reasonably-priced accommodations - you should do it! I haven't spent one month in Paris in the winter, so I can't speak from experience. It would be nice to hear from someone who has spent a month there.
I've lived in Paris twice, then spent a month there in 1989, 6 wks there in 2001 and a month there in 2010. I don't think a month is too long at all. Renting an apt is definitely cheaper for a whole month. We rented a nice apt on Ile St. Louis and paid $90/night last year. We did many day trips, and our time in Paris was wonderful. We got to do a lot of things we wouldn't have been able to do had we not spent that much time there. I haven't been there in winter since 1974 (that would have been my 6th winter there) - it was fine. I like winter weather and Paris is wonderful any time of year.
Thanks again for replys.
We will be a family of 4 (3 adults, 1 teenager) and apartment looks like costing E2700/mth.
In september 2009 we paid E1100 (although that was for 5). We are used to hot, sunny Christmas periods, and am aware this will be rainy, shorter days etc. - but also totally different to what we are used to which is is what we are after.
Leanne
Thanks again for replys.
We will be a family of 4 (3 adults, 1 teenager) and apartment looks like costing E2700/mth.
In september 2009 we paid E1100 (although that was for 5). We are used to hot, sunny Christmas periods, and am aware this will be rainy, shorter days etc. - but also totally different to what we are used to which is is what we are after.
Leanne
I agree with Susan - Paris for a month in the winter is wonderful.
Forgot to mention E1100 was for one week only.
Last time we were there for six months from December to June and it wasn't long enough. My husband was working but I always had more than enough to do. This will give you a chance to get to know the city. In addition to the guidebooks, you might check websites geared to ex-pats who are living there for more insider info. Go for it.
I have never stayed a week in Paris,, that is TOO SHORT ,, seriously, shortest visit was 9 days and I swore i would never do that again.. A month is not too long. One does not need to run to the Eiffel Tower everyday,, there are over 200 museums in Paris, there are dozens of wonderful daytrips from Paris,, there are hours to be spent wandering markets and sitting at cafes,, Paris is not a vodka shooter its a fine cognac to be sipped.
A month allows for some really interesting side trips, Loire Valley for 2 nights perhaps, perhaps Normandy or Mont St Michel,, there are more..
I have not been in December, but I hear the Christmas decorations are wonderful, and they sell hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts from street stands,, sounds heavenly. Bring warm waterproof clothing.
As you have been to Paris before , you are not first timers,, so I realize you know how much there is to see in and around Paris.
Another bonus with a longer stay in winter, look up what special exhibitions will be in town ,, there are very few in summer, but in fall and winter there are many more..
I'm assuming your overnight trips will be either at the beginning or end of Paris so you won't be paying for 2 rooms?
Overnight trips could be in the middle, as from we can tell the price of this apartment is very good for 4 people for this length of time. Other opinions?
Leanne