10.31.08
Planning Your Visit to Paris
“Paris is always a good idea.” Sabrina
Though any time is a great time to visit Paris, some times are better than others. Often trips are scheduled around work, vacations, or the low season for special rates. Under these circumstances, go whenever you can! However, if you are able to choose your times, there are some things to consider.
Typically, the best times to visit are considered high season by the travel industry. For Paris, high season is May-July and September-October. In August, Parisians depart the city for their holidays. Typically, their vacation leaves Paris less congested. However, many of the privately owned shops and smaller businesses close during this time. Also, with fewer Parisians, you may find less of the personality that makes Paris so distinctively French.
The French holidays are another consideration. There is nothing like having a few days in Paris, only to discover that it is a French holiday and everything is closed! Though there are not many of these holidays, it is important to note them. Almost everything closes on May 1, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
We love to visit Paris during the Christmas holidays, when the streets are lined with lights and the stores are decorated for the shoppers. As in most places, the French decorate early for Christmas and leave the decorations up through the first part of January. What a wonderful way to experience Paris!