Vacationing in Paris during the off season

You’ve seen the pictures. You’ve dreamed of Paris. So now that you’ve decided that you want to do it, what are the steps to making your Parisian wishes come true?

First of all, realize that from the first of November through the end of March, Paris is slow therefore there aren’t a lot of things going on. Many attractions and tours are either closed or have limited times and hours. The only real busy times are the holidays like Easter and Christmas. So if you’re planning a Christmas vacation to Paris, book your airlines and hotels as far in advance as possible.

It’s a good idea to check with a travel agent to find out their recommendations but another popular option is to search online to find the most up to date information for booking your off season Paris vacation.

One of the huge benefits about visiting Paris during the winter times are the lack of visitors – so, many times you can visit monuments and attractions in Paris that would otherwise be so crowded that you might not enjoy it as much as you could.

There are a number of very unique Paris attractions that you might enjoy. For instance, the Conciergeries.

The Conciergeries is the prison in Paris. It is located over the waters around Paris and has a fascinating history. The Conciergeries was originally the palace where the French kings lived. They then relocated to the Palace Louvre, and the, in the late 1300’s, the palace became Paris’ first (and only) prison. The conciergeries is located on the Island Cité, near Notre Dame (another place well worth visiting, along with the Sainte-Chapelle).

The Conciergeries became notoriously popular in the 1700’s during the French Revolution where many men and women were put to death in the prison.

The Conciergeries is part of the Palais de Justice which is still used today for much of Paris’ judicial business. The Palais de Justice also played a crucial role during the French Revolution because prisoners were detained here as they left the Concorde Squares before they were beheaded.

Paris has a wide array of attractions. During Christmas however, most of the activities are relaxed with the exception of Christmas activities. During this time, you will enjoy shopping, and strolling the beautiful city of Paris. To learn more visit your travel agent or go online to check out travel services.

Popular Places in Paris

Enjoying Paris Travel

One of the many enjoyable activities that most visitors to Paris want to do is take a tour.  These tours can be enjoyable as well as educational and, in some cases can be extremely unique.  Tours are a great way of getting to know a city – especially Paris.

The Louvre

Perhaps the best known Parisian landmark after the Eiffel Tower is The Louvre.  In fact, if you walk around outside, there’s almost as much activity going on as inside.  There are fountains, walkways, statues (such as the Buran Statues in the Paris Royal) and even the Pyramid.  (Seeing it lit up at night is a breathtaking experience).

When you step into the Pyramid, you can go up a winding staircase straight to the top and visit one of the many shops inside.

Another area to visit is the Palasis Royal and the beautiful Le Jardin des Tuileris fountain.  The Place de la Concorde is also in the same vicinity.  If you visit them at night, they are lit and absolutely stunning

Of course, the Les Champs-Elysees both during the day and at night is amazing.  The archway stands at the end with trees lining both sides of the street.

You can also visit the Moulin Rouge – a huge building with a windmill sitting on the roof.

Another tour you can take is a glass bottom riverboat tour of the Seine River.  You’ll see such romantic landmarks as the Passer Elle des Arts or Lover’s Meeting Place.  You’ll also pass many fountains and the Eiffel Tower.  The river itself is located 30 feet below street level with ivy covered stone walls, iron rings, as well as trees, old buildings and gardens.

You will pass under 32 bridges and wave at some of the riverboats.

A “can’t miss” landmark should be Notre Dame.  This stunning church has some of the most stunning architecture and stained glass windows of any building in the world.  So make sure that you check it out.  Another place in the same area as Notre Dame is the L’Hotel de Cluny.  This hotel was built to house monks coming from Cluny to visit Paris. It was converted into a museum in 1844 representing the Medieval France.

From the outside and you can see the beautiful cross-windows in the front and the others are all done in Gothic style. Inside the L’Hotel de Cluny, you will see many 15th and 16th century tapestries.

Make sure to visit the Chapel while on your tour of the Seine River. Inside the Chapel, you will see numerous tapestries of the Lady and the unicorn of the 16th century.

Choosing the Right Packages for Paris Travel

If you’ve decided that you want to vacation in Paris, it can be confusing to know what kind of travel package to choose.  Here are some tips to help you get on the right track when planning your Parisian vacation.

First of all, it’s important that you compare packages.  Make a budget and then look for your travel package that fits within your criteria.  The best place to start is looking online.  Many times you’ll find 8 day/7 night packages which include your hotel accommodations, flight, meals and even tours.

There are plenty of activities in Paris, including sightseeing, shopping and visiting the museums and landmarks that Paris is famous for.  However, if this is your first time in Paris and you feel that you’d like some help, by all means, purchase a tour package.  The tour guides will assist you by answering your questions, and even offering suggestions for additional places for you to visit.

Where would you like to visit?

It’s important for you to choose

Probably the best way to determine where you would like to visit when in Paris is to research and then make a list of what interests you.  Do you want to sightsee the famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame?  Or would you prefer shopping in shops and the famous Parisian flea markets?  Would you prefer to dine in well known restaurants or small out of the way cafes?

The next thing to figure out is your budget.  Tour packages vary from $45 to $130 per person – but first class prices are generally $80 to $280 per person and the deluxe prices go from $100 -$400 per person.  If you also choose, you can combine a London/Paris package together which sometimes be less expensive.  For instance, some deluxe packages will give you 8 days/7 nights of amazing sightseeing along with three nights in London and three nights in Paris.

Family Packages

Are you going to be taking a family vacation?  Then you want to make sure that it’s one to remember.  Some packages are special family deals with rates that will meet your requirements.  They family packages will give you the opportunity to spend time together.

When visiting Paris, children might enjoy not only Disneyland, but also the historical sights of Paris and London.  Check into some tours that are “off the beaten path” such as the Paris tour of the sewers or even a Haunted Paris or Haunted London tour.

Take time to just sit and enjoy the sights…Yes, tours are great but then maybe you might want to sit and watch the sunset off the Seine in Paris.  Paris does have many parks, plazas and much more. When looking into family entertainment in Paris, check the newspapers which have many activities and entertainment designed to fit your family’s requirements.

There is such a wide variety of stores, malls, historical landmarks, museums and much more in Paris that whatever you and your family decide you will enjoy your visit.

How to Find Super Deals to Paris

Paris is known as one of the most expensive cities in the world.  If you’re planning a Parisian vacation, be aware that you can do some serious damage to your bank account.  Despite the fact that it’s so expensive, it is possible to visit Paris and stay within reasonable budget.

For instance, did you know that you can spend four nights in Paris for as little as $499 (or, in come cases, less)?  By doing a little research before booking your vacation, you can find promotional packages, travel, coupons, sales, vacation packages and much more.  You can even find great deals on airlines which allow you to fly cheaply.

But how can you find these incredible deals?  Well, they’re as close as your internet connection.  Internet packages provide some great deals for a roundtrip to Paris.  Plus, depending on the package, you can stay four nights or more at a nice hotel in Paris which comes complete with a continental breakfast.

Here are some tips for choosing travel packages.

Date:  Some travel packages limit you to certain times or dates.  Make sure you book well enough ahead so you’re not restricted by this.

What you get:  Travel packages vary with what you receive.  There are some “super” or “deluxe” travel packages which are almost all-inclusive: airfare, hotel and tours, and some that only include accommodations.  So it really depends on what package you choose.  You also need to make sure that you watch for surcharges and additional fees.  Know in advance the total amount that you are paying.

Most packages will include taxes on airfare and other fees but some don’t.  Make sure that you know in advance how much you will be paying.

How do I find these super deals?

It’s very simple to do an internet search on travel sites.  Many of these offer super deals on Parisian vacations.  Look around the site and you can locate coupons.  Many offer, for instance, 20% off vacation, dining and tour coupons.  You can also purchase bus, train and even museum passes online – which not only save you money but also time.

You should also look around to determine if the package also offers you free passes (such as day passes to museums or tours).  But when purchasing a package, make sure that the package gives you time to spend on your own.  Certainly when you get to Paris, you’ll want to be able to spend time just roaming around.  This is important because, in some instance, packages don’t allow time for non-tour visits.

Adding extras.  Not everyone wants to do the same things all the time.  This is where you can choose to add extras to your packages.  There are options that you can choose in your travel and tours.  Some options include extra sightseeing tours, transfers, etc.

All in all, by taking the time to research travel deals you can spend an inexpensive, enjoyable time in Paris.

How to Choose Paris hotels

When choosing a hotel to stay at in Paris, it can be a little difficult for someone unfamiliar with the city, since there are so many to choose from.  Paris has a wide variety of hotels – from upscale 5 star palaces to tiny budget accommodations tucked away in the back corner of the city.  Most, however are within walking distance to historical places.

Paris, has over 500 nice hotels to choose from. Before leaving for Paris, you should research accommodations over the internet or check with your local travel agent.  Another way of rating hotels in Paris are stars.  The more stars a hotel has, the better they are.  The higher the number of stars, the better staff, room and amenities you have. Generally, it’s a good idea to choose at least a 3 star hotel.

To choose a hotel in Paris, first you need to decide with you want.  Contact your local travel agent or research through the Internet.  This way you can look at pictures of rooms, get an idea of the cost and check out the area around the hotel.

When picking a place to stay in Paris, you should first decide where you would like to be – near a historical site, the gardens, near the bank, etc.  This is the first way to step in locating hotel accommodations.

You should also make a list of your requirements.  For instance, do you want to have a restaurant in the hotel?  Most hotels in Paris have restaurants, but what about an internet connection?  You might also want to be bear shipping, museums etc.  So write down the amenities that you require.

How do I choose areas to sightsee?

Paris offers such a wide variety of areas to visit that sometimes it can be difficult to figure out what you want to do.

There are shopping malls but to really get the flavor of shopping in Paris, go to one of the flea markets around the city.

Paris has 13 underground subways, as well as taxi and bus service.

You might also consider booking a tour or hiring a tour guide so you can get to know the city.  You can also choose from a variety of tours so you’ll be able to see the things that interest you the most.

How to Become Acquainted with Paris

Paris is one of the most exciting cities in the world.  It’s breathtakingly beautiful and open 24 hours a day…truly a city that never sleeps.  So when you’re visiting Paris, it’s important for you to realize that you’ll never get to see all of it – therefore, it’s important that you determine, prior to your visit, just exactly what it is that you want to see.  This will mean that your visit is a lot more enjoyable.

Since Paris is going constantly, you need to make sure that you find the right places for you.  You can go to nightclubs and late night restaurants, but you can also find late night church services.

Paris is a busy, bustling city so don’t be surprised to find that everyone in Paris seems to be in a hurry.  Most people enjoy fun though and like meeting new people but you need to remember to be polite and charming and use “hello”, “please” and “thank you”.  Learning these three words in French will go a long way when you need help.  Also, another French custom is greeting each other by kissing each cheek.  This is the French way of welcome.

Parisian streets are lined with flea markets and open markets.  The open markets are usually three mornings a week and the fleamarkets are open Saturday through Monday.

Prices in Paris are generally very expensive.  Paris is known for its luxury, designer products, but you may also be surprised to find such things as morning coffee extremely expensive.

Exchanging money in Paris can be a challenge.  If you need to change your money into euros, you can locate exchange offices but make sure that you take your ID.  You can also use your credit or debit card in an ATM machine and this is probably the simplest way to go.  Make sure that you know in advance how much the ATM charges to make the transaction.

Pets In Paris

Unlike Great Britain, there are no vaccinations or quarantine period to bring your pet to France, however, if you decide to take your pet, make sure that you have all the health certificates proving that they have had their shots. It’s also important to check to make sure that pet is allowed – as there are limitations on certain breeds.

Paris is well known for its emphasis on health and wellness.  Many hotels offer massages, spas and healthy eating programs.  The main exercise though in Paris is walking and you will find that most people walk almost everywhere.

No matter what the season, Paris has something for everyone and with a little planning prior to leaving home, you will be able to enjoy your Parisian vacation.