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I love Paris, I've not been there that many times but for me, it is the city of love. I know that is cliche but I don't mind, the last time I stayed in Paris was December 1998 and my (now) husband had secretly booked a romantic break for us. At the time we were both managers in a hotel and one of the staff who worked for me in reception had come over to the UK from the French arm of the company.
Jerome helped my husband secure a really exclusive hotel for us and with his French-speaking skills and contacts at the hotel we got five star luxury for staff rates, it was a serious bargain. Nowadays if we were to visit Paris we would definitely head to the Hotel Direct site and have a look through what they could offer as then no French language skills would be necessary and I could rest easy.
Whilst I'd love to visit Paris again with just my husband I suspect we might be badgered into taking three little people with us as well and actually I've had friends visit Paris in recent months and they have confirmed it is just as good to visit with kids as it is alone.
Our last visit was in December and the weather was cold and brisk but we still had a wonderful stay, there are a lot of bonuses to visiting Paris in the colder months like November, December or January.
- For instance, there are far fewer crowds and queues and it is actually quite easy to get around the major tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur and Notre Dame.
- On a practical note as this is not the busiest time of year for tourists, you can find bargain airfares or Eurostar tickets.
- All the wonderful street cafes in the Artist District tend to have those outside heaters and what fun to sit there with a steaming hot chocolate and a fresh crepe and watch the world go by.
- Oh and don't forget all the street vendors selling roasted chestnuts, just delicious.
- Paris is a beautiful city any time but with it being quite rainy in November and the evenings drawing in early, it is stunning to look at the lights and reflections in the interesting streets full of unique architecture.
- As Christmas is approaching you will be one of the first to enjoy the fabulous lights that adorn the city. You can feel the locals getting excited and it is good to be part of their preparations.
- November is National photography month in Paris. La Maison Européenne de la Photographie and other venues throughout Paris dedicate the month to exhibiting works from around the world and if your stay in the city includes the dates 13 - 16 November 2015 then you will be lucky enough to be there for the amazing exhibition that is Paris Photo, this is hosted at the Grand Palais.
- Over 500 artists will gather at the Place de la Bastille between Oct 30th and 3rd Nov for the annual Grand Marché d'Art Contemporain (modern art show). You can browse the extensive art collection but don't expect art bargains as this is a serious show. Even if you're not an art collector though, you'll enjoy the artistic atmosphere.
- 1st and 11th November are public holidays in France so these dates and the weekends around them can be a little busier than others (but nothing like the summer months). The 11th is Armistice and you can enjoy the military parade and see the President of France at the Arc de Triumph at 11am on that day.
- November is also right in the midst of the Opera season in Paris. There are a massive variety of Operas that you can enjoy and where better than in a city with such a vast and exciting history.
- Lastly if you like your wine then the third Thursday in November is a perfect time to be in Paris as the newest Beaujolais Nouveau wine arrives and you can sample it with a delicious meal in one of the many superb restaurants.
So let's be honest, how can you possibly be bored in Paris in November?