Paris for the New Year

[Janie]

We will be in Paris for several days around New Year's and would love some suggestions for what to do during the few days before and after Jan. 1. What is the city like? Is everything closed down or is it business as usual for museums and restaurants?
We've been to Paris before and have seen the major sights, and would like suggestions for the lesser-known sights. My husband is big on maritime history, we both love cathedrals, churches, the older the better; also the Impressionists. But on this trip we're looking for the quirkier smaller specialized museums, smaller churches, and interesting neighbourhoods.

Also ... just FYI for New Year's Eve the riverboats do dinner cruises which seems tacky & touristy but also fun - sightseeing along the Seine combined with food and music, and we are very much leaning that way. And I know we need to book soon. If anyone has done this, would appreciate some insights.

 

[Cameron]

We will be in Paris for several days around New Year's and would love some suggestions for what to do during the few days before and after Jan. 1. What is the city like? Is everything closed down or is it business as usual for museums and restaurants?
We've been to Paris before and have seen the major sights, and would like suggestions for the lesser-known sights. My husband is big on maritime history, we both love cathedrals, churches, the older the better; also the Impressionists. But on this trip we're looking for the quirkier smaller specialized museums, smaller churches, and interesting neighbourhoods.

Also ... just FYI for New Year's Eve the riverboats do dinner cruises which seems tacky & touristy but also fun - sightseeing along the Seine combined with food and music, and we are very much leaning that way. And I know we need to book soon. If anyone has done this, would appreciate some insights.

Hi Janie!
Check the program at Palais Garnier. In December a few years ago, I went to a modern dance performance there. It's such a magical auditorium.

I don't know if this is of interest, but this past June, I took my family (son, his wife, three grandkids) to a macaron baking class at Galeries Lafayette. The store will be decked out for Christmas, with the tree in the middle. It's a very low-key experience without pressure. There are longer, more in-depth classes around the city, if you want something more advanced. EatWithLocals is another option. I've eaten with one, and my friends in Paris often go to another person's home to dine. Some require a group.

For a quirky museum, I can recommend Gustave Moreau, located in the 9th (a block or so behind Galeries Lafayette.)

The Atelier des Lumiéres could be fun, if there's an experience you like.

If you're going to the Maritime Museum at the Trocadéro, the Paris Aquarium just down the hill is actually fun. They have great jellyfish exhibits. Also at the Trocadero, there is an Asian Art museum and a modern art museum. Besides, you've got the view of the Eiffel from that vantage point.

The Grand Palais has a Cézanne exhibit through January 2027.

The Petite Palais has an Eva Gonzalès exhibit September-January. Past exhibits I've attended there have been truly well done.

Fondation Louis Vuitton is a metro ride out line 1, but it's an amazing place. I went to the David Hockney exhibit there. They have a Gustave Fayet art exhibit going when you're in Paris.

A beautiful palace at Place de la Concorde, Hótel de la Marine, is very elegant.

Of course, for the biggest collection of Monet's work, that's the Musee Marmatton in the 16th.

I don't know if the Christmas Market in the Tuileries garden will still be on, but it's just beneath the obvious ferris wheel. Roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.

Whatever you do, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Freda

 

[dayhiker]

We'll be in Paris for a few days at the beginning of November. Thank you, Pauline, for the Grand Palais and Foundation Louis Vuitton recommendations - we will try to get to both. I also would have recommended the Musee Marmatton - beautiful art and the surrounding neighborhood is nice to walk around - more residential and less hectic than other parts of Paris.

 

[Shyguy]

The Marais and Canal Saint-Martin are great areas to wander, while the Musée de la Marine would be a good fit for the maritime history interest. Saint-Étienne-du-Mont and Saint-Séverin are also beautiful historic churches worth visiting.