When to go

There really is no bad time of year to visit the City of Lights.  It all depends on your personal preferences and tolerances.  There’s nothing like Paris in the springtime.  The city becomes awash in color as flowers bloom and the locals emerge from their winter gloom.  It’s also the most popular time of year to visit, so be ready for crowds and higher prices.  In the summer, locals take vacations and are replaced by throngs of tourists.  There are lots of crowds, especially around Bastille Day, but there are also lots of festivals, and the weather is gorgeous, if a little warm.  Keep in mind that many places are not air conditioned.  The crowds recede in the autumn, but the weather takes a turn towards the damp, cool, and cloudy.  Likewise for the winter, so don’t expect to enjoy too many outdoor activities.  On the other hand, this time of year offers a busy cultural calendar.