RER open in Paris on Christmas Day?

October 28, 2007 12:34 PM

Two questions about Christmas in Paris, France. First, will the Metro and - crucially - the RER line be open on Christmas Day? Secondly, can anyone suggest great things to do that will definitely be open in Paris on Christmas Eve?
posted by skylar to travel & transportation (5 comments total)

The RER and metro run every day, even at midnight on December 31st.
posted by stereo at 1:12 PM on October 28, 2007

I spent Christmas in Paris last year. Yes, the RER and metros will be running, but probably on a modified schedule. You can pick up a timetable for Christmas eve at any of info booths in any of the larger metro stations like Chatêlet.

Suggestions on what to do.

Check out the lights and holiday-inspired window decorations at the big department stores are amazing. The Galeries LaFayette and Au Printemps are particularly good. (Metro stop Grand Magasins )

Ice skate at the small and charming temporary ice rink in front of the Hôtel de Ville (Metro Stop Hôtel de Ville, ligne 1). Bring your own skates or I think you might be able to rent them there.

Eat dinner at one of the small restaurants behind Sacré Coeur. I usually don't endorse eating in touristy locations, but I did this last year and wasn't disappointed. Restaurants were open late, there were lots of people doing the same thing I was so I didn't feel lonely or out of place and the atmosphere was cheery. (Also the food was good, copious, reasonable and not far from where my out-of-town friends were staying).

Or, if you have the means, why not cook an elaborate Christmas Eve dinner? Buy some good French wine, a nice French dessert and find someone who will share the nice meal with you. Heck, buy a nice bottle of wine even if you don't cook or don't go out to eat.

When in doubt and if it's not too cold or rainy, go to Le Pont des Arts, stroll by Notre Dame and have a steaming cup of espresso and warm up at the very vibrant Café St. Michel at Place St. Michel...this area of Paris is almost garanteed to be hopping even on Christmas Eve. (metro line 4 Place St. Michel).

If you have any more questions about spending Christmas in Paris, just send an email or MetaMail.
posted by heatherbeth at 5:53 PM on October 28, 2007

If you're planning to eat xmas dinner in a restaurant, be sure to make reservations. And if you're not stuck on traditional Christmas fare, keep in mind that many ethnic restaurants will be open as well.
posted by timelord at 6:02 PM on October 28, 2007

The RER and metro run every day

...assuming that they aren't on strike.
posted by grouse at 6:24 PM on October 28, 2007

Make sure to visit the Marais district (just north of the afore-mentioned Hôtel de Ville) as it is the Jewish Quarter and it doesn't care so much about Christmas.
posted by DandyRandy at 8:28 AM on October 29, 2007