Like many others spending Xmas here, we are wondering what to do during the 2 weeks we have off with the kids. Skiing, thermal baths, same-old things etc. with the weather like it is, the possibilities are limited. So, the idea of driving to Paris has come up...we've never done it. From Zurich you can theoretically leave home at 9.00 and be in Paris by mid-afternoon. It sounds tempting...just toss everything in the car and go. But is this practical, or will it end up being more hassle than it's worth? A couple tanks of gas, a cheap hotel outside the city on a metro line...or is this idea better saved for nice-weather holidays? Anyone ever do it? Would like to hear your experiences and suggestions..thanks a lot!

If you are worried about the weather, I wouldn't be. Been there in dreary cold late Oct. and the nice thing about Paris is there is always something to do, museusms, etc that don't require sun and clear skies. You will not get bored there for many many days. Not sure about the holiday period, but I would say go for it.

The train from Zurich to Paris takes 4 hours.....perhaps that could be an option??

Not sure of the price though.


cheers
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Do it!! You can ski, take thermal baths, at any time over winter ... but I imagine that there will be a buzz about Paris at this time of year and there is so much to see and do. Your children would love it, I am sure, and your wife could do a bit of shopping too

Thanks...yes, there are great train connections from Zurich that take just over 4 hours, however the cost for 4 round trip tickets 2nd class is over 1200 CHFs. 2 tanks of gas will cost us more like 200.

for a family its a no brainer, take the car as its way way cheaper, you can control your destiny, and you don't have to lug around stuff on a train. good luck and have fun! paris is lovely at this time of the year!

Fly.

Cheaper than the train.

A car is useless in Paris.

Tom

An interesting Groupon might be relevant for consideration:

http://reisen.groupon.de/14607833?nl...0_0_351&a=2169

I've driven it fairly often, it's a pretty dull experience though. Expect about € 35 for péage (toll sections) each way and probably two full tanks of gas for an average vehicle. When in Paris though, park up and use public transport, only the brave and foolish even bother using their primary car within the Péripherique.

I think you can do it. Driving to Paris might not be bad. However driving INTO Paris could well be a nightmare. If you do, make sure you have a GPS and the exact address of the hotel. Otherwise you might be crusing for a long time especially if you happen to end up on one of the "rings" that go around Paris....Outside of Paris and Metro sounds like a better idea but you would be quicker with the train - and it's less hassle.

But I am not sure if Paris in bad weather is a good idea. I mean of course you can enjoy your time in Paris if you go to the museums or go shopping. But is that what you're looking forward doing with your family? Depends as well how old the children are but their idea of a happy holiday might differ a lot from that, no?

Whatever you do enjoy the time as a family!

If you do go, don't forget that you need a hi-vis jacket inside the car and two breathalysers.

The former is available from Ikea (you can pick up in Pratteln on the way through) - just make sure you pick up an adult one and not a kid's one...

The latter from any decent pharmacy.

No. The train is so quick and convenient.
We drove once and it took 9 hours in the end, and we had to stay overnight 2.5 hours before Paris..... Maybe we just had a bad experience.... Then we drove back at night, and on a dark road, a guy jumped out in front of our car - we almost hit him. I only have bad memories of the driving part.... But the City is fabulous, and definitely worth a visit at any time!

It depends where you stay.

If you stay outside Paris (Disney area or Marne le vallee for example) it is best to drive and take the public transport going inside Paris metro. We have spent several xmas' in the disney area for a week and you'll never run out of activity.

I'm sorry, but the thought of going to Paris to visit Disneyland is a cultural violation.

No, it's full of Parisians

We were told last week that the French have been forced to abandon this silly rule but the only link I can find to support that possibility is this one (in French) from November 27th. http://www.europe1.fr/France/Vers-la...toire-1325915/

I thought it only came into force in March 2013 anyway, so would not be an issue this Christmas.

Says he, preparing to drive across France in two days' time...

That is what I was wondering as well. How old are the children?

Yes! Just go!

We've done it a few times from Lausanne. You can stop and go as you please. And if you want you can change your mind and go some where else. (Like skipping Paris altogether and going to Munich? :P )

Once we went one some holiday (I don't remember which, I think it was Easter) and were able to park outside the hotel on the street for free Sat night and all day Sunday and Monday. You may find that as well. Otherwise check online for parking garages. It's about E35 per 24hrs IIRC.

We drove the first time we went to Paris from Lausanne and the cost we had not figured into the equation was parking in the center of Paris. I think it was 250 chf equivalent for 3 days, so parking is definitely an issue to figure out ahead of time.