Winter In Paris: 17 Best Things To Do

While most people associate Paris with springtime blooms and summer strolls along the Seine, Paris in the winter offers a unique and captivating experience like no other. Some of the great advantages of winter in Paris are lower airfare prices, fewer crowds, shorter queues, and bare trees unveiling secret façades, hidden in the summer.

Winter in Paris is a time to see authentic Parisians. Elderly people are out walking to the market in the middle of the winter, couples lean in close at café tables, sidewalk musicians entertain in the brisk air, and in Paris in December, Christmas trees are balanced on bicycles.

From seeing Paris twinkle with Christmas lights, to sipping hot chocolate at cosy cafés, and wandering under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, Paris in wintertime is an unforgettable destination. Plan your winter trip to Paris!

17 Best Things To Do In Paris In Winter

1. Embrace The Magical Christmas Season

Paris is under a magical spell during the Christmas season. Marvellous light displays sparkle in the city, the store window displays are a marvel to enjoy, and fresh oysters and roasted chestnuts are for sale on street corners. December in Paris is one of the highlights of winter in Paris. Here are 19 magical things to do during Christmas in Paris.

2. Winter In Paris: Savour Seasonal Gastronomy

The minute a cold wind blows in, Parisians start talking about raclette, tartiflette, fondue and French onion soup. These hearty dishes that warm you up right down to your toes are an essential part of winter in Paris. Another gastronomic delight during the winter is the oyster bars set up outside cafés. Order a dozen, or why not take a whole box …

Raclette For A Parisian Winter

Two years ago, I had never even heard of raclette. Since then, I have had the good fortune to share many raclette meals with my friends. Plug in the raclette grill, melt a portion of Reblochon cheese and pour over boiled potatoes, pickles, onions, and charcuterie. Pair with white wine and enjoy with friends. This is the ultimate in Paris in the winter.

There are several types of raclette grills such as this one and this one. At the outdoor Christmas markets when selling raclette sandwiches, the vendors pour the melted Reblochon cheese into the baguette using this kind of cheese melter.

Paris In The Winter: Best Oyster Season

If you read my article on oysters, you’ll know that the French believe the best months for eating oysters have an “r” in them. Thus, September sees the beginning of the oyster season. But it’s in November that cafés set up oyster bars on the sidewalk and offer oysters and wine. It’s a delightful tradition.

Oysters are a huge part of the Christmas and New Year’s feasts. You’ll see them front and centre at the Poissonneries (fish markets). Don’t be surprised by how many people walk away with a box or two of oysters and platters of seafood for the feast on December 24. If you’re not sure how to open oysters, ask your Poissonnier to do so for you!

3. Parisian Winter: Flâner Or Wander

Even when visiting Paris in winter, the best way to enjoy Paris is to walk. Embrace the Parisian way to flâner, which is really to amble, saunter and observe your surroundings. Here are some tips on how best to flâner in Paris.

Toss on your woollen scarf (in the chicest of ways) and head out to one of the best neighbourhoods for walking. Here are a few suggestions:

• le Marais – Place des Vosges, gorgeous mansions, shopping…
• Ile Saint-Louis – oldest village in Paris…
• Montmartre – Sacré Coeur, staircases and oozing charm…
• the 7th arrondissement – Eiffel Tower & views, La Grande Epicierie…
• Canal Saint-Martin – iron bridges, boutiques, wine by the canal
• the 14th arrondissement – the Tower, iconic cafés…
• les Buttes aux Cailles – plenty of street art, the village feel…
• the 16th arrondissement – on the trail of art nouveau…

Or start to flâner on one of these Paris streets. Sometimes I start an expedition as a flâneuse around a hidden gem that I haven’t seen before.

When sauntering in the winter in Paris, plan for frequent breaks to warm up.

4. Visit The Major Monuments

The winter season in Paris is the perfect time to visit the major Paris attractions. Major sites like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe are far less crowded and very enjoyable in the winter in Paris.

Book Tickets In Advance:

• Eiffel Tower Summit Access – Skip the Line Ticket
• the Louvre – a timed-entry ticket
• Arc de Triomphe – a skip-the-line ticket to the top

5. Sip A Hot Chocolate

Wondering what to do in Paris in winter? Lingering at a Parisian café is essential! Hot chocolate, known simply as “chocolat,” is a delight in Paris. Thick, creamy and incredibly delicious head over to Angelina’s on rue de Rivoli (and 2 other locations), Jacques Genin in le Marais or Carrette at Place des Vosges (and 2 other Paris locations). Sipping deluxe hot chocolate, especially when it is poured from an elegant silver teapot, is an unforgettable experience in Paris. It’s the perfect thing to do when visiting Paris in winter.

6. Walk The Passageways

Wondering what to do in Paris in the winter? Why not explore the passageways? The passageways in Paris are a perfect place to live your best Parisian life. A throwback to another era, Parisian passageways are lined with boutiques. You’ll find gift shops, bookstores, chic jewellery and clothing, antique stores, vintage shops, and children’s shops. The passageways are perfect for browsing. Here are a few of my favourites to get you started:

• Galerie Vivienne – 2nd arrondissement, historical monument
• Galerie Véro-Dodat – 1st arrondissement, close to the Louvre
• Passage du Grand Cerf – 2nd arrondissement, historical monument
• Passage des Panoramas – 9th arrondissement, the oldest

7. Enjoy A Snowy Paris Day

One of the delights of visiting Paris in winter is the chance that this iconic city may be covered in a dusting of snow! Keep an eye on your weather app. Sometimes snow is in the forecast and it doesn’t happen. Other times in Paris in winter, rain is in the forecast and it turns to snow! When the snowflakes fly in Paris, it is truly magical. Drop everything and make the best of this perfect winter in Paris moment.

Where will you go to enjoy a snow day in Paris? How about the Eiffel Tower or Montmartre?

8. Delight In A Galette des Rois

When visiting Paris France in winter don’t miss the Galette des Rois or the French King Cake! The much-anticipated Epiphany cake appears just as the Bûche de Nöel, the classic French Christmas dessert, disappears from the pâtisserie windows in Paris.

The Galette des Rois, with its glint of golden crowns sitting atop the puff pastry, are truly delicious and only found in January in Paris.

9. Shop The Paris Winter Sales

Let the winter sales known as “les soldes” begin! By law, sales are allowed twice yearly in January and July. In my experience, there are pre-sales before the real sales begin. But look out! Once the real sales begin, the reductions are significant and the shoppers are out! Ohhh…it’s fun to look for great deals in the winter in Paris.

Les Soldes in France in 2024: Wednesday, January 10 – Tuesday, February 6, 2024

10. Winter In Paris: Marvel At Versailles

The winter season in Paris is a great time for a day trip. A day trip to Versailles will see this majestic château with far fewer people than in the summer months. Here are essential tips for planning your independent day trip to Versailles. If you prefer to take an organised tour to Versailles, here are 7 of the best tours.

Book My Tickets to Versailles:

Versailles – skip the line ticket

11. Parisian Winter: Go Skating

How about skating in Paris as an added touch to the winter wonderland ambience?

There is a small and very popular outdoor ice rink, known as une patinoire in French, at the Christmas market in the Jardin des Tuileries. Rent a pair of orange skates, lace up and glide under the Paris winter skies! The ice rink is open from November 18th, 2023 to January 7, 2024.

New in 2023, La Patinoire Ami is open from December 16 to December 31. This temporary ice rink will be located in the Cour d’Honneur at Palais-Royal. Oh, how magical!

The luxury hotel the Plaza Athenée has a stunning skating rink set in its inner courtyard. Adults dining at the Plaza Athenée Chalet have access to the skating rink for one hour, skates included! What a magical evening.

The most fabulous place to go skating in Paris is under the glass dome of the Grand Palais. The world’s largest temporary indoor rink, the Grands Palais des Glaces, is not open in 2023 as the Grand Palais is under renovation. Tuck this Christmas activity away for next year as the Grand Palais is set to reopen in 2024.

12. Winter In Paris: Head To The Museums

Winter in Paris is a great time to visit museums and see some of the special exhibitions that are on. Pick up your copy of L’Officiel des Spectacles which comes out every Wednesday and see what appeals to you.

Visits to the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre are always a good idea. But don’t forget that Paris has around 130 museums. There is literally something for everyone. Here is my guide to 18 Paris museums that are well worth visiting.

Buy My Tickets Here:

• Paris Museum Pass (2,4, or 6 days)
• Skip the line at the Louvre and a Seine cruise
• Musee d’Orsay – reserved entry time

13. Admire French Châteaux

What is the best day trip in Paris in winter? It’s really a matter of choice but, if you love castles here are my top suggestions:

Châteaux Close To Paris:

• Château de Chantilly: Plan Your Day Trip to Chantilly; Buy your entry ticket to Chantilly Please note that the Château de Chantilly is closed from Jan 8 to Jan 26, 2024
• Château de Fontainebleau: Plan Your Visit to Fontainebleau; Buy your entry ticket here.

Loire Valley Castles:

Take an organized day tour to the Loire Valley and marvel at the majestic and magical châteaux. Will you see one covered in a dusting of snow?

• Best Loire Valley Tours from Paris

14. Paris In The Winter: Feel The Love

Yes, Paris is the most romantic city in the world. With a partner or solo, Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to take a Sunset Cruise on the Seine or partake in a dinner show at the Moulin Rouge. Definitely indulge in some chocolate. Paris has so many artisan chocolate shops. A few of my favourites are Chocolat Foucher, Alain Ducasse, Jaques Genin, and Maison du Chocolat.

Here’s how I spent my first Valentine’s Day in Paris!

15. Drop Everything And Sit In The Sun

The lineup of iconic green chairs in the Luxembourg Gardens against the wall of the Orangerie tell all. On a sunny winter day in Paris, Parisians are soaking up a bit of sun, chatting to a friend or reading le Monde. One winter in Paris, I lived on rue du Bac and walked daily in the Jardin du Luxembourg. When the sun shone, the locals filled the chairs and soaked up every ray of sunshine. It was a classic snapshot of winter in Paris!

Other classic places to soak up some sunshine in the winter in Paris are the Tuileries Gardens and the Jardin du Palais Royal.

16. Paris In Winter: Disneyland Magic

Disneyland Paris is all decked out for the holiday season from November 11, 2023 to January 7, 2024. A dose of Christmas magic at Disneyland is magical!

Between January and March (avoiding the school holidays) is one of the best times to visit Disneyland Paris. Fewer crowds and fewer queues make a trip to Disneyland Paris in the winter very inviting!

Book My Ticket To Disneyland

Read 13 Best Tips For a Trip To Disneyland

17. Browse The Bookshops During A Parisian Winter Holiday

One of the best things to do in Paris in winter is to slow right down. Stroll along the banks of the Seine and investigate the bouquinistes, who have been selling books here since the 15th century.

Or when visiting Paris in the winter, head over to Shakespeare and Company. It’s not hard to while away a few hours here. Be sure to climb the tiny staircase up to the second level. Here are all my favourite English language bookstores in Paris.

Winter In Paris: The Weather

“I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles,” sang Cole Porter. It does drizzle in winter in Paris and sometimes it even snows. Paris is definitely wintery. It can be blustery and grey. But the sidewalks are rarely icy.

Don’t forget that the days are short in Paris at winter. The upside is the Eiffel Tower lights up in the late afternoon!

It’s easy to bundle up and thoroughly enjoy Paris in the winter.

Month	Average Min. Temp	Average Max. Temp	Wet Days
December	3°C |37°F	8°C | 45°F	9.0
January	3°C |37°F	7°C | 44°F	8.3
February	3°C |37°F	8°C | 46°F	6.6
March	5°C |41°F	12°C | 53°F	7.3

Parisian Winter: What To Wear

When the wind blows in Paris in the winter months, it’s cold. Bring a down or woollen winter coat, warm gloves, a hat, and a cashmere or wool scarf.

Bring an umbrella for rainy days. An umbrella will also come in handy if there is snow in the forecast. When the snow flies in the winter in Paris, it is very wet.

Bring a crossbody bag, like this, fashionable and safe. There are multiple advantages of a crossbody bag: Put your hands in your pockets, hold a warm cup of hot chocolate, sip on mulled wine, and pull it under your arm for safekeeping on the metro.

Winter In Paris: Holidays & Celebrations

• December 25 – Christmas Day
• December 26 – St. Stephen’s Day (a public holiday in France’s Alsace-Moselle region only)
• January 1 – New Year’s Day
• January 6 – Epiphany
• February 14 – Valentine’s Day
• February 25 – March 10, 2024 – School Holidays Paris

Where To Stay In The Winter In Paris

Although the winter season in Paris is low season (except Christmas) it is still advisable to book your accommodation in advance.

Affordable Hotels: 13 Affordable Hotels in Paris

Boutique Hotels: These fabulous Boutique hotels in the Marais.

Hotels with Eiffel Tower Views: 21 Dreamy Hotels with Eiffel Tower Views

Paris Hotels:

• Hôtel la Comtesse with an Eiffel Tower view
• Chouchou Hotel with an eclectic vibe
• Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte in the heart of the Marais
• Hôtel des Académies et des Arts in Saint-Germain des Prés (the left bank)

Prefer staying in an apartment? Here are some fabulous Paris Apartments:

• Portrait of Splendour literally filled with portraits, in the Marais
• Joyau de Marais
• The Panthéon Pageantry

I hope you enjoy these 17 things to do during winter in Paris! Paris is always a good idea – non?!

Until next time,

More Paris Info…

Gastronomy In Paris:

Read about where to find the best croissants in Paris and the most delicious pâtisseries to savour.

There are also plenty of café suggestions for the Marais area in this post: Tips from a Local.

Around Canal Saint-Martin, here are the best places to stop for a bite and also recommendations for restaurants in le Marais.

Travelling to Paris alone? This article on navigating Paris alone is full of tips and tricks for the solo traveller.

This page has all my articles on Paris that will help you plan out your trip, including day trips from Paris. I hope you subscribed to my newsletter to get my free download – An Amazing 2-day Itinerary in Paris.

If you are going further afield in France, make sure to check out my page on France.

Like This Post? Pin It!