Paris is enchanting no matter what season you visit, but the winter months bring a special set of charms to the City of Light. Picture-perfect snowflakes on the Seine, twinkling holiday lights on the banks of the river in old streets, cafes with cozy corners, festive holiday markets, explorations of the best of Paris culture, and quiet romantic strolls. From a holiday visit to a winter getaway or a general curiosity about Paris outside of peak tourist season, this ultimate guide will help you understand why the French capital is worth a winter visit.
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Why Visit Paris in Winter?
The French capital is famous for its attractions in the spring and summer, but it’s not unusual to see a popular travel website say Paris is best in winter. The off-season means smaller crowds, more affordable hotel prices, more accessible experiences in the city’s cultural institutions, and softer lighting on the city’s canals and famous squares. Whether you are looking for a romantic break, a family getaway, or a cultural visit, here are some of the reasons to head to Paris in the winter.
Less Crowded Attractions
Museums, galleries, the Eiffel Tower, and other world-famous Paris attractions are less crowded in winter.
Holiday Decorations and Lights
Squares, streets, and even many Paris stores and markets decorate with seasonal lights, holiday decorations, and cozy seasonal displays.
French Winter Comfort Food
Classic French food is particularly comforting and comforting in the winter, from cozy stews and roasted meats to warm breads and decadent pastries.
Culture
Museums, theatre, opera, and classical music are also good ideas in the winter when it’s often colder or more rainy.
Romantic Paris
Snow, even just rain, on the cobblestones, streets, and bridges of Paris add an extra layer of romantic charm.
Paris Weather in Winter
Paris weather is cold in the winter, between December and February, but not extreme. Daytime temperatures in winter average between 3°C and 7°C (37°F and 45°F). Overnight lows can occasionally be below zero. Snow is quite rare in Paris, but the cold months are also when it happens. Winter rain is much more common than snow. Packing a waterproof coat, umbrella, and waterproof shoes are all recommended.
Paris Winter Packing List
Packing the right items for your trip to Paris in the winter can also make your visit a success.
Warm Clothing: Sweaters, long sleeve shirts, thermal layers, and layering for moving between cold and heated spaces.
Winter Coat: Waterproof, insulated coat.
Warm Footwear: Boots or shoes that are both warm and waterproof for walking the Paris streets.
Warm Accessories: Gloves, scarves, and warm hats.
Dinner and Evening Wear: Dress or smart casual evening wear for fine dining, a theatre visit, or a concert.
Best Paris Attractions in Winter
Exploring Paris’ most famous attractions is a highlight of any visit, and many Paris attractions are even better in the winter.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower offers a very different experience in the winter, from clearer views over the city to fewer people to share it with.
Louvre Museum
Indoor activities are ideal in winter, and Paris is home to world-class institutions, from the Louvre to the Musée d’Orsay.
Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle, one of Paris’ most visited attractions for its stained glass windows, is even more beautiful during the short winter days.
Montmartre
The winding streets and cafes of Montmartre, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica are particularly charming in winter.
Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
The Champs-Élysées is a wonderland of Christmas lights in December, a great excuse to take a leisurely walk.
Winter Activities in Paris
In addition to iconic sights, Paris is filled with unique winter activities and seasonal happenings.
Holiday Markets
Christmas markets, called marchés de Noël, are common in Paris, ideal for seasonal treats, gifts, and souvenirs.
Ice Skating
Seasonal ice skating rinks are set up in popular areas, including the Eiffel Tower, Hôtel de Ville, and Grand Palais.
Cafés and Winter Coffee
Paris cafes are particularly cozy in the winter, ideal for warm drinks, fresh pastries, and leisurely people-watching.
Wine and Food Tours
Winter is the season for French comfort food and wine, so Paris food tours and wine tastings are a treat.
Parisian Holiday Traditions
Visiting in the winter also lets you experience Paris during its holiday season.
Christmas Lights: Paris sparkles with Christmas lights from big department stores to many streets and squares.
Holiday Window Displays: Window shopping and people-watching is popular in Paris at Christmastime.
Holiday Music and Concerts: Paris is filled with concert halls, churches, and other places offering holiday music and concerts.
Epiphany Cake: Paris bakeries also sell galette des rois (king’s cake), a traditional cake with a hidden figurine inside, in early January.
Day Trips from Paris in Winter
Winter is also a good time to visit Paris and take a day trip to one of its nearby destinations.
Versailles: Visiting the Palace of Versailles is beautiful in the winter, and the crowds are also thinner.
Giverny: Impressionist painter Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny are less colorful but no less beautiful in the winter.
Champagne Region: Day trips to taste sparkling wine in the heart of the Champagne wine region is cozy and indulgent.
Loire Valley: The French chateaux are even more magical with a little frost or light snow.
Shopping in Paris in Winter
Winter in Paris is also great for shopping.
Luxury Department Stores: Galeries Lafayette and Printemps have top luxury goods, seasonal home decor, and impressive window displays.
Le Marais Boutiques: Shopping in Le Marais, from boutiques to concept stores, can be an ideal gift-hunting experience.
Marchés de Noël: Seasonal markets for handmade goods, chocolates, and Christmas crafts.
Antique Shops: Winter is a great time to wander around Saint-Ouen flea market or the Paris antique shops.
Paris Winter Photography Tips
Winter Paris is also a photographer’s dream.
Golden Hour: Winter days are shorter, and morning and late afternoon light are softer and more golden.
City Lights and Festive Decorations: Night photography, illuminated streets, and holiday decorations are a chance to capture twinkling lights and a festive Paris.
Paris Fog and Mist: Winter mornings are more likely to offer opportunities for fog and misty shots of Paris landmarks and the Seine.
Winter Snow in Paris: Snow is still rare, but it can happen, and adding it to your photography is a win.
Paris Winter Cuisine and Food
Winter is the season for enjoying French cuisine at its most comforting and cozy. These must-try dishes in Paris in the winter:
French Onion Soup: A warm, comforting soup with melted cheese, croutons, and caramelized onions.
Cassoulet: White bean and meat stew slow-cooked to perfection, a traditional winter dish.
Raclette and Fondue: Popular winter dishes, both especially comforting and popular in Paris ski-season areas.
Hot Chocolate: Thick, rich chocolat chaud is a must in a Paris winter café.
Pastries and Desserts: Seasonal Paris pastries and desserts are especially comforting in winter, like bûche de Noël (Yule log cake).
Practical Tips for Paris in Winter
If you are making a trip to Paris in winter, these practical tips can also help you enjoy your time in the French capital.
Public Transport: Paris has a great metro and bus system, and consider a multi-day pass if you’ll be on the go.
Layer Clothing: Layering clothes for hot/cold transitions, since indoor spaces are all heated but streets and metro stations can be very cold.
Book in Advance: Book your favorite Paris museum or other attractions in advance.
Central Districts: Stay in central districts for convenient access to top attractions.
Embrace the Weather: Rain and cold or snow can be charming. An umbrella, a warm coat, and waterproof shoes are all musts.
Why Paris is Special in Winter
Visiting Paris in winter has several benefits.
Romantic Paris: Winter has a special romantic feel with snow, quiet bridges, and softly lit cafes.
Holiday Paris: Paris during the winter holidays is a joy, with Christmas lights, holiday markets, and winter foods and drinks.
Cultural Paris: Winter is easier to take in museums, theaters, and galleries in Paris.
Cosy Paris: Winter encourages a slower pace in Paris and inviting wine bars, cafes, and strolls on the banks of the Seine.
Plan Your Paris Winter Trip
Paris in the winter can be magical, offering classic Paris charm with a softer, more intimate feel in all seasons. With its world-famous architecture and history, Paris is a great choice for a winter getaway. In addition to iconic sites, there are holiday markets and winter activities, unique seasonal Parisian experiences, and some Parisian cultural highlights are more accessible and less crowded.
Visiting Paris in winter will also help you to save money by booking less expensive accommodation and not paying peak prices for major attractions or tours. The city of light is especially romantic in the winter, with snowy, rainy, or misty cobblestone streets, quiet bridges over the Seine, and softly lit cafes. A little careful packing, smart planning, and an umbrella or warm waterproof jacket will ensure your winter visit to Paris is a success and will let you make the most of the French capital in its coziest months.
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