Last updated on June 15th, 2023
Visiting Paris in winter may not be top-of-mind for travelers. And that’s a shame, really. Paris takes on a whole new feel in winter. It’s charming, cozy, fun, unique, and full of sparkly cheer.
I highly encourage people to try a winter visit to the shimmering City of Lights between November and February. No city I’ve ever been in dresses up for the winter in such an elegant, regal way — and with a custom-designed itinerary, I can help you make the most of your time there.
Here’s what you need to know to make the most of a trip to Paris in winter — plus my top recommendations for things to see and do.
Benefits Of Visiting Paris In Winter
Planning to take your trip to Paris in winter comes with many benefits that make visiting very, very rewarding.
You can expect fewer crowds, letting you enjoy landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum without battling for personal space or standing in long lines.
Fewer crowds also means less competition for tables at popular restaurants. Reservations are still recommended at the hottest restaurants, but it’s generally easier to get tables without a reservation in the winter in Paris.
Your euro goes further when you travel off-season, too. Airfare is often priced lower during the winter except for the few days before and after Christmas. Hotels during the winter in Paris have better availability and attractive rates. You’ll have more and better choices – even if you book last minute (which is never the case during the summer).
Lastly, some sights and experiences are only available in the winter. What better way to enjoy an extra unique and unforgettable Parisian experience?
Here are more of the best reasons to visit Paris in winter…
Admire Paris Dressed In Its Wintery Best
Paris is a very walkable city. There are few more distinctly Parisian experiences than meandering down cobblestone streets, stopping for a leisurely drink or pastry in a buzzing cafe, and taking in the incredible holiday adornments.
For a fabulous evening, get bundled up and plan a post-dinner walk down the Champs-Elysées. This is one of the most magical promenades you can take from late November through mid-January.
Streets, buildings, monuments, lampposts — everything is decked with twinkling lights. The trees along the long boulevard are all lit up. On top of that, the city adds another 1,000 fresh-cut fir trees around town, and 300 of them around the Rond-Point traffic circle at the lower end of the Champs-Elysées.
Quieter Museums, Cathedrals, and Galleries
The city has earned its status as one of the world’s best museum destinations, and visiting Paris in winter is the perfect opportunity to take in the city’s vast collection of indoor attractions.
The winter season provides an ideal setting for exploring Parisian museums, cathedrals, and galleries at a more leisurely pace.
Enjoy shorter lines, fewer crowds, and the ability to get close to works of art to truly appreciate what you see (for example, you could walk right up to the Mona Lisa – something unheard of most of the year). From the vast exhibits in the Musée d’Orsay to the intimate collections of the Musée Picasso, there’s no end to Paris’s indoor wonders.
In addition to the world-renowned art collections, many of Paris’s most iconic landmarks are also indoor attractions.
Cassie’s Tip: Take advantage of a sunny winter day and visit Sainte-Chapelle. Its 15 stained glass windows take on a special glow in the low, warm winter light.
Spectacular Evening Entertainment
Take advantage of the legendary evening entertainment options available in Paris in winter. They’ll provide you with an opportunity to spend time indoors while experiencing the warmth and ambiance of Paris’s historic buildings and culture.
- Opera: Catch some of the most magnificent operas at the world-famous Opera Garnier and Bastille Opera House. With winter comes a full schedule of performances, including operas, ballets, and classical concerts. It’s the perfect excuse to find a performance you’ve always wanted to see, snag your tickets, get all gussied up, and enjoy a fancy night out on the town.
- Cabaret: Visitors to Paris in winter can still see a cabaret performance for which the city is famous. Cabaret venues such as Moulin Rouge, Crazy Horse, and Paradiso all provide a lively atmosphere with dancing and entertainment. (I go into more detail on the cabaret shows here.)
- Comedy: The show “How to Become Parisian in One Hour” (affiliate link) is a hilarious one-man play that takes you through the eccentricities of Parisian culture, teaching you how to dress, walk, flirt, and behave like a true Parisian. Olivier Giraud, the comedian behind the show, is witty and engaging and offers great insights into the lives and attitudes of Parisians.
- Classical Concerts: Classical concerts are held in unique venues all around Paris in winter (schedules and venues). My favorite? The candlelight concert series hosted by Sainte-Chapelle. Picture yourself being surrounded by the colors of the stunning stained glass windows while being serenaded by the sounds of a classical orchestra. It’s an unforgettable experience that is perfect for music lovers and those looking for a unique cultural experience!
Festive Christmas Markets
If you want to be transported into a whimsical winter wonderland, don’t miss the world-famous Christmas markets in Paris.
In any given year, you’ll have around 20 different markets to choose from, open from late November until just after the New Year. They’re tucked in many different neighborhoods, each with its own signature style and offerings. Enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate, sample local foods, take part in winter activities, and find plenty of unique gift inspirations.
Cassie’s Tip: If you’re really into Christmas markets, you could easily catch more of the best in the world in London or Strasbourg (considered the Capital of Christmas), with an easy day trip by train.
Ice Skate in the City
In squares all throughout the city, you’ll find city spaces transformed into rinks, often with food stands nearby that offer soup, sandwiches, mulled wine, and hot chocolate. This makes a great outdoor excursion that kids of all ages can enjoy.
There’s Excellent Shopping in Paris in Winter
Parisians take their shopping verrrrrry seriously, and there are a couple of reasons why winter is the best time to shop.
First, the holiday decorations are amazing — a visual treat in themselves. Parisians have a special word for their love of window shopping, faire du lèche vitrines, which literally means “window licking.” And yes, the beautiful displays might just have you drooling.
Second, if you’re in Paris in January or February, you can take advantage of one of the biggest shopping times of the year. Les soldes (the sales) features deep discounts in stores all over the city, even on designer goods.
The extensive Metro network makes for easy navigation all around the city, so you can hit all your favorite stores in a day.
Cassie’s Tip: If you want to see a department store that really goes all-out on the holiday decorations, don’t miss Galeries Lafayette. The stained-glass domed roof plus the incredible decorations makes for an enchanting shopping experience!
Cozy Cafés And Winter Comfort Food (And Drink)
And of course, no visit to Paris is complete without experiencing the famous Parisian café culture in one of the city’s many charming cafés or restaurants; you’ll feel like a true Parisian.
One of the greatest pleasures in a city like Paris in winter is to take the time to enjoy satisfying comfort foods. Decadent dishes like soupe à l’oignon (onion soup), boeuf bourguignon, and fondue are at their best during the colder months.
Paris’s culinary scene doesn’t disappoint even beyond its restaurants. Explore the city’s food markets, pastry shops, and bakeries. Indulge in a crêpe at a local stand, grab a fresh baguette for a picnic in one of Paris’s many parks, or treat yourself to a delectable macaron at a pâtisserie.
Cassie’s Tip: In the winter, you can still dine comfortably on cafe and restaurant terraces. Most places offer outdoor tables with electric heaters overhead or enclose the space in glass so you can still have the Parisian terrace dining experience.
What to Pack for Paris in Winter
If you dread the thought of touring a city in the baking sun, pressing crowds, and oppressive humidity of peak summer, you’ll find wintry Paris a breath of fresh air.
With temps averaging in the 40s, you’ll need to pack layers as you move from cool outdoors to heated interiors. Rain is more frequent, but there are also plenty of crisp, sunny days. So with your warm layers, you’ll also want to bring water-resistant outerwear: wool sweaters, rain jackets, hats, scarves, and gloves. Though snow is infrequent, you might luck out and experience a dusting with a dazzling sunny day, which is its own kind of magic.
The chill has a way of making the indoors feel even more intimate and homey, and as you’ll see, there are plenty of museums, cozy cafes, hot beverages, and covered arcades to keep you toasty.
Related Post: What to Wear in Paris in Winter
Discover Why Visiting Paris in Winter is the Best Kept Secret in Travel
Winter in Paris means so many good things: great prices, more choices, fewer crowds, and an abundance of holiday beauty. It’s a great time to travel with family, or to sneak off for a romantic getaway.
With a custom-designed itinerary, I can make sure you get the best of everything — from tickets to dinner reservations to transportation; I can help you create a winter adventure that will make you fall in love all over again with the City of Lights.
Cassie Tetro
Itinerary Designer
& Certified Travel Expert
(Paris, London & Rome)
WHO AM I?
I’m Cassie Tetro, an Itinerary Designer and Certified Travel Expert for Paris, London, and Rome — my three favorite cities!
I help independent travelers like you save time and eliminate confusion with customized point-to-point itineraries crafted to your interests, preferences, travel pace, and style.
I take care of every aspect of your trip before you walk out your front door — tickets, reservations, tours, maps, transportation — so you can relax, soak in the magic, and enjoy a frustration-free vacation with a travel plan that’s as unique as you are.
MORE FROM THE MONTAGE TRAVEL BLOG
11 Best Hotels With A View Of The Eiffel Tower In Paris
Unforgettable Day Trips From Paris (Some Will Surprise You!)
9 Christmas Markets in Paris to Visit This Holiday Season
5 Travel Tips for What to Wear in Paris in Winter
Itinerary Planning: What It’s Like to Work with Montage Travel
The Perfect Itinerary Starts with These Sights in Paris
Top Food in Paris: Famous French Dishes You Can’t Miss
Paris to Champagne: A Day Trip Worth Toasting!