Reasons Why Paris in Winter Is Always a Good Idea — and What to Do While You’re There

Here is a list to the greatest things to do in Paris during the winter, from ice skating and Christmas markets to hotels with the nicest décor. Winter is a more peaceful and joyous time to visit.

There is never a bad moment to visit Paris. The city maintains its romantic appeal all year long, with winter offering its own distinctive appeal: Trees and Haussmannian boulevards gleam with twinkle lights, cafes glow with red heat lamps, and department stores go all out with extravagant holiday displays. (Bon, maybe in August when the French flock south and everything shuts down.) Even while the gray gloom (the French have a particular word for it: grisâtre) becomes old after a while, it has a pretty seasonally fitting appeal for a shorter stay.

Here’s all you need to know about how to make the most of your vacation to Paris in winter, whether you’re seeking for festive activities to fill up your holiday agenda or are unsure what to pack or where to stay.

Facts to Consider Before You Travel

Pandemic Precautions

Although the COVID-19 travel regulations are changing less frequently these days, it is still a good idea to check the France Diplomacy website as your trip draws near to make sure you are in compliance. There will be no entry restrictions for visitors from the United States beginning on August 1, 2022. Inside, masks are advised but no longer necessary.

Paris’s winter climate

From December to February, the weather in Paris averages a high of roughly 46 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 37 degrees Fahrenheit – with some dazzlingly sunny days thrown in for good measure. But, for the most part, expect a grayish drizzle (made significantly more tolerable by easy access to spirit-lifting chocolat chaud or carafes of red wine). While there’s a slim chance of a white Christmas, it seldom snows in Paris, and when it does, it’s usually only a dusting.

What to Pack for Winter in Paris

Keeping the wetter, wintry weather in mind, carry waterproof shoes and layers, as well as a fashionable and sturdy winter coat. An umbrella and rain boots will also come in handy.

Holiday Closures in Paris

If there are any eateries on your must-try list, be sure they’ll be open the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, as many close for the holidays. (At the very least, many will close on the real holidays.) Also, keep in mind that many restaurants and businesses close on Sundays and Mondays each week, while museums close on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Things to Do in Paris in Winter

There are many winter-specific things to do in Paris, from ice skating to window shopping at festively decorated department stores.

Ice Skating in Paris

In front of the Hôtel de Ville, one of Paris’s most stunning structures, rent a pair of skates and enjoy some time on the ice (City Hall). A short distance away from the BHV, a department store that decks out its windows in festive style, and in the center of the Marais area.

Paris Holiday Markets

From late November to early January, wander around the city’s many Christmas markets that are perfumed with chestnuts. Every heart-warming food and drink you can imagine is offered by vendors in wooden chalets decorated in a Swiss-style: hot mulled wine and cider, raclette, and more. The most well-known—and undoubtedly the largest—is near the Tuileries Garden, which has grown to resemble a carnival. Next to Notre Dame and in Montmartre at Place des Abbesses are two more well-liked marketplaces (there is one in almost every district).

Window Shopping in Paris

Extravagantly festive window displays are the initial draw at beloved department stores like Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussmann and Le Bon Marché. From smiling Santa’s to can-canning gingerbread men, these windows are a glimpse into mini winter villages. Step inside the stores and you’ll be dazzled by the stories-high Christmas trees glittering overhead and twinkle lights decking the halls.

Winter Sales in Paris

A shopper’s paradise, Les Soldes (the sales) are held twice a year in Paris and include steep discounts on everything from luxury clothing to household products. The winter sales take place from January to February, and as the weeks pass, the markdowns get significantly bigger.

Museums in Paris

There are several top-notch museums and exhibits to visit across the city if the weather becomes too dismal for a stroll along the Seine. There is something for every kind of traveler, regardless of whether you are a fashion enthusiast, an impressionist enthusiast, or looking for a slightly surreal immersion experience. (Just keep in mind that purchasing tickets in advance is usually advised.)

The “Claude Monet – Joan Mitchell” exhibit at the Louis Vuitton Foundation (October 5, 2022–February 27, 2023), “Shocking! The Surreal World of Elsa Schiaparelli” at the Decorative Arts Museum (July 6, 2022–January 22, 2023), “Edvard Munch: A Poem of Life, Love, and Death” at the Musée d’Orsay (September 20, 2022–January 22, 2023), and Ukrainian photographer Boris (Feb. 18, 2022-Jan. 2, 2023).

Eat Pastries in Paris

The availability of bûche de Nol, a classic Christmas delicacy that is essentially a rolled-up sponge cake, is one of the delights of winter in Paris. However, the varieties and spectacular formations are unlimited. The Ritz Paris, Hôtel Lutetia, and Pierre Hermé house some of the best.

Where to Stay in Paris

There are several hotels to pick from, whether you want to spend a lot of money for the ultimate luxury experience or keep things more affordable.

Few locations are more emblematic of traditional French luxury than the Ritz Paris, located in the first arrondissement, when it comes to higher-end selections (neighborhood). You may enjoy astrology-themed cocktails in the newly renovated Ritz Bar, which has been decorated elegantly for the holidays.

With cozy wooden paneling, geometric throw pillows, and a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower from the rooftop garden, Philippe Starck’s Brach Paris hotel in the 16th arrondissement is a great choice for a getaway that focuses more on design (complete with a Norwegian bath). The enormous indoor pool and hot tub are also available 24/7, which is the best part.

For more affordable choices, you can’t go wrong with the charming Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais, a boutique hotel right in the heart of the Marais. Its modestly sized rooms feature all the classic Parisian luxuries, from exposed wooden beams to a delicious breakfast served in bed.

The ’80s-themed Remix Hotel, which is situated in the 19th arrondissement and has neon accents, marble baths, velvet headboards, and checkerboard halls, is another option for a more contemporary retreat.

Source: https://bit.ly/3Tl0ocp