Paris, the City of Light, sparkles all year round, but winter brings a unique charm that captivates the soul. While the weather might be chilly and sometimes drizzly, the average January temperature hovers around 43°F. But fear not, dress in layers and embrace the comfort of heated museums and cozy cafés.
Savor the City’s Hidden Gems
Winter in Paris offers a chance to explore the city’s treasures at a leisurely pace. Museums and monuments are less crowded, providing an intimate encounter with iconic artworks like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Delve into Parisian culture with cooking demonstrations, art or architecture courses, or indulge in the exquisite flavors of a wine-tasting class. Seek refuge from the cold in charming cafés, where you can warm up with a steaming cup of coffee and savor the Parisian ambiance.
Lights, Camera, Paris!
Paris transforms into a twinkling wonderland during the winter months. From late November to mid-January, festive lights adorn the city’s streets, buildings, and monuments. The iconic Champs-Élysées comes alive with a dazzling display of lights illuminating the trees lining the boulevard. The city’s dedication to creating a festive atmosphere is evident in the 1,000 fresh-cut fir trees placed around town, including the 300 that ring the Rond-Point at the lower end of the Champs-Élysées.
Window Shopping Delights
Parisians, known for their love of window shopping, indulge in a pastime called “faire du lèche vitrines” — literally “window-licking.” Follow their lead and explore the magnificent window displays of grand department stores like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. Wander through the charming boutiques around Sèvres-Babylone and the Marais neighborhood for more intimate displays, providing a delightful contrast to the grandeur of the department store extravaganzas.
Seek Shelter in Parisian Passages
If the weather takes a turn for the worse, seek refuge in the covered shopping streets known as passages. These charming arcades, once a haven from the rain, offer a glimpse into the city’s history. Galerie Vivienne, located near the Louvre, is a must-visit, renowned for its elegance and accessibility. Passage Choiseul and Passage Ste. Anne, a short distance away, provide a typical Parisian passage experience, offering a variety of shops selling books, stationery, trinkets, and snacks.
Discover Literary Haven
Browse through the pages of history at one of Paris’ many English-language bookstores. The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore, nestled near the Luxembourg Garden, is a friendly haven for book lovers. Another literary gem is Shakespeare and Company, reborn in the 1950s after its original Latin Quarter location served as a gathering place for literary giants like Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein in the 1920s. Now located across the river from Notre-Dame, it continues to enchant bookworms with its literary charm.
Glide on Ice and Dive into Fun
Winter transforms Paris into a skater’s paradise, with festive ice rinks popping up across the city. Glide on the ice in front of the Hôtel de Ville, where a small sled run provides additional fun. Experience the thrill of ice skating at the base of the Montparnasse skyscraper, or for a truly spectacular view, skate 200 feet in the air on the first level of the Eiffel Tower. These rinks are free to use, although skate rentals cost around $7. For the Eiffel Tower rink, a tower admission fee is required.
After a refreshing skate, escape the winter chill at Aquaboulevard, Paris’ best indoor pool and waterslide complex. While it might be a bit pricey and steamy, it offers a fun opportunity to witness Parisians at play.
Indulge in Winter Delights
Winter awakens the Parisian palate, with seasonal delicacies tempting your taste buds. Game birds and venison adorn restaurant menus, while street vendors call out “Chaud les marrons!” (hot chestnuts) to passersby. Chocolatiers and pastry shops across the city revel in the season, serving traditional treats like Epiphany cakes (flaky marzipan cakes called galette des rois).
Embrace the Parisian Winter Spirit
Embrace the magic of Parisian winters by savoring the city’s charm from an outdoor café table. Enjoy a café crème, vin chaud (hot wine), or a hot chocolate, a winter favorite called “chocolat.” Most cafés keep things toasty with braziers, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
Discover the City’s True Heart
Winter in Paris offers a unique perspective on the city’s soul. Museums, restaurants, and stores remain open, and the concert and arts seasons flourish. The city belongs to the Parisians during this time, offering a chance to experience local life and escape the crowds that throng the city during peak seasons. Embrace the slow pace of winter, and immerse yourself in the city’s art, architecture, shopping, and delectable cuisine. As Cole Porter aptly put it, “I love Paris in the winter, when it drizzles.”
