Paris, the City of Lights, is a captivating destination year-round, but winter offers a unique charm. While the weather can be chilly and damp, with average highs in January hovering around 43°F, don’t let that deter you. Simply layer up, and you’ll be prepared for the temperature shifts as you move from the icy streets to the warm embrace of museums and cafés.
Embrace the Slow Lane: Museums, Workshops, and Cafés
Winter in Paris is a time to slow down and savor the city’s treasures. Take your time exploring the world-renowned museums and monuments, relishing a private moment with Mona Lisa or Venus de Milo. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in Parisian culture by attending a cooking demonstration, taking a short course in art or architecture, or indulging in a wine-tasting class. Seek refuge in the cozy cafés, warming up with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and taking a break from sightseeing or shopping. The laid-back winter atmosphere makes it the perfect time to get to know your favorite café’s waiter on a first-name basis.
Festive Lights and Festive Shopping: A Winter Wonderland
One of the most magical experiences in Paris during the winter is strolling down the illuminated Champs-Élysées. From late November to mid-January, holiday lights adorn the city streets, buildings, and monuments, creating a sparkling spectacle. The Champs-Élysées is a breathtaking sight, with thousands of fresh-cut fir trees lining the boulevard, their branches adorned with shimmering lights.
Parisians are renowned for their love of window shopping (“faire du lèche vitrines,” literally “window-licking”). Join the locals and indulge your eyes in the captivating window displays at the grand department stores like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. For a more intimate experience, discover the seasonal displays in the neighborhood boutiques around Sèvres-Babylone and in the charming Marais district.
Seek Shelter and Discover: Shopping Arcades and Literary Haven
If the winter weather takes a turn for the worse, seek refuge in the enchanting shopping arcades known as “passages.” These covered shopping streets, once a vital part of Parisian life, provide a welcome escape from the rain. Galerie Vivienne, located just a few blocks from the Louvre, is a must-see, with its elegant architecture and diverse shops. For a more authentic Parisian experience, explore Passage Choiseul and Passage Ste. Anne, four blocks west of Galerie Vivienne. Here you’ll find a delightful mix of used books, stationery, trinkets, and snacks.
Winter is also a great time to lose yourself in the pages of a good book. Paris is home to many English-language bookstores, offering a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction. One of the most charming is the Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore, located near Luxembourg Garden. For a literary pilgrimage, visit the legendary Shakespeare and Company bookstore, known for its connection to Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein. Though it moved from its original Latin Quarter location, it retains its literary magic and continues to be a haven for book lovers.
Winter Fun: Ice Skating and Aquatic Escapes
Winter in Paris brings a touch of festive magic with the opening of several outdoor ice-skating rinks. Glide across the ice in front of the majestic Hôtel de Ville or at the foot of the Montparnasse skyscraper. For a truly unforgettable experience, visit the ice rink on the first level of the Eiffel Tower, offering breathtaking views of the city. While the rinks themselves are free to use, a small fee is required to rent skates.
Escape the chilly winter air with a visit to Aquaboulevard, Paris’ largest indoor pool and waterslide complex. This aquatic oasis offers a fun way to beat the cold, and is a unique opportunity to see Parisians at play.
Culinary Delights: Seasonal Flavors and Cozy Cafés
As the winter wind whispers through the city, Paris comes alive with seasonal flavors and warm, comforting treats. Game birds and venison grace the menus of restaurants, while street vendors call out “Chaud les marrons!” selling chestnuts roasting over open fires. Chocolatiers and pastry shops across the city are bustling with activity, tempting passersby with traditional winter treats like Epiphany cakes (galette des rois).
One of the quintessential winter pleasures in Paris is watching the city bustle by from the warmth of an outdoor café table. Enjoy a café crème, a vin chaud (hot wine), or a rich, decadent hot chocolate (simply called “chocolat”). Most cafés fire up their braziers, creating a cozy atmosphere for outdoor seating.
Embrace the Parisian Winter: A Local’s Perspective
Paris in winter is a treasure trove of experiences that extend far beyond the usual tourist attractions. Museums, restaurants, and stores remain open as usual, and the concert and arts season reaches its peak. Embrace the local spirit, save money, and skip the museum lines that plague peak-season travelers. There is no better way to experience the city than by delving into its local culture, enjoying the art, architecture, and shopping by day, and savoring a delicious dinner at a cozy bistro by night. As Cole Porter famously said, “I love Paris in the winter, when it drizzles.”
