7 good reasons to visit Paris in winter
Like almost any city, Paris is at its most beautiful in the spring and late summer/early fall, when the city is in full swing and temperatures are pleasant. Not surprisingly, these are the times when most travelers choose to visit the French capital. But it is definitely worth a trip in the off-season as well, for these seven reasons:
1. Never a dull moment
There are many things going on in winter that are fun to visit or participate in: Chinese New Year, Epiphany (see also: La Galette des Rois), Chandeleur (an ancient pagan and Latin festival celebrated in France by eating crêpes), the Paris Carnaval, the Salon de l’Agriculture (an annual agricultural fair), and of course all the pre-Christmas fanfare with various markets and festive activities.
2. Snow & hot chocolate
If you’re very lucky, you’ll see the city wrapped in a white blanket. It rarely snows in Paris, but when it does, the whole town goes crazy. You’ll even spot people skiing down the slopes of Montmartre.
Snow or no snow, the cold weather is the perfect excuse (not that you need one) to curl up with a cup of hot chocolate. Here’s a tip: skip the lines at Angelina and Carette, two café chains that have become tourist magnets, and head to Armande in the Abbesses neighborhood. Their hot chocolate is thick, creamy and slightly spicy, made with dark chocolate, coconut milk, chili, nutmeg and honey. So delicious.
Indulge in these seasonal specialities
There are a few things we look forward to throughout the year, especially Mont Blanc, one of our favorite pastries and only available in winter. Other seasonal specialties you might want to try: aligot (basically mashed potatoes and cheese), onion soup, tartiflette, vin chaud, galette des rois, and of course raclette and fondue (although they are Swiss, not French, but very popular here in the winter).
Ice, ice baby
As soon as the days get shorter and the nights colder, ice rinks start popping up all over the city. The best known is at the Grand Palais, but it is also by far the most expensive, with tickets costing 36 euros each. The rink at the Parc André Citroen is further from the center, but offers more space and more accessible prices – and is frequented by locals rather than influencers.
January sales
For four weeks, from January 8 to February 4, frugalistas can get their fix during the annual Winter Sales. Leave some room in your luggage if you’re visiting during this time.
Fewer crowds & lines
In a congested city like Paris (remember, it’s the most congested city in Europe and one of the top ten in the world), less is more. Less people, less lines, less reservations equals one hell of a good time. It’s the perfect opportunity to hit the crowd favorites and always-booked hot spots that will still be busy, but less so than other times of the year, allowing you to have a more relaxed experience.
The exception is during Fashion Week (January 21-30 for men’s and haute couture, but especially during women’s prêt-à-porter from March 3-11, 2025), so avoid those dates if you’re allergic to crowds and tabi shoes.
Perfect for penny-pinchers
Since airfares and hotel rates are significantly lower off-season, it can make a big financial difference whether you come in July or January. Why pay more for the same, right? That way, you’ll have more to spend locally, and since Paris is painfully expensive all year round, that’s always a good thing. Plus, some of the museums that offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month only do so during the winter months, so there’s even more opportunity to save money.
See also: How to catch a free exhibition
Hot tips for chilly Paris
Skip the tourist traps and visit places loved by locals instead. Get your digital Paris guide and receive personalized recommendations to experience Paris off the beaten track with great things to do in any season. Our guides are 100% tailored to you and your wishes. Whatever it is you’re looking for, we’ll find it for you.
