Topping every traveler’s bucket list, the City of Love holds unmatched experiences and vistas for all who come to bask in its beauty. But little do wanderers know that the most beloved city in the world is equally mesmerizing in winter. Paris in winter turns into a stunning spectacle with its vintage streets, picture-perfect cafes, and popular icons sprinkled with crisp snow.
One must not miss the unparalleled experience of walking down its snowy lanes and icy gardens when they are here. Scroll down to find the best of what Paris offers in winter so that you can customize your Europe tour package to fit in these unmatched experiences in your tour
Paris Weather In Winter
The weather in Paris in winter is chilly and if you plan to visit the destination in winter then make sure you carry your warmest clothes. The winter months in Paris are December to February. With temperature between 3 degree Celsius to 5 degree Celsius, Paris in winter is going to be magical, and or course, cold.
Reasons To Visit Paris In Winter
Here’s why you should totally check out this wonderful city when it’s draped in snow in the winter season:
- The streets are lit and decked with Christmas markets.
- Ice skating commences!
- There won’t be a better time to visit the French cafes and cozy up with hot chocolate.
- Winter is the perfect time to learn macaron baking.
- Glistening in the winter sunlight, Sainte-Chapelle will be more magical than ever!
5 Must-See Places To Visit In Paris In Winter
Paris in winter is a paradise that you can’t miss and these exciting places to visit in Paris are an example of the same. Read on to explore and know more.
- Louvre Museum: Illuminating Hours
- Notre Dame: Peaceful Expeditions
- Eiffel Tower: Architectural Marvel
- Luxembourg Gardens: Stunning Sights
- Arc de Triomphe: Parisian Pomp And Elegance
1. Louvre Museum: Illuminating Hours
The site harboring the world’s largest collection of pre-20th century artwork needs no introduction! Other than the largest, The Louvre houses the most diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, decorative pieces, and more. Every year tourists visit this place in great numbers, especially to bask in the glory of the world-renowned Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
The palace is centuries old and other than being home to master works of art, the palace holds a rich historical significance. When you’re here during winter in Paris, make sure to check out all of its known, as well as less known but equally intriguing artwork like Vermeer, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and countless others.
Location: Musée du Louvre, Porte des Lions, Galerie du Carrousel
Click here for details regarding visiting hours, rules, and more.
2. Notre Dame: Peaceful Expeditions
Not just the most popular, but the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is also the most beautiful gothic cathedral in the world. Though it is among the most famous places to visit in Paris, it was ignored for a very long time, before regaining popularity and a sudden rise in tourists influx after being featured in writer Victor Hugo’s literary marvel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”.
One must check out its dramatic towers, spires, stained glass windows, the archaeological crypt, and the statues when visiting Paris in winter. into the history of the fascinating monument by visiting the below-ground.
Location: Place du parvis de Notre Dame, near Cité or Saint-Michel metro line
Timings: Generally 9:30 AM to 7 PM (timings change month-wise) | 9 AM to 11 PM on weekends
Entry fee: Free for Cathedral Main Hall | INR 580 for Towers | INR 255 for Archaeological Crypt
3. Eiffel Tower: Architectural Marvel
The symbol of elegance and love, Paris’s most recognized icon is rather a recent addition to its line of architectural marvels, most of which are centuries old. Travelers love to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris in January when it’s covered in snow and gives the most stunning displays of the city at night. It is the main attraction of the city that draws in most of the tourists count.
As charming as it may be in the day, it turns all the more breathtaking in the night when it is illuminated by festive lights. The recently renovated tower now has solar panels and glass-floored observation platforms, which shows stunning spectacles of Paris in winter!
Location: On the Champ de Mars in midwest Paris, near Bir Hakeim metro line
Timings: 9:30 AM to 11 PM for the tower | 9:30 AM to 11:45 PM for elevator | 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM (12:30 PM in summer) for stairs
4. Luxembourg Gardens: Stunning Sights
Inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, the Luxembourg Gardens cover an area of over 25 hectares of land and were established in 1612. Split into the French gardens and English gardens, the park houses a geometric forest, a large pond, a rose garden, an apple orchard, an apiary teaching people the art of bee-keeping, over 106 statues, the monumental Medici fountain, and numerous greenhouses with a variety of beautiful orchids.
There are numerous things to do in this garden like watch puppet shows, enjoy exciting rides and slides, play games like chess and tennis, or simply take a stroll in the garden with your beloved, especially in winter in Paris.
Timings: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM or 9:30 PM according to season
Entry fee: Free!
5. Arc de Triomphe: Parisian Pomp And Elegance
Established by Napoleon 1 in 1806, the Arc de Triomphe is today recognized the world over as an integral symbol of Parisian pomp and elegance. The handsome arc is over 160 foot tall and is sits majestically in the middle of the Champs-Elysées, the city’s most iconic avenue.
The Arc de Triomphe holds major historical significance, but it is its beauty that attracts tourists to this monument of power and victory. The icon turns all the more beautiful amidst street decorations and lighting in Paris during Christmas.
Location: Place Charles de Gaulle
Timings: 10 AM to 11 PM in Summers | 10 AM to 10 PM in Winters
5. Best Things To Do In Paris In Winter
If you are wondering what to do in Paris in winter then don’t wonder anymore. Here are some really amazing things to do in Paris in winter.
- Seine River: Romantic Cruise Tour
- Latin Quarter: Dine Near The Sorbonne University
- Les Puces de Clignancourt Flea Market: Go Shopping
- Opera National De Paris: Watch An Opera Performance
- Disneyland Paris: Relive Your Childhood
6. Seine River: Romantic Cruise Tour
Nothing beats the experience of cruising one of the most scenic waterways of Europe – the Seine river. It is among the most preferred Paris winter activities. A cruise tour over this river is undoubtedly the most invigorating experience, specially for couples, where one gets to witness the most breathtaking sights from the open air decks of a luxurious cruise boat lazily drifting down the Seine river. In fact, it’s among the most romantic things to do in Paris in winter where you can have a romantic dinner onboard while sailing through brightly lit enchanting landscapes and the city’s mythical spots.
One can book a cruise in Paris in December or any other winter months via the Bateaux-Mouches or the Bateaux Parisiens cruise companies, the city’s most famous boat tour companies.
7. Latin Quarter: Dine Near The Sorbonne University
Established in 1257, Sorbonne University is Europe’s oldest college and elegant badge of honour of Paris. Since most of its erstwhile staff and students were Latin, the locality got rechristened to Latin Quarter which is now a beautifully decorated traditional space lined with cafes, markets, gardens, trees and everything pretty in Paris! The streets are decorated with colourful lights, Christmas trees, bells, and more, with a delicious aroma of freshly baked cakes and cinnamon buns wafting through the air during Christmas in Paris. If you visit Paris in December 2022 for the Christmas celebration, don’t leave without a visit to this charming paradise hidden in the city.
Location: Place de la Sorbonne, Latin Quarter, near to St-Michel and Cluny La Sorbonne metro line
8. Les Puces De Clignancourt Flea Market: Go Shopping
Undoubtedly, one of the most exciting things to do in Paris in winter is to go on a shopping spree! Les Puces de Clignancourt is Paris’s largest flea market located in St. Ouen. it got its name from ostensibly flea-infested furniture and other wares that are sold day in and day out in this market.
It recently gained popularity from Woody Allen’s famous feature film “Midnight in Paris”, which later brought an army of tourists here who were otherwise unaware of the ‘treasures’ this place hid.
When here, one may find totally eccentric items and vintage knick-knacks like music records, clothes, books, quills, utensils, antiques, home decor items, mirrors, jewelry, and other pretty trinkets that are sure to make all shopaholics, especially women, go crazy! The place turns more magnetic and fun in Paris during Christmas.
Location: Between Paris’ 18th arrondissement district and the northern suburb of St Ouen.
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM on Saturday | 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday | 11 AM to 5 PM on Monday
Entry fee: Free!
9. Opera National De Paris: Watch An Opera Performance
If one doesn’t wish to brace the biting cold outside, they can sit inside the Palais Garnier, the striking symbol of architectural opulence, and watch a captivating show or two of Opera or ballet.
The stunning interiors of this grand theatre-cum-palace are as gripping as are the award-winning performances of Opera and ballet that it holds night after night. It is the true symbol of luxury, elegance, and class, with the best of entertainment. It also is the best way to experience winter in Paris away from the chilly winds and snowy streets.
Location: 8 rue Scribe, Place de l’Opera, Paris 75009
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
Entry fee: INR 540/- to INR 850/- per person for unguided tour | INR 1,200/- per person for guided tour
10. Disneyland Paris: Relive Your Childhood
Sway away in your favourite fairy tale in Disneyland Paris. Enjoy more attractions and shows that you can ever imagine at this world-renowned theme park that is frequented by people from all over the world belonging to every walk of life!
In addition to the existing characters, Disneyland Paris has added all Marvel characters to its list, a true treat for all Marvel fans. Watch mind-boggling shows, embark on fun rides, gorge on delicious cuisines, meet your favourite Disney characters, and buy attractive merchandise on your tour to Disneyland when visiting Paris in January or any other winter month.
Location: Marne-la-Vallée, Paris
Timings: 10 AM to 8:30 PM for the Disneyland Park | 10 AM to 6 PM for Walt Disney Studios
Entry fee: NA
