The Ultimate Paris Winter Itinerary

As Paris transforms into a Winter Wonderland, twinkling lights adorn historic boulevards while crisp air is infused with the aroma of scented chestnuts, inviting you to discover its stunning charm!

Among the most famous and beautiful places in the entire globe is Paris. The vibrant Metropolis of Lights glows brilliantly throughout the year, providing an abundance of experiences, delectable meals, and sites to behold. Expert visitors to Paris concur that January is an excellent time to see the city because major attractions and museums aren't as busy as they may be in the summer. If you are visiting Paris and the weather turns cooler, do not panic! There are an infinite number of museums, unique exhibitions, events, and dining options in Paris, all peppered across the city like hidden cultural treasures. Below is our guide for an amazing time in Paris, which you can simply modify to suit the weather. Check it out and make your Paris winter itinerary one you soon won’t forget!

One of Paris's most exquisite cathedrals is Sainte-Chapelle! Attending one of the performances will add even more memorable touches to your visit to the beautiful Gothic church. The nighttime performances of the spectacular Christmas concerts are scheduled for the 22nd of December through the 26th of December (Christmas Day excluded). Enjoy traditional Christmas tunes performed by classical orchestras and choruses. Prior to the New Year, there are concerts celebrating the occasion. Tapas and a glass of wine or champagne are included with premium tickets. You may still catch any of the regular events at Sainte-Chapelle even if you are unable to make it to one of the Christmas concerts because they are held all year long.

The famous Galeries Lafayette Haussmann site is among the best places to visit in Paris throughout the Christmas season. This commercial center is decorated for the holidays with style. Every year, a massive tree with a new motif is strung from the glass dome. During the holidays, this becomes among the most attractive locations in Paris. Take a picture from the third-floor Glass walk, which is suspended. Take in the breathtaking Christmas window decorations while you stroll and buy. You'll concur that this shopping center is among the most exquisite locations in Paris!

One of the most iconic things to do in Paris during wintertime is ice skating! Plus, there are free ice skating rinks throughout Paris! All you need to do is pay a little price to rent ice skates. The Eiffel Tower, the iconic garden of Jardin des Tuileries, and the Hôtel de Ville all have rinks. The rink atop the Montparnasse Tower has become fantastic for panoramas of Paris! It is located on level 59. So that you avoid spending the entire skating session wishing you had brought a hat, make sure you dress warmly! Every rink requires the use of gloves.

A variety of chestnut-scented holiday markets are open across the city from the end of November to the beginning of January. Every imaginable comfort food is served by vendors in wooden chalets decorated in the Swiss manner and other items are hot mulled wine & cider, raclette wheels, and more. The most well-known, and perhaps largest, is beside the famous Tuileries Garden, in which the market has grown to resemble an annual carnival. There are also more well-liked markets (almost in every other neighborhood) within Montmartre in Place des Abbesses as well as near Notre Dame.

A stroll down the Champs-Élysées is the epitome of enchantment so it is a must add to Paris itinerary! Christmas trees abound, businesses are decorated for the season, and if you're lucky, there may even be some snowfall during Paris’s winters! Particularly around Christmas, the locals of Paris like window shopping! Navigate the Champs-Élysées by Metro, then make your way through the streets to enjoy some window shopping. If you're looking to pull over for a meal to warm yourself while out for a stroll, there are many excellent options.

Paris hosts twice-yearly deals that are a shoppers' paradise, with discounts on everything from home items to luxury clothing. Winter sales take place in January and February, with significant markdowns occurring as the weeks pass.

Touring the museums is a must-do in Paris and there are plenty of fantastic museums and exhibitions to catch sight of across the city if the weather becomes too cloudy for a walk along the Seine. Every type of visitor will find something to enjoy, whether they are history buffs, impressionist lovers, or fashionistas. (Remember that reservations for tickets are generally better made in advance.) Winter shows worth seeing include "Figures of the Fool" at the Museum of Louvre, The Harriet Backer display at the Famous Musée d'Orsay, and "Pop Forever Tom Wesselmann" at the Iconic Louis Vuitton Foundation.

Any time of year, the availability of sweets in Paris may lend a delightful touch to your trip. Bûche de Noël, an iconic Christmas treat that is simply a rolled-up cake made of sponge but with many varieties and elaborate forms, is a highlight that is unique to the winter season. During the holidays, you may find cakes throughout Paris, but some of the greatest are served at the Famous Ritz Paris, Pierre Hermé, and Hôtel Lutetia.

If you are looking for the best things to see in Paris, then visit Paris Catacombs. Because the Catacombs are underground and so protected from the weather, they are the ideal place to visit in the winter when in Paris! Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience as more than six million bones may be found in the Parisian Catacombs. Wearing warm clothing is advised because you are going to be underground, and the temperature may be chilly. It's more exciting than ever to explore the shadowy side of the City of Light! This is a fantastic suggestion for a February trip to Paris.

Some of the world's greatest meals can be found in Paris! Everything on the menu is just fantastic, from airy macarons to mouthwatering crepes. If you're traveling to Paris in the winter, learning how to make your favorite French dishes indoors while keeping warm and dry is possible by enrolling in a cooking class. It is among the best experiences in Paris and you will come across a ton of choices available for culinary lessons.