Paris is definitely one of the top locations for visitors every year, every season. Nothing beats the mere feeling of watching the Eiffel Tower surrounded by the beautiful white blanket of snow.
The French capital is definitely a city of love, romance, and lights, but it turns much more magical during the winter season. The city has so much to offer that it becomes somehow impossible to distil everything in a short period of time. From history buffs to art lovers to technology enthusiasts and those looking for architectural wonders, it offers something for each one who visits.
When you plan to visit and wonder what would be the perfect Things To Do In Paris In Winter, you search for it. What if I told you that this blog plans to answer your every question?
Here is a list of Things To Do In Paris In Winter which would help you plan a budget-friendly, fun-filled and adventurous trip!
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Things To Do In Paris In Winter
Whether you are planning on spending a weekend in Paris or 5 days in Paris, there will be plenty for you to do in this exciting city. Once you have visited Paris, you may wish to visit some of the other colourful places in France.
- Where to stay in Paris
- Visit the Lourve Musuem
- Be amazed by The Paris Festival Of Lights
- Hop and shop at various Paris Christmas Markets
- Rule the ice with Ice skating
- Watch a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge
- Try local cuisine
- Before you leave for Paris
Planning your trip to Paris
Visit the Lourve Musuem
Famous for its French history, Paris is home to some of the best and most amazing museums in the world. Amongst the long list of such museums is the Lourve Museum.
The museum goes beyond any imagination. It is something magical, something majestic… might be a poetic way to say but the museum deserves it. This stunning building is home to more than 350,000 historical and art items which adds to the beautification of the place. This central landmark of the city is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city’s 1st arrondissement (district or ward) making it a visible spot for tourists.
One of the treasures it holds is the highly acclaimed- Leonardo da Vinci’s Monalisa whereas other items include the artefacts that came from the royal family of the Louvre palace, painters, and art history.
Wandering in the galleries of this place makes you lose the track of time but not to worry since visiting Louvre Museum is surely worth it. The beauty of this place is visible inside out.
Be amazed by The Paris Festival Of Lights
One of the best Things To Do In Paris In Winter is probably attending the grand festival of lights. Known as the Paris Festival Of Lights, this mega event has attracted an enormous footfall of crowd. The festival enchants the young and the old alike.
On your participation, you could witness giant light sculptures lighting up the Jardin des Plantes and Menagerie du Jardin in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. Complimenting these decorations, shimmering sculptures of animals that change colour every now and then could also be seen. These illuminated sculptures happen to be a part of the show in the alleys of the gardens, a visit to this incredible park is a must to be amazed by the artistic and creative concept behind the show.
Definitely one of the interesting ways to see the city of romance.
Hop and shop at various Paris Christmas Markets
Celebrating the spirit of winter, Paris’ celebration of Christmas takes up a notch. The grand celebrations include a long list of things. Dotted over the city, various Christmas markets have now found their way and entertained their visitors respectively.
Amongst many tourists, visiting the various Christmas markets is one of the best Things To Do In Paris In Winter. Whether it is to explore the Christmas decorations in wooden cabins shimmering in Christmas lights, taste French delicacies at cheaps, or just stroll through with a cup of hot chocolate, visiting the Christmas markets is a whole lot of fun.
The long list of Christmas markets in Paris includes mention of a few highly visited ones. La Défense Christmas market which is also the biggest and the Tuileries market to the Alsace Christmas market have entertained their audiences for a long time and plan to do so for many years down the lane.
Rule the ice with Ice skating
If you wish to enjoy the winter season the French way, explore the many ice rinks in Paris. With the day ending, locals and tourists find their way towards the nearest ice rinks and skate their hearts out. This activity is considered one of the significant family-building activities, has been a local favourite for many years, and is a significant contribution to the list of best Things To Do In Paris In Winter.
The fun, thrill and adventure of ruling the ice on the ice rink in the magnificent city of love, obviously makes one’s visit dreamy. Although Paris has many beautiful ice rinks the largest and most famous one is at Grand Palais. Giving tough competition to this ice rink is the one present right in front of the great Eiffel tower. Many visitors, who wish to enjoy ice skating, opt for the latter.
Watch a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge– the famous cabaret of France, has been active in Paris for 130 years. The world-famous cabaret venue is tucked away in Montmartre, and you can be the audience of the renowned can-can dance that originated here. The Moulin Rouge has been the spot for entertainment in Paris since it was built at the height of the Belle Epoque, the re-flourishing of Paris after France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War.
For many, their version of fun changes as per the location. But, what remains constant is the visit to Moulin Rouge. Be it films, tv series, web series or any other informative medium, the place has gained so much coverage. That is why it is a top consideration for Things To Do In Paris In Winter by fellow travellers.
Once here, there are many other things to do alongwith the dance performances. For instance, you can enjoy some fine dining here. There are several menus to choose from wherein each is named after a pivotal actress, artist, or époque. Of course, it being France, a half bottle of champagne per person is always included!
Try local cuisine
When you travel around, you come across different kinds of cultures. With the various cultures comes different cuisines.
We live in an evolving world but some things remain constant and classic. One of those things is the delicious foods available in Paris. Find out below the dishes to relish which should be on your list of Things To Do In Paris In Winter!
- Vin chaud or Mulled wine
- Pain d’épices
- Fondue
- Galette des Rois or Kings Cake
- Chocolat Chaud à l’Ancienne or old-fashioned hot chocolate
Before You Leave for Paris
Before you set off on your way to Paris, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip to France. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Paris
Paris is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. With its stunning architecture, rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder that millions of visitors flock to the city each year. If you’re planning a trip to Paris and wondering how to get there, there are several options to consider.
By Air: Paris has two major airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, which receive flights from all over the world. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or train to the city center.
By Train: Paris is well-connected to other cities in Europe by train. The Eurostar, which runs from London to Paris, is a popular option for travelers from the UK. The TGV, France’s high-speed train network, also connects Paris to other major cities in France and Europe.
By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can take the Eurotunnel from the UK to France or drive through the Channel ports and take the motorway to Paris.
By Bus: If you’re traveling on a budget, taking a bus to Paris is a cost-effective option. There are several bus companies that offer services from other European cities to Paris.
No matter how you choose to get to Paris, it’s important to plan ahead and book your transportation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. With a little planning, you can easily reach this magnificent city and start exploring all that it has to offer.
Where to Stay in Paris
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Paris, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Paris for any budget.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Paris
Paris is a country with a temperate climate, so it’s best to pack clothes suitable for both warm and cool weather. Depending on the season, you may need to pack a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. For the summer months, pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. If you plan on visiting religious sites or formal events, bring modest clothing. Additionally, be sure to pack any necessary medication and your travel documents, including your passport and visa if required.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around Paris, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Shure VP83 Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 9 Black and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socket
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Paris
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your guide to visiting Paris in winter. If you are visiting this incredible city and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience in Paris.
If you are planning a French trip soon then check out our other Scotland content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
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