Topping every traveller’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.
Top 5 Places To Visit In Paris In Winter 2024
Paris in winter is a paradise you can’t miss, and these exciting places to visit are an example. Read on to explore and know more.
1. Louvre Museum: Illuminating Hours
The site harbouring the world’s most extensive collection of pre-20th-century artwork needs no introduction! In addition to 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 masterpieces of art, it holds a rich historical significance. When you’re here during winter in Paris, check out all of its known and less known but equally intriguing artwork like Vermeer, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and countless others.
Location: Musée du Louvre, Porte des Lions, Galerie du Carrousel
Timings: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Tuesdays and until 9:45 p.m. at night on Wednesdays and Fridays
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2. Notre Dame: Peaceful Expeditions
Not only is the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris the most popular, but it 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 tourist influx after being featured in writer Victor Hugo’s literary marvel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”.
When visiting Paris in winter, one must check out its dramatic towers, spires, stained glass windows, the archaeological crypt, and the statues. One can also delve 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
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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.
As charming as it may be in the day, it becomes all the more breathtaking at night when illuminated by festive lights. The recently renovated tower now has solar panels and glass-floored observation platforms, which show 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 the elevator | 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM (12:30 PM in summer) for the stairs
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4. Luxembourg Gardens: Stunning Sights
Inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, the Luxembourg Gardens, established in 1612, cover an area of over 25 hectares. Split into French and English gardens, the park houses a geometric forest, a large pond, a rose garden, an apple orchard, an apiary teaching 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, especially in winter in Paris, like watching puppet shows, enjoying exciting rides and slides, playing games like chess and tennis, or simply taking a stroll with your beloved.
Timings: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM or 9:30 PM according to season
5. Arc de Triomphe: Parisian Pomp And Elegance
Established by Napoleon 1 in 1806, the Arc de Triomphe is today recognized worldwide as an integral symbol of Parisian pomp and elegance. The handsome arc is over 160 feet tall and sits majestically in the middle of the Champs-Elysées, the city’s most iconic avenue.
The Arc de Triomphe holds major historical significance, but its beauty 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
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5 Best Things To Do In Paris In Winter
If you are wondering what to do in Paris in winter, then don’t worry anymore. Here are some 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, especially for couples, where one can witness the most breathtaking sights from the open-air decks of a luxurious cruise boat lazily drifting down the Seine River. 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 the elegant badge of honour of Paris. Since most of its erstwhile staff and students were Latin, the locality was rechristened the Latin Quarter, 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 2023 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
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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 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
Suppose one doesn’t wish to brace the biting cold outside. In that case, they can sit inside the Palais Garnier, the striking symbol of architectural luxury, and watch a captivating show or two of Opera or ballet.
The stunning interiors of this grand theatre-cum-palace are as gripping as the award-winning Opera and ballet performances that it holds night after night. It is the true symbol of luxury, elegance, and class, with the best entertainment. It is also 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 an unguided tour | INR 1,200/- per person for a guided tour
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10. Disneyland Paris: Relive Your Childhood
Sway away in your favourite fairy tale in Disneyland Paris. Enjoy more attractions and shows than 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
Where To Stay In Paris In Winter?
Here are a few of the good hotels in Paris where you can snuggle up and enjoy the cold winter season:
1. Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel
Located in the famous neighborhood of the Champs Elysees, this hotel is your perfect nest in Paris’s cold winters. The sleek hotel has nice and cozy rooms, a French eatery, and a terrace restaurant. The Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe are located within walking distance of the hotel.
Address: 70 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
Tariff: Starting INR 8,000 onwards
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2. Holiday Inn Paris – Gare de l’Est
This modern hotel is in a grand, century-old building near the Notre Dame and Louvre Museum. The rooms, which have colourful decor, are upgraded with all the modern amenities, including a complimentary mini-bar. With Gare de l’Est station so close to the hotel, it is one of the best places to stay in Paris.
Address: 5 Rue du 8 Mai 1945, 75010 Paris, France
3. Shangri La Hotel
Shangri La Hotel in Paris is located in the former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte and offers the stunning sights of the Eiffel Tower and River Seine to people staying in the lovely French capital. It was inaugurated as an elite luxuriating property in 2010 and has been known for offering traditional Asian hospitality with a European blend!
Location: 10 Avenue d’Iéna, 75116 Paris, France
Price: INR 71,000
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We hope we’ve helped you find some exciting experiences in Paris in winter to make your trip to Paris an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to witness the experience mentioned above of Paris in winter if you are planning your vacation during that period. Do you want to know any more? Pop them in the comments below!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paris In Winter
How crowded is Paris in winter?
Paris is at its least crowded in winter, except for the time around Christmas and New Year. At this time, the city is dipped in a festive spirit, and everyone flocks to European cities, especially Paris, to be part of the celebrations.
What is the weather in Paris during winter?
The Winter season in Paris is marked by the months from November to February, and the temperature ranges from 3 degrees Celsius to 16 degrees Celsius, hardly ever reaching freezing point. Winters are generally cold and chilly in Paris.
Should one visit Paris in the winter?
You can visit Paris during winter if you want to experience the exclusive winter celebration here.
How cold does Paris get?
The temperature in winter in Paris ranges between 6 – 10 degrees Celsius.
Is Christmas a good time to visit Paris?
Yes, there are numerous exclusive celebrations during Christmas in Paris that lure travellers from across the world.
What is Paris famous for?
Paris is home to numerous iconic attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, and is known to offer the most romantic vacations. Its scenic beauty and cosy cafes ensure the best experience for visitors.
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