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Paris in winter
Paris in winter: a magical escape you won’t forget. Ready to plan your trip?
Book your Eurostar tripMake the most of Paris in winter
There are so many reasons to visit Paris in the winter: from snapping up a bargain in the winter sales to admiring the Christmas lights and enjoying some chocolat chaud. Make long-lasting memories with your kids by taking them to Disneyland Paris to see its magic come alive or visit one of Paris's major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre museum.
The window displays at the big department stores Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marche are a must-see during Christmas for its animated figures, stunning decorations and extravagant tree. For more ideas, see below.
Things to do in Paris in winter
Catch a show
The Bouglione Circus’ roots go back to the Second Empire, when daredevil Jules Léotard awed audiences with the very first flying trapeze act. This winter’s entertainment for the whole family is just as gravity-defying, and will tickle funny-bones as well. Expect aerial silks, clever horses and contortionists from the Cirque d’Hiver’s new show Defi.
Enjoy the Christmas Season in Paris
Christmas in Paris is all about warmth and charm. The streets glow with festive lights, and the scent of roasted chestnuts drifts from the Christmas markets. These markets, dotted across the city, are perfect for browsing handmade gifts, sipping mulled wine, and soaking up the holiday cheer. You can stroll past beautifully decorated shop windows, stop for coffee in a cosy café, and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle against the winter sky. Wrapped in a warm coat, wandering along the Seine or through Montmartre feels peaceful and magical. It’s the perfect time to slow down, enjoy simple pleasures, and soak up the holiday spirit the Parisian way!
Celebrate New Year in Paris
During New Year’s Eve in Paris fireworks aren’t always guaranteed, but crowds still head to the Champs de Mars and the Champs-Élysées for impressive light shows and cheery street parties. Blissfully easy to navigate on foot, Paris puts on free transport from 5pm on New Year’s Eve to noon the following day. Most restaurants lay on extravagant festive menus for the night. Find out all the best things to do in Paris over the New Year.
Shop in the January sales
The Paris winter sales – les soldes – always start on the second Wednesday of January and run for six weeks, so there’s plenty of time to seek out a bargain. Don’t limit yourself to one neighbourhood: the Métro makes hopping between shopping districts a doddle. Superlative department stores Printemps (opens in a new tab) and Galeries Lafayette (opens in a new tab) vie for attention on boulevard Haussmann. Take a look at our guide to the best places to shop in Paris.
Try a galette des rois
This January favourite is always a hit: find the charm hidden in the frangipane pastry. The tradition ignites culinary passions every year, with the city’s top pastry chefs competing for the tastiest twist on the puff-pastry classic. Look out for Pierre Hermé’s couture creations, or Yann Brys’s fruit-laced frangipane tart.
Cafés and comfort Food
Warm up in parisian cafés
When winter chills the Parisian streets, there’s nothing better than stepping into a warm, inviting café. For a more local feel, explore areas like Le Marais, Canal Saint-Martin, or Belleville, where independent coffee spots and cosy hideaways are part of everyday life. And for an iconic experience, enjoy a classic café au lait at Café de Flore, a timeless Parisian institution in Saint-Germain that’s perfect for soaking up the city’s charm.
Hot Chocolate & pastry spots
Swap your coffee for a cup of velvety hot chocolate, and pair it with a buttery croissant or a pain au chocolat. Treat yourself to a rich hot chocolate at Angelina, renowned for its indulgent chocolat chaud and just a stone’s throw from the Tuileries Gardens. If you’re a fan of baked-good, Paris is the ultimate playground. Start with Du Pain et des Idées, a beloved boulangerie known for its flaky croissants and signature escargot pastries swirled with pistachio or chocolate. Then head to Boulangerie Utopie, where creativity meets tradition, think inventive flavours like black sesame or lime in perfectly baked viennoiseries.
Winter menus & comfort food
Paris serves up some of the most comforting dishes you’ll ever taste. Have you tried a steaming bowl of French onion soup topped with melted cheese with a side of crusty bread? Trust us, it’s the ultimate winter warmer. If you’re a cheese lover, indulge in raclette or fondue - perfect for sharing (or not!) on a cold evening. Tartiflette, made with potatoes, Reblochon cheese and bacon, is another indulgent dish that will warm up both body and soul.
Fireplace dining & hidden gems
Le Coupe-Chou in the Latin Quarter is a historic spot with stone walls, wooden beams and a roaring fireplace. Over on the Left Bank, Atelier Maître Albert, created by Michelin-starred chef Guy Savoy, offers rotisserie dishes cooked over open flames in its elegant “chimney room.” Hôtel Providence serves traditional French cuisine in a velvet-clad dining room warmed by a fire.
Culture under cover: Discover Paris indoors this winter
Museums worth a visit
Paris is home to some of the most celebrated museums in the world. The Louvre offers a journey through centuries of art, from ancient civilisations to Renaissance masterpieces. At the Musée d’Orsay, you’ll find Impressionist and post-Impressionist works in a stunning former train station. For a more intimate experience, the Musée de l’Orangerie showcases Monet’s Water Lilies in a peaceful setting, while the Musée Rodin combines sculpture and quiet charm.
Seasonal exhibitions and events
Winter brings a fresh wave of exhibitions across the city. The Fondation Louis Vuitton often hosts major retrospectives in its striking contemporary space. At the Petit Palais, you’ll find photography and painting exhibitions that change with the season. The immersive shows at Atelier des Lumières offer a different kind of experience: digital projections that surround you with colour and sound.
Historic indoor landmarks for winter days
Some of Paris’s most impressive architecture is best enjoyed indoors. The Opéra Garnier is a masterpiece of 19th-century design, with its marble staircases and painted ceilings. Sainte-Chapelle’s stained-glass windows are breathtaking, especially when lit from within on a winter afternoon. At Les Invalides, you can explore French military history and visit Napoleon’s tomb under its golden dome.
Winter walks worth taking
Paris in winter is ideal for exploring outdoors at a slower pace. Start with a walk along the Seine, where you’ll pass iconic bridges and enjoy views of Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower without the summer crowds. The city’s gardens, like the Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg, offer peaceful paths and elegant statues framed by bare trees. Montmartre is another must for a winter stroll—its cobbled streets lead to Sacré-Cœur, and you’ll find plenty of cafés for a warm drink along the way. For something different, head to the Canal Saint-Martin for a local vibe or wander through the historic Marais district with its charming courtyards and boutiques. Even in the colder months, these walks let you experience Paris’s character up close, with fewer tourists and plenty of opportunities to stop for chocolat chaud or a cosy lunch.
FAQs
Absolutely. Fewer crowds, festive lights, and cosy cafés make winter a great time to explore Paris. You’ll enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and can experience seasonal highlights like Christmas markets and January sales.
Yes, most major attractions—including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame are open year-round. Winter is a great time to visit because queues are shorter and the interiors feel even more inviting.
Yes. Eurostar operates regular services between London and Paris throughout winter, apart from Christmas Day. Tickets are available for travel between 6 and 8 months in advance, so you can plan festive breaks or winter getaways easily
Yes, from Disneyland Paris’s festive celebrations to ice-skating rinks and Christmas markets, there’s plenty for kids and families.
Bring home something that feels uniquely Parisian, like a box of marrons glacés or a scarf from a local boutique. For a winter touch, consider festive ornaments, Mariage Frères tea, or gourmet hot chocolate from Angelina to enjoy the season back home.
Cheap train tickets from London to Paris
Travelling from London to Paris with Eurostar is simple, smart, and speedy. Go direct from city centre to city centre in just 2 hours 16 mins. And whether you’re going for work or play, we’ll get you there feeling relaxed and rested. Use our lowest fare finder below to grab our cheapest train tickets from London to Paris. Choose Eurostar Standard for our very best fares, or treat yourself to Eurostar Plus for extra space and comfort.
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