Paris in Winter: 18 Best Things to Do & What to Expect

Paris in winter is one of the most underrated times of year to experience the city. With the exception of the last two weeks in December when visitors from around the world come to see the holiday lights and enjoy their Christmas holidays, the crowds are much smaller in winter than at any other time of year in Paris. That means shorter lines at major attractions, quieter museums, restaurant reservations are easier to secure, and hotel prices that are noticeably lower than in the spring or summer months.

The smaller winter crowds are the number-one reason I think Paris is such a joy to explore in the winter. Plus, if you are planning a trip at the start of the new year, do not miss our guide to Paris in January, where we break down six compelling reasons why the first month of the year may be the best time to visit!

Table of Contents:

1. Best Things to Do in Paris in Winter
2. What to Expect in Paris in Winter
3. Tips for Visiting Paris in Winter
4. Where to Stay in Paris in Winter
5. Final Thoughts: Why Paris in Winter is So Special 

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Best Things to Do in Paris in Winter

If you are planning a trip to Paris in winter, you will find no shortage of things to do. This is one of the best seasons to enjoy the city’s museums, holiday light displays, cozy bistros, and iconic landmarks with fewer crowds and shorter lines. Below are the top winter activities and experiences to add to your Paris itinerary.

1. Explore the Louvre Without the Crowds

The Louvre is the most-visited museum in the world and Paris's most popular tourist attraction. So, no matter when you visit, it will always be busy. However winter, especially January and February after the holidays, is the closest you will ever get to experiencing the Louvre without overwhelming crowds. If you can visit on a Wednesday or Thursday, you will find the quietest atmosphere. (Mondays can be busy because other major museums and even Versailles are closed, weekends get crowded quickly, and the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.)

I still recommend booking the first admission time slot and heading straight to the Denon Wing to see the Mona Lisa as your first stop at the Louvre. Unlike in peak season, however, the rest of the museum will stay calm and quiet for hours. When I visited last January on a Thursday morning, I had entire galleries completely to myself. The second floor, home to some of the Louvre's best hidden gems like Vermeer's The Lacemaker and my favorite, Hans Holbein's portrait of Anne of Cleves, was so quiet that I legitimately stood alone in front of these masterpieces.

If you want help planning your visit to the Louvre, do not miss my blogs to the Louvre Highlights and the unbelievable Louvre Crown Jewels Heist that happened in mid-October. Both are great companions for navigating (and appreciating) this iconic museum. 

2. Warm Up Inside Musée d'Orsay (d'Orsay Museum)

On cold, gray, and rainy winter days, few places feel more inviting than the Musée d’Orsay, or the d'Orsay Museum as it is known in English. Whether you are escaping the cold weather or simply looking for a slower, quieter morning, spending time in a museum - here or at the Louvre - is one of the best ways to enjoy Paris in winter. 

The d'Orsay Museum is one of the best museums in Paris, not just for its world-class collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, but for the building itself. Housed in a former Beaux-Arts train station along the River Seine, the museum's soaring ceilings, grand clocks, and open galleries create one of the most unique art-viewing experiences in the city. (It is a close-second behind the Centre Pompidou, but since that avant-garde museum is closed through 2030, the d'Orsay Museum takes the cake.) 

To start your visit, head to the top floor, where paintings by Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Van Gogh are displayed. Then, make your way downstairs through the sculpture halls. Do not miss the museum's unofficial (and very cute) mascot, François Pompon's life-sized Polar Bear. 

If you want help planning your visit, we have put together Our Top Tips for Visiting the d'Orsay Museum in Paris. This guide covers the best times to visit, how to navigate the galleries, and the must-see art on display. 

3. Embark on a Seine River Sightseeing Cruise

A sightseeing cruise along the Seine is one of the best ways to experience Paris in winter. Stay with me on this one...I know you are skeptical. A boat tour in winter?! However, what most tourists do not realize is that the sightseeing river boats in Paris have indoor, covered seating to keep you warm and protected from the elements. While I always say the best way to see Paris is on foot, a sightseeing cruise is the next best option on a cold day when walking long distances is not very appealing.

You also do not need to buy tickets in advance (unless, of course, you want to). I always recommend waiting to see the weather day-of and choosing a sunny or partly sunny afternoon if you can. Winter light is soft and beautiful, and an early sunset means you can catch golden hour from the river without being out late.

For easy, reliable sightseeing, I always point friends and family toward Bateaux-Mouches. Their route is excellent, taking you past Paris icons like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the onboard commentary strikes the perfect balance. It is interesting and informative, without ever feeling too long or boring. Enjoying a sightseeing river cruise is a simple, cozy, and surprisingly atmospheric way to enjoy Paris in winter.

4. Visit the Newly Reopened Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral officially reopened to the public in December 2024, nearly five years after the devastating fire that shocked Paris and the world. Seeing this magnificent Paris landmark restored has brought a renewed sense of hope and pride to the city.

Made famous around the world by Victor Hugo's Hunchback of Notre-Dame, the cathedral has always held a special place in Paris' history. Sure, you can find more elaborate and impressive Gothic cathedrals in Spain and elsewhere in France, but there is something undeniably unique and emotional about Notre-Dame in Paris.

The iconic rose windows, miraculously untouched by the fire in 2019, still filter in the most beautiful light. After years of painstaking restoration work, the cathedral feels brighter than ever before. Crews spent countless hours removing centuries of soot and smoke from the stonework, revealing an interior that is bright and airy. 

Since I had the opportunity to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral on my very first trip to Paris back in 2013, returning this past January to see the newly reopened cathedral was overwhelming in the best possible way. It was incredible to compare the dark, smoke-stained interior I remembered with the bright, restored space that now feels almost reborn.

During the Christmas season, the cathedral’s elaborate nativity scene (pictured below) is also on display, and it is beautifully done. (Photos do not do it justice!) Adding another reason to include Notre-Dame on a Paris itinerary during the winter months!

Plus, one of the best parts about visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral is that it is free for all visitors. 

5. See Paris' Holiday Lights (Mid-November to Mid-January)

Winter in Paris reaches its peak once the holiday lights switch on, typically from mid-November through mid-January. The city is filled with elegant and festive light displays that brighten even the coldest, dreariest Paris winter nights. 

Some of the best places to see holiday lights in Paris include: 

• Place Vendôme: One of the most elegant squares in Paris, filled with classical holiday decorations, including: Christmas trees, garland, and warm golden lights.

• Rue Saint-Honoré: My personal favorite, the lights on Rue Saint-Honoré are elegant bows draped across the street, appearing to float come dark. 

• Rue Royale: Rue Royale is the best spot in Paris to see the extravagant storefronts and boutique windows come alive with Christmas magic.
• Champs-Élysées: Probably the most well known street in Paris and famous for its holiday lights. Trees, covered with lights, line the entire avenue all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. 
• Boulevard Haussmann: Home to two of Paris' most famous department stores, Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, Boulevard Haussmann is a must-visit for holiday lights (the department stores also have lavish displays inside, well worth checking out, even if you are only window shopping). 

• Montmartre: Montmartre is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris and while its holiday light displays are more understated, the neighborhood is still very festive and atmospheric! 

Exploring the holiday lights in Paris, whether on foot or by metro-hopping between neighborhoods, is one of the most enjoyable seasonal activities in the city.

6. Savor Hot Chocolate at Angelina 

Angelina is famous for having some of the richest, thickest hot chocolate in Paris. While it is undeniably popular with tourists (and often comes with a long wait since they do not accept reservations), it is still one of the coziest winter treats in the city. A cup of their signature chocolat chaud feels especially indulgent on a cold day, and you really cannot beat that first sip.

Even when it is not hot chocolate season, the line at Angelina on Rue de Rivoli usually stretches out the door and down the sidewalk. However, when I visited in January, it was the first time I had ever seen no line at all, making it another perk of visiting Paris in winter.

That said, my favorite Angelina location is actually at Versailles. While it is hardly a hidden gem: the café at Versailles has the same decadent hot chocolate, far fewer people, and hardly ever a long wait. If you are heading to Versailles, it is absolutely worth stopping in.

Despite its touristy reputation, I genuinely enjoy the food at Angelina too. Whether you stop in for a full lunch or just a pastry, it makes for a great opportunity to warm-up during a cold, winter day in Paris.

7. Experience the Opéra Garnier (Palais Garnier)

The Opéra Garnier, also known as the Palais Garnier, is one of Paris’ most spectacular buildings, so much so that we included it in our blog on Three Not-So-Secret Paris Hidden Gems. Winter is an especially great time to visit, with plenty of opportunities to see operas, ballets, and classical music concerts in one of the most ornate venues in Europe.

If enjoying a live performance at the Opéra Garnier does not fit into your Paris travel plans, I highly recommend booking a guided tour of the opulent venue. The building itself is astonishingly beautiful, from the grand staircase and marble halls to the gilded balconies and Marc Chagall’s colorful ceiling in the auditorium (pictured below).

Just be sure to reserve your tickets online via the Opéra de Paris website a couple of days in advance, as tour slots often sell out, even in the winter months. Keep in mind that the Opéra Garnier periodically suspends tours for rehearsals and performances, so check availability before planning your visit.

And who knows… you might even catch a glimpse of the Phantom himself!

8. Shop the Sales (Les Soldes) in January 

Paris’ winter sales, known as Les Soldes d’Hiver or Les Soldes for short, are one of the best times of year to shop in Paris and winter travelers often do not realize the extent of the deals available. In 2026, the official sales period will run from January 7 through February 4, with discounts at nearly every major retailer, from high-street brands to luxury labels.

Some of the best finds are at the department stores, especially Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. We did quite a bit of shopping at Galeries Lafayette last January and found great deals on everything from winter coats to accessories.

A sales associate at BHV Marais even told us that the discounts increase as the month goes on, but there is a catch: the best items, including designer pieces, can sell out quickly in the first week.

If you are visiting Paris in January, the winter sales are absolutely worth checking out. Whether you are hunting for something specific or just browsing, it is one of the most enjoyable (and warmest) winter activities in the city.

9. Visit Sainte-Chapelle on a Sunny Winter Afternoon

Sainte-Chapelle is one of the most magnificent buildings in Paris, a Gothic jewel box that beautifully glistens and fills with color when sunlight pours through its thousands of towering stained-glass windows. Located just a short walk from Notre-Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité, it is easy to visit both landmarks on the same day, especially in winter when the crowds are smaller.

Originally built for the French royal family to house their collection of precious religious relics (many of which are now displayed in the Treasury at Notre-Dame Cathedral), Sainte-Chapelle remains one of the most breathtaking examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. If you can visit on a sunny winter afternoon, the entire chapel sparkles as the sunlight illuminates the glass.

Tickets typically need to be purchased in advance since they can sell out, but same-day tickets are sometimes available. If you are hoping to buy them day-of, go first thing in the morning to secure your spot.

10. Ice Skate at a Pop-Up Rink Across the City 

Ice skating is one of the most festive things to do in Paris in winter, and several rinks open throughout the city. Whether you are looking for an unforgettable ice rink beneath a dramatic glass roof or something more traditional in the heart of the city, Paris offers plenty of opportunities to lace up your skates and enjoy a bit of winter fun! Some of the most popular pop-up ice rinks in the city include: 

• Grand Palais: One of the largest and most popular ice rinks is the Grand Palais des Glaces, running from December 14, 2025 to January 7, 2026. It is a favorite among visitors thanks to its massive rink, music, and dramatic setting beneath the Grand Palais' iconic glass dome. Plus, come night time, light shows and live DJs transform the ice rink into a "frosty dance floor." Tickets for the Grand Palais des Glaces include skate rentals. For additional information, please visit the Grand Palais des Glaces website.
• La Défense Christmas Market: Another option is the La Défense Christmas Market, running from November 13 to December 28, 2025. The Christmas Market has a large skating rink as part of its enormous holiday village. It is a great choice if you are looking to combine ice skating with holiday shopping! For more information about the ice rink, please visit the Paris La Défense website.
• Hôtel de Ville: After a few years hiatus, the ice rink at Hôtel de Ville is scheduled to open from December 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026. Set right in front of Paris’ historic City Hall, it is an incredibly picturesque winter setting. Details are scant at the present, but I will be sure to update this blog once I learn more. 😊
• Galeries Lafayette (Boulevard Haussmann): For a truly unique experience and incredible views of the city, consider ice skating on the roof of the Galeries Lafayette department store on Boulevard Haussmann! From December 1, 2025 to January 4, 2026, the rink will be open to skaters ages four and up. Skate rentals are included in the ticket price. (For those serious about ice skating, keep in mind that the ice rink at Galeries Lafayette is made with synthetic ice.) To make reservations, please visit the Galeries Lafayette website. 

11. Indulge in Cozy Winter Cuisine & Seasonal Treats

Winter is the perfect season to indulge in warm and comforting French cuisine, the kind that make you want to linger in a cozy bistro to escape the cold outside. Classic French comfort food truly shines this time of year, with rich sauces, slow braises, and oven-baked favorites that feel tailor-made for a chilly Paris evening.

Some of the best dishes to try in Paris in winter include:

• French Onion Soup – bubbling, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying

• Beef Bourguignon – a hearty beef stew that tastes even better on a cold night

• Coq au Vin – chicken braised in red wine, another timeless French winter dish

• Soufflés – warm, airy, and decadent, whether savory or sweet

Winter is also the best season for some of France’s most beloved holiday pastries and desserts. If you are visiting Paris in November and/or December, be sure to try a Bûche de Noël, the iconic Yule log cake enjoyed throughout the holiday season. From classic chocolate to modern variations that feature fillings made from Nutella or fruit, it is a delicious way to celebrate the holiday season in Paris.

Meanwhile, Galette des Rois, or King Cake, appears in bakeries throughout the month of January. French King Cake feature a flaky, buttery pastry filled with almond cream (the traditional) or apple filling (the more modern take) and are traditionally served to celebrate the Epiphany. Galette des Rois is one of my favorite seasonal treats, and you will find Parisians eagerly debating which pâtisserie makes the best one. (I personally think the best, at least from what I have tried, is from The French Bastards.)

Whether you are at a neighborhood bistro or one of the city's famous pâtisseries, winter in Paris is a wonderful time to experience the best of French cuisine. For a list of some of my favorite restaurants in Paris, be sure to check out Jetset Seeker's Paris Travel Guide. 

12. See Monet's Water Lilies at the Musée de l'Orangerie (Orangerie Museum)

Cold, grey winter days are perfect for museum-hopping in Paris, and the Musée de l’Orangerie is one of my favorite places to escape the dreary weather. While you cannot visit Monet’s garden in Giverny during the winter months (it is only open April through October), you can see his iconic Water Lilies (also called Nymphéas) here year-round. Displayed exactly as Monet intended, in two large oval rooms designed to immerse you in the series, these eight Water Lilies paintings offer you a chance to experience a glimpse of the quiet beauty of Monet’s garden at Giverny, even in the heart of winter.

The museum itself is compact and easy to explore, making it ideal for a slower-paced winter afternoon. Beyond Monet, the lower galleries feature works by Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse, and Picasso, offering a rich but manageable collection that feels peaceful compared to Paris’ larger museums. To skip the line, you can book your tickets online, ahead of your visit, via the Musée de l’Orangerie website.

13. Explore the Latin Quarter's Bookstores

The Latin Quarter is one of the coziest neighborhoods to explore in Paris during winter, especially if you love wandering through independent bookstores. Its most famous literary landmark, the English language bookstore, Shakespeare & Company, usually has a line wrapped around the block, but winter is one of the rare times you can simply walk right inside.

Shakespeare & Company's beautifully printed editions of novels, notebooks, and signature tote bags also make fantastic holiday gifts for the bookworm in your life. After browsing, grab a warm drink at the Shakespeare & Company Café next door, or head deeper into the Latin Quarter to find one of its countless neighborhood cafés, where you can sit, warm up, and enjoy a slower-paced Parisian afternoon.

Other popular bookstores in the Latin Quarter and nearby arrondissements include: Gilbert Joseph, The Abbey Bookshop, Album Comics, Boulinier, Librairie Eyrolles, Taschen Store Paris, and The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore.

14. View the Eiffel Tower at Night

While I would not recommend going to the top of the Eiffel Tower while visiting Paris in winter (the wind can be bitterly cold and visibility is often unpredictable), viewing the Eiffel Tower from around the city is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Paris during the winter months. Winter’s early sunsets make it especially easy to catch the tower sparkling at dusk without staying out late.

The Eiffel Tower’s lights turn on at dusk and stay illuminated until 11:45 PM, and the tower sparkles for five minutes every hour on the hour from dusk until that time. In early December, for example, the first sparkle happens around 4:55 PM, which means you can have plenty of opportunities to see the beautifully illuminated Paris landmark before you even head to dinner! 

Some of the best winter viewpoints of the Eiffel Tower include the Place du Trocadéro, the Pont d’Iéna, the Champ de Mars, and even the riverbanks of the Seine during a sightseeing cruise. On a clear night, you can even see the Eiffel Tower sparkle from the Place de la Concorde and as far as outside of the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre! 

15. Tour Versailles with Fewer Crowds

Visiting Versailles in the winter is one of the best decisions you can make, especially if you are hoping to experience the opulent palace without the overwhelming crowds of spring and summer. From January through early March, in particular, Versailles - and Paris in general - sees its smallest visitor numbers of the entire year. That means shorter lines, quieter rooms, and a much more enjoyable visit overall.

While visiting Versailles in the winter means trading the incredible gardens at their full summer peak for a more subdued winter landscape, the tradeoff (in my opinion) is worth it for the quieter, far more enjoyable experience inside the palace. 

Versailles can be extremely overwhelming for first-time visitors. During the spring, summer, and autumn months, the palace halls are often packed with large tour groups, making it difficult to move freely or appreciate the grandeur of each room.

In winter, however, the atmosphere of the palace (and larger Versailles estate) changes completely. You will not feel like part of a herd of cattle being funneled from one room to the next. Instead, you have room to pause, take photos, and actually take in the space around you. 

Keep in mind that the opening hours for Versailles are reduced from November through March, with the palace open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (last admission at 4:45 PM). Versailles is closed on Mondays, December 25, and January 1, annually. While Versailles is less busy in winter, I still strongly encourage you to book your tickets for the palace in advance of your visit. Tickets are time-specific and can be booked directly through the Château de Versailles website. 

Alternative Option: Château de Fontainebleau (Palace of Fontainebleau) 

Otherwise, if you have already been to Versailles and want to experience something different, consider a day trip to the Château de Fontainebleau. When Brian and I visited Fontainebleau in January 2025, the palace was incredibly quiet! At times, we were the only people in entire rooms. Fontainebleau is just as historic and ornate as Versailles, but with a fraction of the crowds, especially in winter.

16. Wander the Christmas Markets (Mid-November through Early January) 

Paris’ Christmas markets are some of the most atmospheric places to visit during the winter season, blending festive lights with food stalls, mulled wine, holiday gifts, and seasonal treats. While the Paris Christmas markets are not the most elaborate in Europe, they are still wonderfully festive (and if you cannot make it to the incredible Vienna Christmas Markets - my personal favorite and some of the best in the world - Paris is a lovely second-best for getting into the holiday spirit).

A quick note: I could not find official websites for several of these Christmas markets. However, details were shared on social media and other websites on Google. Since I could not verify opening hours, I have left out these specifics. If you are looking to visit any of these Paris Christmas markets, be sure to double-check the opening hours online (or via social media) before you visit.

Here are some of the best Christmas markets in Paris to visit across the city.

The Magic of Christmas in the Tuileries (Tuileries Garden, 1st Arrondissement) 

Opening Dates: November 15, 2025 through January 4, 2026

Set in the heart of the Tuileries Garden, this is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Paris. Known as La Magie de Noël in French, you will find festive food stands, carnival-style rides, handmade gifts, and plenty of opportunities to warm up with vin chaud (mulled wine). Its central location makes it perfect to pair with seeing the nearby holiday lights! 

Noël La Villette – Swiss Christmas Village (Place de la Fontaine-aux-Lions, 19th Arrondissement) 

Opening Dates: November 20, 2025 through December 28, 2025

A charming Christmas market with a Swiss-inspired twist, offering beautiful lights, gourmet food (including fondue 😋), rides, and alpine-style décor. It is a bit farther out than the central Christmas markets in Paris since it is located in the 19th Arrondissement, which makes it feel a little less touristy, and a bit more authentic. For more information, please visit the Noël La Villette website.

Christmas Village on Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Boulevard Saint-Germain, 6th Arrondissement) 

Opening Dates: November 25, 2025 through January 6, 2026

Located in one of Paris’ most elegant neighborhoods, this small Christmas market feels refined and festive without being overwhelming. Small wooden chalets line the boulevard, selling gourmet treats, ornaments, and beautiful handcrafted gifts.

Christmas Market at La Défense (Parvis de la Défense, Hauts-de-Seine)

Opening Dates: November 28, 2025 through December 28, 2025

This is one of the largest Christmas markets in the Paris region, with almost 300 stalls stretching across the plaza. You will find everything from traditional food to international holiday specialties, making it a great option for visitors who love shopping and snacking. Plus, the ice rink here is one of the best outdoor rinks in the Paris in winter! For more information, please visit the La Défense Christmas Market website.

Paris Notre Dame Christmas Market 

Opening Dates: November 28, 2025 through December 25, 2025

Located just steps away from the newly reopened Notre-Dame Cathedral, this market is especially atmospheric after sunset. It is smaller than some of the other markets listed here, but the setting - with views of the Gothic cathedral - makes it one of the most scenic holiday experiences in Paris. For more information about the Paris Notre Dame Christmas market, please visit the Marche de Noël Paris Notre Dame website.

Christmas Market at Hôtel de Ville

Opening Dates: December 5, 2025 through January 4, 2026

The Christmas market at Hôtel de Ville highlights artisans and products certified as "Made in Paris," making it a great place to shop for unique holiday gifts you may not find elsewhere. Set against the backdrop of City Hall, it is festive, local, and perfect for supporting Parisian craftspeople.

17. Visit Paris' Best Pâtisseries 

No visit to Paris in winter (or any season for that matter) is complete without stopping into at least one of the city's incredible pâtisseries. Plus, what beats stopping in a warm bakery on a cold day, choosing something sweet, and savoring it slowly with a hot cup of tea?

A few of my personal favorites include The French Bastards, known for their innovative pastries and modern takes on French classics, and Boulangerie Moderne, a more traditional spot that consistently delivers delicious breads and viennoiseries. I also really enjoyed Pâtisserie Boulangerie Liberté during my visit last January - their pastries are beautiful, but their baguettes were the real treat!

Alternatively, if you are looking for an incredible upscale pâtisserie, look no further than The Ritz Paris Le Comptoir which sells the best madeleines in Paris! While it has been almost a year since my last visit, I am still dreaming about their chestnut honey madeleines! 

Whether you are hunting for a perfectly flaky croissant, a beautifully crafted seasonal dessert, or simply something warm and buttery to enjoy between sightseeing stops, Paris’ pâtisseries are an essential part of any winter itinerary!

18. Enjoy Winter Photography Around Paris

Winter is one of the most beautiful and underrated seasons for photography in Paris. The sun sits lower in the sky, creating soft, diffused light that makes the city’s architecture really glow. Mornings often bring fog or a gentle haze over the city, giving bridges and landmarks a dreamy, cinematic feel. Plus, since sunset happens early, you can capture golden hour, blue hour, and nighttime shots all before dinner.

Even without snow (which is rare but possible in Paris in winter), Paris feels especially photogenic in winter. Reflections shimmer on rain-soaked streets, cafés glow warmly against the gray sky, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame stand out even more dramatically against winter skies.

Whether you prefer a phone or a camera, winter’s soft light and quieter streets create ideal conditions for photographing the city.

What to Expect in Paris in Winter

Winter in Paris is colder, quieter, and slower than at any other point during the year, and that is a big part of the charm of visiting the city from November through February. Here is what you can expect in Paris in winter.

Weather in Paris in Winter

Temperatures typically range from the mid-30s to mid-40s °F (around 2-8°C), with a mix of gray days, light rain (typical year-round in Paris), and the occasional bright, sunny winter afternoon. Snow is rare, but possible. Days are shorter too, with later sunrises and early sunsets. 

What to Wear in Paris in Winter

Due to the colder temperatures and the frequent, albeit light, rain, you will want to pack accordingly. A warm wool or insulated coat, scarf, gloves, sweaters (lightweight wool sweaters travel well, or you can pack a couple heavier sweaters to layer over long-sleeve tops and comfortably wear them again throughout your trip), comfortable waterproof shoes, and a compact umbrella will go a long way. For the evenings, you may also want to pack a winter hat (or a beret) to help you keep warm.

Layering is key when visiting Paris in winter as I found indoor spaces like museums, shops, and restaurants to be quite warm, even on the coldest days. Parisian style tends to be polished and understated, so neutral, versatile layers are the way to go. I personally wore a lot of thermal tights with skirts and dresses, finding it helped me feel a bit more elevated in terms of my style, while still staying warm. 

What Not to Wear in Paris in Winter

Athleisurewear, open-toed shoes, and overly bulky parkas tend to stand out in Paris. Instead, opt for what Parisians actually wear: wool coats, neutral layers, leather boots, and simple accessories.

Seasonal Closures 

Keep in mind that December 25 and January 1 are major holidays in France, and most museums (including the Louvre), restaurants, shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, and other attractions will be closed. However, if you do find yourself in Paris on Christmas Day, the aquarium, zoo, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre are open. You can also anticipate reduced hours on December 24 and December 31 at some smaller boutiques throughout the city.

If you will be in Paris between December 24 and January 1, plan ahead and double-check opening times so you are not caught off guard by seasonal closures!

Daylight Hours

Beyond holiday closures and colder temperatures, there are a few other things to keep in mind when visiting Paris in winter. Daylight hours are noticeably shorter, with early sunsets in December (the sun sets around 4:55 PM in December in Paris) that naturally shifts sightseeing to earlier in the day.

Restaurant Closures & Reservations 

A handful of restaurants close briefly in early January for annual vacations after the busy holiday season. However, there are still plenty of amazing eateries open across the city to choose from for a great meal. Despite the smaller crowds, I do think it is still a good idea to make dining reservations (via TheFork), especially on weekends, as popular bistros can fill up quickly. 

Tips for Visiting Paris in Winter

To help you plan your trip, here are a few useful tips for visiting Paris in winter.

• Start your days early. With shorter daylight hours, beginning your sightseeing in the morning gives you more time at open-air landmarks before the sun sets. You can expect sunrise to be anywhere from 8:15 to 8:45 AM in Paris in winter. So while you do not have to get a super early morning start, being out of your hotel room and ready to start your day by 9:00 AM will help you maximize daylight hours.

• Prioritize indoor attractions on gray, rainy days. Museums, galleries, and shopping make perfect attractions when the weather feels too cold for long walks or outdoor sightseeing.

• Make restaurant reservations. Popular bistros and brasseries still book up quickly in winter, especially on weekends and around the holidays.

• Check opening hours in advance. Some restaurants and small shops close for part of early January, and holiday hours vary across the city.

• Keep your itinerary flexible. Early sunsets and seasonal events (like the January sales or holiday light displays) may shift your plans in ways that make your visit even better.

• Take advantage of quieter weekday mornings. Attractions like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Sainte-Chapelle are especially peaceful on Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

• Use the early evenings to your advantage. Winter makes it easy to enjoy the Eiffel Tower sparkle, nighttime photography, or a Seine sightseeing cruise long before it gets late.

• Pack layers you can easily remove. Indoor heating in museums, shops, and cafés can be incredibly warm, so layering ensures you are comfortable throughout the day.

• Bring comfortable, weather-appropriate shoes. Paris is still a walking city in winter, and good footwear makes a big difference. Waterproof shoes are essential, as rain is quite common throughout the season.

• Embrace the slower pace and smaller crowds. Winter is one of the few times of year when you can wander, linger, and explore without the rush of the peak tourist season.

Where to Stay in Paris in Winter

Choosing the right neighborhood can make winter in Paris even more enjoyable. Shorter days and colder weather mean it is helpful to stay somewhere central, close to cafés, restaurants, and major attractions.

I personally love staying in the 9th Arrondissement because thanks to its close proximity to my favorite Paris museums and attractions, great cafés and restaurants, shopping, and transit connections which make getting around the city incredibly easy on cold days. Alternatively, the 1st Arrondissement is a great option, albeit slightly pricier. 

Without further ado, here are some of the best hotels to stay in Paris in winter:

• Castille Paris - Starhotels Collezione (1st. Arr.)
• Drawing Hotel Paris (1st Arr.) 
• Hotel Regina Louvre (1st Arr.) 
• Le Burgundy Paris (1st. Arr.) 
• Hôtel Astra Opéra (9th Arr.) 
• Aparthotel Quartier Libre Opéra (9th Arr.) 
• InterContinental Paris Le Grand (9th Arr.) 
• Hôtel Dress Code (9th Arr.)
• Le Basile Hôtel (9th Arr.)
  

Final Thoughts: Why Paris in Winter is So Special 

What makes Paris in winter so special is not just the cooler weather or the smaller crowds, but the atmosphere. From mid-November through mid-January, the streets in Paris are lined with holiday lights and beautiful decorations that bring a seasonal brightness to the city. Areas like Rue Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme, and Montmartre are especially nice to walk through after sunset, and the Christmas markets add a lively atmosphere throughout the season. After the holidays, the city settles into a quieter rhythm. 

Paris in winter may not be as exciting for tourists as the spring and summer months, but that is exactly what makes it so special. The city moves at a slower pace, museums are quieter (and calmer), and everyday moments whether you are enjoying a galette des rois in a warm pâtisserie or walking past the Eiffel Tower at dusk feel more intimate. Yes, the days are shorter and the weather is colder, but the trade-off is a version of Paris that is quieter, easier to explore, and full of seasonal attractions you will not find at any other time of year.

If you are planning a longer trip to Paris, do not miss our guide on How to Spend a Week in Paris, which can be easily modified to accommodate a winter itinerary. For practical advice that applies year-round, do not miss our Go-To Travel Tips for Paris post that covers everything from navigating the metro to avoiding common mistakes. You can also explore more things to do, restaurant suggestions, and hidden gems in our full Paris Travel Guide.

If you have visited Paris in winter before, I would love to hear about your experience. Let me know in the comments below what surprised you, what you loved most, and whether you would Paris in winter visit again. ⬇️  And, if you are planning your first winter trip, I hope this guide helps you see just how magical the winter season can be in Paris.