When it comes to visiting Paris, January might not be the first month that comes to mind. However, savvy travelers know that Paris in January offers unique perks that make it a surprisingly ideal time to experience the City of Light. From fewer crowds to irresistible sales, here are six compelling reasons you should absolutely travel to Paris in January.
Paris in January is the low season for tourists. The streets are quiet and while museums are busy, they are not as nearly as packed as they can be during the summer months. Here is what you can expect during your time in Paris in January and the six reasons why you should absolutely take your next trip to Paris in January.
While you can snag inexpensive flights to Paris with some luck, yearound, there are some serious deals for those looking to travel to Paris in January. We got a great deal on flights through United Airlines and even better deals on hotels for our trip, making this a great time to visit Paris if you are on a budget. While we ultimately booked our flights to Paris in January using airline miles, we found a number of options priced under $800 USD round-trip which is a steal for us flying out of Tampa, Florida where round-trip tickets to Paris during the spring and summer months regularly run between $1,200 to $1,400 USD.
If you cannot find time to visit Paris in January, rest assured that deals on flights and hotels continue into February and March, making them other cost-effective months to explore the City of Light!
While nice hotels in Paris can oftentimes be well over €400 per night during tourist peak season (June, July, August, and December), we found tons of deals on hotel rooms under €175 per night in January! While you may not be able to book the Ritz Paris for that price, hotel prices are generally lower across the board in Paris in January, with plenty of availability. We stayed at one of our favorite hotels in Paris, Aparthotel Quartier Libre Opéra, for a steal of $158 USD per night (plus taxes and fees). Another top choice of ours in Paris, Hôtel Astra Opéra, was available for only $295 USD per night (plus taxes and fees)!
Our favorite two hotels in Paris are located in the 9th Arrondissement, just a couple of blocks from Palais Garnier. We love staying in the 9th Arrondissement since it is within walking distance of some of Paris's top attractions, offers fantastic shopping opportunities, and is conveniently linked to the rest of Paris by public transportation.
However, if you are looking to stay in other neighborhoods, check out some of these other hotels! Either we have stayed in them ourselves or they have come highly recommended from family and friends.
Looking for even more hotel options? Check out all that Hotels.com has to offer!
Stores in France have sales twice a year in January and July. The January sales, however, are really the crème de la crème! You can find discounts on a huge variety of products ranging from shoes, clothing, designer items, perfume, beauty products, and more. This year's sales period lasts from January 8 to February 4, 2025. So if you are planning a trip to Paris and hoping to do shopping, there is no better time to visit than January!
While most stores offer sales in Paris in January, the department stores are really your best bet for one-stop shopping and easy VAT refund processing. When I say one-stop shopping, I truly mean it! The department stores in Paris, particularly the ones I am going to discuss here sell everything from high end luxury brands (think, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Yves Saint Laurent, etc.) to popular mainstream French brands (which we will dive into shortly) as well as brands from the United States, and even their own name-brand products.
Just an aside, the main department stores discussed here are all located in the Right Bank (Rive Droite) in Paris since that is where we stayed during our trip to Paris in January and where we spent the most time.
The most popular department store in Paris for tourists, and the most beautiful, is Galeries Lafayette located on Boulevard Haussmann, just steps from the Palais Garnier in the 9th Arrondissement. Galeries Lafayette is my favorite place to shop in Paris because the sales associates by and large speak really good English and they have a massive assortment of brands available. Galeries Lafayette offers VAT refunds on purchases made over the course of 3 consecutive days amounting to more than €100. Just make sure to hold on to your receipts and bring your physical passport to one of their concierge desks for processing. Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann aslo has a gourmet and luxury grocery store (called Le Gourmet) which is an added treat!
There are three main buildings that make up Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann: the Le Gourmet building which also contains housewares (35 Bd Haussmann), the men's store which can be identified by the "L'Homme" signage on the exterior of the building (48 Bd Haussmann), and the main building with the beautiful Art Nouveau ceiling which houses women's departments and can be identified by the "La Coupole" signage on the exterior (40 Bd Haussmann). Galeries Lafayette is open daily. Store hours are Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM and on Sundays (and public holidays) from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Out of the major department stores in Paris, it is worth noting that Brian thought the men's department at Galeries Lafayette was by far the best. He found quite a few pieces on sale during our visit to Paris in January, including items from brands like Veja, The North Face, and Polo Ralph Lauren at discounts of up to 60% off!
There is another Galeries Lafayette in Paris at 60 Av. des Champs-Élysées (the 8th Arrondissement). This is a smaller location than the main Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann, but still filled with many popular brands. This Champs-Élysées location is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, daily.
Printemps is another major department store in Paris, also located on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th Arrondissement, right next to Galeries Lafayette. Similar to Galeries Lafayette, there is a separate men's store located across the street from the women's store at 70 Boulevard Haussmann. (The main store, housing the women's departments is located at 64 Boulevard Haussmann, shown on the map below.) Overall, the selection of brands and goods at Printemps is very similar to that of Galeries Lafayette, but I do have to say the store was significantly less crowded, making it a bit easier to casually browse the racks.
Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Sundays.
One really nice feature of Printemps is that they have a Goyard boutique in-store that, from my experience, never has crazy lines like the other Goyard boutiques throughout Paris. Although we did not make a purchase, the Goyard boutique in Printemps offered an impressive selection, and the sales associates were exceptionally kind and attentive.
Another highlight of the Printemps department store is their 7th floor terrace that offers exceptional view of the city of Paris! Sadly, when we visited Printemps it was a rather dreary day, so we skipped the terrace, but if the weather is nice and you are in the area, definitely check it out!
BHV Marais is the third and final department store we visited during our time in Paris in January. BHV Marais is located on Rue de Rivoli in the 4th Arrondissement, right near Hôtel de Ville. BHV Marais is open daily; Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and on Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
BHV Marais had an equally good assortment of women's clothing and accessories, especially when it comes to French brands, but with fewer high-end designer labels (i.e., no Louis Vuitton boutique within the store like at Galeries Lafayette or Printemps). I actually ended up buying a gorgeous camel wool coat on sale from the chic French brand, Sandro, within BHV Marais!
Interestingly, a friendly sales associate in the Sandro section at BHV Marais explained that the discounts increase as the month goes on! This means that although some discounts might initially be just 10 or 20% off, they can rise to as much as 60% off as the sales period progresses. So while it might behoove you to wait to shop, popular sizes tend to sell out fast, particularly with higher end brands that do not offer discounts or promotions at other times during the year. I cannot say with absolute certainty if this discounting applies to other department stores across Paris in January, but generally, prices appeared to be fairly consistent among them, so I believe it to be the case.
It is also worth noting, Brian did not care for the BHV Marais men's department at all. (The men's store is once again a separate building located at 36 Rue de la Verrerie, just across from the main BHV Marais store.) They did have a nice selection of Isabel Marant, Sandro, and A.P.C. for men, but otherwise the store was lacking in comparison to Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. So, if you are looking for menswear, maybe skip a trip to BHV Marais.
In the event that you are staying in the Left Bank of Paris (Rive Gauche), there is another department store that is definitely worth visiting: Le Bon Marché. I have not personally visited Le Bon Marché, since I tend to prefer to stay on the Right Bank which is filled with other department store options. However, Le Bon Marché is regularly praised for its large selection of high-end designers and its iconic design. Le Bon Marché is open daily; Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:45 PM and on Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:45 PM. For additional information, check out this article by Condé Nast Traveler.
Most people already know the popular French clothing brand Sézane, but there are so many other popular French brands that have boutiques all over Paris that participate in the semi-annual sales. Two of my top choices for wardrobe essentials are Sandro and A.P.C. While these brands are available in the US, they are significantly more affordable if you catch them on sale in Paris in January! Brian and I are also huge fans of Veja, the ethical and sustainable sneaker brand. Brian scored a great pair of Veja V-90 sneakers marked down 50% at Galeries Lafayette! You can find Sandro, A.P.C., Veja, and other popular French brands at department stores throughout Paris which makes it easy for one-stop shopping!
If you are looking for a rundown on the most popular French fashion brands right now, check out this article from whowhatwear.com.
One of the best parts about shopping in Paris in January is the ability to claim a VAT refund on purchases over €100, while still scoring some great deals with the semi-annual sales. VAT refunds can be claimed at most stores, but be sure to check to see if this is a service they offer before you check out. All of the major department stores in Paris offer this service, also called Détaxe, and make it easy for you to obtain the necessary forms to get money back after you depart the European Union.
In order to qualify for a VAT refund, you will need to bring your physical passport with you while shopping.
For additional information, and to see if you qualify for a VAT refund on your shopping in Paris, please visit the Paris Je T'aime website.
Please note, that if you are traveling back to the United States from Europe (or any other international destination), each person is permitted to bring back up to $800 USD in purchases duty-free. Anything purchased above this dollar amount and brought back to the United States needs to be declared to US Customs & Immigration Enforcement upon your arrival in the airport or seaport. Duty amounts differ depending on the item purchased and the dollar amount. For additional information, please visit the US Customs & Border Protection website.
Compared to many places in the northern hemisphere, Paris in January has relatively mild winter weather. While you will most certainly need to pack a winter coat, gloves, and plenty of sweaters, the weather in Paris in January is really quite manageable. (Trust me on this, as someone from Florida who is accustomed to much warmer climates!)
Here is a brief summary as to what you can expect for the weather in Paris in January:
Average High: 45°F (7°C)
Average Low: 37°F (3°C)
Average Number of Rainy Days: 17
Monthly Precipitation: 2 Inches (5 cm)
Average Sunrise: 8:38 AM
Average Sunset: 5:21 PM
While it does rain a lot in Paris, the rain in Paris in January is more of a light drizzle or mist. During my time in Paris in January this year, over the course of 10 days, I believe it rained 3 of them. The rain was not all day and certainly did not put a damper our sightseeing or travel plans. With that being said, pack an umbrella and shoes you do not mind getting wet! On the days that it does rain in Paris, the temperature does feel a bit cooler since it is more of a damp cold instead of a dry cold. You can expect fog in the mornings, too. However, on the days when it does not rain and the sun shines, the weather is absolutely perfect for sightseeing!
Paris is a hugely popular destination for travelers looking to celebrate the holidays abroad in November and December. November and December are also much more expensive (and crowded) months to visit Paris than January. However, if you travel to Paris in January, you will still get to experience some of the magic of the holidays as many of the decorations are still up to enjoy!
As of January 14th, here are some of the best places to still see holiday decorations and lights in Paris in January:
The lights were still up along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées but were sadly not illuminated during our visit. However, the lights and decorations that were still up throughout the city certainly added to the charm of our visit to Paris in January!
While not a holiday decoration, if you find yourself in Paris in January, you have to try a galette des rois, or king cake as they are known in French! These king cakes are traditionally served in honor of the Epiphany on January 6th and are a real treat! Galette des rois can be found at bakeries throughout the city and in grocery stores, too.
Traditionally, a galette des rois is made of puff pastry and filled with a delectable almond cream; however, you can also find variations filled with sautéed apples. (Plenty of more modern-takes on galette des rois also exist from bakeries throughout Paris! If you want to learn more, check out this article by Paris Je T'aime.) Some of the larger galette des rois come with a festive paper crown, while smaller ones do not. Regardless, I highly recommend taking the opportunity to try this delicious French treat during your time in Paris in January.
Is there a better time of year to enjoy a cup of onion soup (soupe à l'oignon gratinée), a mouth-watering dish of beef bourguignon (boeuf bourguignon), or piping hot coq au vin than Paris in January? Traditional French food is hearty and warming, perfect for a chilly winter day.
Looking for some fantastic food recommendations for your trip to Paris in January? While Paris is certainly known for its fine dining, we prefer to enjoy meals in casual bistros and brasseries while visiting Paris. Plus, you cannot visit Paris without enjoying fabulous pastries! Check out some of our favorite French restaurants, bars, and bakeries below.
As always, I highly recommend making a reservation for restaurants in Paris - even in January - since many of the restaurants on this list are small. Most restaurants can be booked via TheFork, which is a popular restaurant booking platform in France (think: OpenTable or Resy). The exception is Bouillon Chartier, which operates on a first-come, first-serve basis and does not accept reservations. Just be prepared to wait awhile for a table.
It is also worth noting that reservations are not required for any of the bars or patisseries on this list. 😊
The sixth reason to consider visiting Paris in January is likely the most apparent, given the previous points - fewer crowds! Since January is the slow season for tourism in Paris, a lot of the city seems quiet and nearly tourist-free. While there are certainly still tourists, it was easy to get reservations for restaurants, museums, and even the newly reopened Notre Dame Cathedral for the times and dates we wanted, particularly on weekdays, without having to plan too far ahead.
I have visited Paris in other months (June, September, and October) in the past and I can confidently say that the crowds in January are significantly smaller compared to those much busier times. The fewer crowds are a nice and appreciated change of pace when Paris is normally a city jam packed with people on the go.
Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: If you are looking to visit the Louvre, even in January when the crowds are smaller than the rest of the year, book the first admission slot at 9:00AM. Arrive early, around 8:45AM, as there will already be a line to enter the museum. Once inside, head directly to the Devon Wing, Level 1 to see Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, Mona Lisa, before the crowds start swarming. From there, check out some of the other highlights while walking towards the Galerie d'Apollon where the French Crown Jewels are on display. We find this is the best way to see the museum while dodging the crowds. For more information about visiting the Louvre, check out our blog post on the Louvre Highlights! The Louvre was the only attraction we visited while in Paris in January that still felt incredibly busy, but getting an early start makes your time spent at the Louvre all that more enjoyable!
If you are planning a trip to Paris in January, or a trip overlapping with New Year's Day, note that most museums, shops, grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants are closed on January 1st. January 1st is a national holiday in France and one of the few days where the majority of businesses are closed (the other two days being December 25th and May 1st). If you are in Paris on January 1st, you will be able to find some restaurants open, but your selection will be more limited, so prepare accordingly.
Otherwise, you may find that some places that cater towards tourists are closed during January and the winter months since it is the low season for tourism in France. For example, the top floor of the Eiffel Tower closes annually in January for maintenance and repair work. This year, the Eiffel Tower is closed from January 6 to February 7, 2025. You can still, however, visit the second floor of the Eiffel Tower during this time. Additionally, if you are headed to Reims in Champagne for a day trip from Paris, the renowned champagne house, Veuve Clicquot, is closed from December 29, 2025 through March 12, 2025. In order to ensure that your travel plans will not be impacted by winter and holiday closures, it is always recommended that you verify the opening dates and times of your intended destinations in advance.
Best Things to Do in Paris in January
When you visit Paris in January, you will quickly realize that the world is your oyster! With fewer crowds, you have the flexibility to enjoy as much or as little sightseeing, shopping, and day trips as you desire. Here are some of the best things to do in Paris in January.
Sightseeing
The City of Light is full of sightseeing opportunities, from the ever-picturesque neighborhood of Montmartre to strolls along the Seine. Here are some of my favorite sightseeing opportunities in Paris in January:
Would it be a trip to Paris in January without a stop at one of the many world-class museums that dot the city? Museums are the perfect way to spend a dreary, cold day in Paris in January. Since the crowds are smaller in Paris in January, you do not have to book tickets for museums too far in advance, but I still highly recommend having tickets purchased online, ahead of your planned visit.
When planning your visit, it is important to note that many Paris museums are closed on Mondays, with notable exceptions like the Louvre Museum, Musée de l'Orangerie, the Centre Pompidou, and La Galerie Dior which are closed on Tuesdays instead. Before planning your visit, make sure to check the most up-to-date opening hours, as public holidays (i.e., January 1) may also affect museum schedules.
While everyone already knows the Louvre, a few of my other favorite museums to visit in Paris in January are listed below.
With its extravagant decor and 19th-century Beaux-Arts architecture, it resembles a palace more than a performance venue. Highlights include the grand staircase, the opulent foyer, and the magnificent auditorium adorned with Marc Chagall’s colorful ceiling. (While Chagall's ceiling is absolutely incredible to see, know that the auditorium is not always open to the public since the Palais Garnier is a working theatre and rehearsals frequently take place inside.) To get the most out of your visit to Palais Garnier, I highly recommend that you book a guided tour. To avoid waiting in line, I recommend that you book your visit to Palais Garnier at least the day prior to your planned visit.
This may seem obvious since we already discussed the amazing sales you can find in Paris in January, but shopping is most certainly a great way to spend your time in the City of Light! Paris is one of the most fashion-forward cities on the planet, so shopping - especially during the sales period - is a no brainer. Whether you are looking for haute couture or more affordable ready-to-wear pieces, home decor items, and more, Paris is sure to have exactly what you are looking for!
Some popular shopping areas in Paris include:
Champs-Élysées & Avenue Montaigne: The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. It features a blend of luxury brands, flagship stores, and global chains. Just off the Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne is home to the crème de la crème of Parisian fashion, including Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and other high-end designers, making it a prime destination for luxury shopping.
Le Marais: Le Marais, located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, is a historic district known for its narrow, cobblestone streets and charming boutiques. This trendy area offers a mix of high-end fashion, vintage shops, art galleries, and unique specialty stores. Visitors can find a variety of goods, from designer clothes and accessories to artisanal food products and home decor.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, located in the 6th Arrondissement, is known for its elegant atmosphere and a mix of high-end boutiques, bookshops, and antique stores.
For budget-friendly food souvenirs, check out local grocery stores such as Carrefour, Monoprix, and Franprix, which are conveniently located throughout Paris. Look for packaging with labels like PDO, AOC, PGI, and TSG to ensure the product is authentically French and meets high-quality production standards. Some of my favorite affordable French brands available at these stores include Bonne Maman and Reflets de France, both offering delightful jams, cookies, and other tasty snacks to take home from your trip to Paris in January. You can also find some fantastic wines under €10 and inexpensive (but good!) champagnes at these grocery stores. Additionally, Carrefour's own branded foods are excellent choices. Some of what I purchased on our last trip to Paris in January is photographed below. 😋
While Paris in January offers incredible experiences for any traveler, the surrounding areas in France also hold a wealth of attractions. Here are some of our top recommendations for day trips from Paris in January.
The Palace of Versailles, originally a modest hunting lodge, was transformed into a sprawling symbol of absolute monarchy under his son, King Louis XIV, famously known as the Sun King. The palace is large, ostentatious, and well worth a visit! Highlights include the iconic Hall of Mirrors, the King and Queen's Apartments, and the gardens. If time allows, do not miss the opportunity to see the Estate of Trianon and the Queen's Hamlet, too!
Conveniently located just a short train ride from Paris, visiting Versailles can easily be done as a day trip, making it a must-see addition to your itinerary for your time in Paris in January. The easiest way to reach the Palace of Versailles, from Paris, is by RER train. The nearest train station is Versailles Château Rive Gauche which is a 10-minute walk from the palace. The train station is part of the RER network, servicing RER Line C. This station can be reached from the center of Paris (Champs de Mars, Invalides, and Musée d'Orsay).
On our most recent visit to Versailles in 2024, we took the RER C from the Musée d'Orsay Station. The train ride was 33 minutes and Versailles Château Rive Gauche was the last stop on the line. Upon exiting the station, you will want to make a right and head down Avenue du Général de Gaulle. After walking about a block, you will make a left onto Avenue de Paris and Versailles should be within view.
While Versailles is not nearly as crowded in January as it is during the summer months, you will still want to purchase your tickets online, in-advance of your visit. Tickets can be purchased, in advance of your visit on the Château de Versailles website. As you plan your trip to Paris in January, know that Versailles is closed to the public on Mondays.
Looking for more information about what you can expect from a day trip to Versailles? Check out our Visiting Versailles blog post!
The Château de Fontainebleau, a former royal residence with over 800 years of history, showcases a stunning blend of medieval, Renaissance, and classical architecture. Conveniently located just a short train ride from Paris, it makes for an easily accessible day trip, offering visitors a chance to explore its opulent interiors and expansive gardens without the crowds of more well-known sites like Versailles. One of the main highlights, undoubtedly, is the Napoleon I Museum dedicated to the First Empire and rule of Napoleon Bonaparte who called Fontainebleau home. Other highlights include: the Gallery of Francis I, the Queen's Bedchamber, the Throne Room of Napoleon, and the Emperor's Bedchamber.
If you elect to visit Fontainebleau as a day trip from Paris in January, be sure to rent an audio guide to make the most of your visit since the signage in the château is almost exclusively in French. Tickets for Fontainebleau can be purchased on-site and do not need to be booked in advance of your visit. For more information, including opening hours and costs, visit the Château de Fontainebleau website.
The trains from Paris to Fontainebleau-Avon run from Paris's Gare de Lyon station and take 44 minutes. Amazingly, you do not need to purchase separate train tickets for this journey as it is within the zones covered by your Paris Navigo card.
Once you arrive in Fontainebleau, you can either take the public bus to the château or walk. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes. (If you are looking to walk, I highly recommend using Google Maps to help you successfully navigate your way through town to the palace.) The bus ride takes 10 minutes aboard the #3401 Bus to the Château de Fontainebleau. The bus is clearly identifiable from the train station with plenty of signage and you can likely count on following the gaggle of other tourists to make sure you board the correct bus. The bus runs in conjunction with the train schedule, so it should be ready for you to board upon your arrival at Fontainebleau-Avon. You can pay the driver directly for a bus ticket, The cost of the bus is €2.50 per person, however, payment to the driver is only accepted in cash. You will get off the bus at the "Château" bus stop which is directly opposite the street from the Garden of Diana entrance to the palace. The buses do have digital screens that identify the upcoming stops to make it easy for first-time visitors.
Champagne, famous for the sparkling wine that shares its name, is surprisingly just a short train ride from Paris. The two major towns in the Champagne region, Épernay and Reims, offer fantastic day trip opportunities from Paris in January! Trains to both of these gorgeous towns leave from Paris's Gare de l'Est train station and you can book them directly through the SNCF website in English.
Although not every champagne house is open to visitors in January, many still welcome guests, offering a wonderful taste of the towns and bubbly wine that define them. In January, you can expect a quieter champagne-tasting experience and smaller, more personal tours of the champagne houses and their cellars. Many champagne houses in Reims and Épernay are closed on Sundays, so it might be wise to reschedule your visit if it falls on that day.
Some of our favorite champagne houses and tasting rooms to visit in each town that are open in January are below:
Paris in January: A Recap
Whether you are looking for bargain deals or a quieter exploration of the city, Paris in January has something special to offer. Do not let the winter chill or occasional rain deter you; instead, embrace the unique allure of this magical month in one of the world’s most enchanting cities. January has certainly become my favorite month to visit the City of Light and I cannot wait until I return for more shopping, sightseeing, and amazing food! Until then, bon voyage!
Looking for more information on Paris? Check out our Paris Travel Guide for more popular sites, incredible restaurants, and more about the City of Light!
Are you planning a trip to Paris in January? We would love to hear from you!