Visiting Paris in winter means discovering the city under a unique charm, despite concerns about the cold and rain limiting activities.
Finding a variety of experiences suitable for everyone, especially for families or groups with diverse interests, can seem complicated. But don’t worry, this article will show you how to fully enjoy the Parisian winter, with activities for all tastes and budgets.
Strolling Through the Covered Passages
We tend to forget about those almost-secret passages of Paris, and yet, the walks are very peaceful there.
All under a huge glass roof, and hidden within the dynamic city, there are enough to please everyone – chic, elegant or full of plants…
The Galerie Vivienne, located in the 2nd arrondissement, is by far the most luxurious and owns a famous past. In 1970, the Galerie was used by Kenzo to host a fashion show.
In those passages, there usually are shops, so you can walk around and do shopping.
Where and when?
- Galerie Vivienne: 5 rue de la Banque 75002 Paris
Open from 8:30a.m. to 8:30p.m. - Passage Verdeau: 6 rue de la Grande Batelière 75009 Paris
Open from 7:30a.m. to 8:30p.m. - Passage Jouffroy: 10-12 Boulevard Montmartre 75009 Paris
Open from 7a.m. to 9:30p.m. - Passage des Panoramas: 11 Boulevard Montmartre 75002 Paris
Open from 6a.m. to midnight. - Passage Choiseul: 40 rue des Petits Champs 75002 Paris
Open from 8a.m. to 8p.m. (except on Sunday).
Savoring French Winter Cuisine
Winter is the perfect time to taste the best of French gastronomy. Fondue, raclette, pot-au-feu, cassoulets… you will like all of these warm and comforting dishes.
And many restaurants serve these winter delights in Paris.
Where?
- The best fondue: Le Chalet Savoyard (58 rue de Charonne, 750111 Paris)
- The best pot-au-feu: Le Roi du Pot-au-feu (34 rue Vignon, 75009 Paris)
- The best cassoulet: Au trou Gascon (40 rue Taine, 75012 Paris)
Price: Between €20 and €70
Ice Skating
This is the most wintery activity of this article. What would be winter without ice skating?
On plastic or real ice, take your friends to the most beautiful spots of the city where skating rinks were specially set up for Christmas time – on the Champs de Mars, on the Grande Arche’s rooftop … Enjoy the view!
In some cases the entry is free! If you have skates, bring them or make sure you have around €3 to rent them.
Now it’s time to show everybody you’re good at figure skating and perform your best movements! You can even draw out the pleasure for the whole year by going to the covered skating rinks of Paris.
When? During all of winter or Christmas time (special skating rinks) or during the whole year (covered skating rinks).
Where? On the Grande Arche’s rooftop, in the Champs de Mars, on the Tour Montparnasse’s rooftop …
Price: Between €2 and €10
Attending a Show
Paris is a real capital of culture. There will be something for everyone with musicals, theaters and even cabaret.
It is necessary to book in advance for some shows, but it is the perfect place to get warm while having fun.
When and where? Here are the running shows
Price: Between €20 and €100
Warming Up with a Hot Drink
After having spent a while in the cold, you have to warm yourself!
So let’s run into a café to drink tea, coffee, hot chocolate or even a hot wine!
In Paris, you will find cafés on every street corner, but the most pleasant thing is to savor your drink in a wonderful tea room.
The best is to choose a comfortable and welcoming place, not crowded, to stay as long as you want.
Where?
- The best chocolate: le salon Jacques Genin (133 rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris)
- The most traditional one: Maison Verlet (256 rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris)
- The most original one: Pingwoo (24 rue Saint-Lazare, 75009 Paris)
Riding the Ferris Wheel
As night falls, the City of Lights shines like a diamond. What could be better than enjoying this amazing sight from the Ferris Wheel?
But this is more than just a tourist attraction!
Located in the Tuileries Garden, it offers an incredible view of the Champs Elysées, the Louvre Museum, and the surrounding area.
On board the enclosed gondola, you’ll be able to gaze out over the entire city while staying warm… a delightful experience awaits!
When? From November to May.
Where? Tuileries Garden, 75001 Paris
Price: Adults €15; Children under 10 years old €10
Visiting the Aquarium
Winter is an ideal time to visit one of Paris’s 3 aquariums, each offering unique experiences depending on your preferences.
The Aquarium de Paris is the largest, boasting 43 tanks and over 10,000 species. It’s particularly kid-friendly, with lots of activities.
The Aquarium de la Porte Dorée is home to many tropical species from Asia, America, and Africa.
Lastly, the Aquarium in the Cité des Sciences, though smaller and free, is just as fascinating, featuring 500 marine animals.
Where?
- Aquarium de Paris, 5 avenue Albert de Mun, 75016 Paris
- Aquarium de la Porte Dorée, 293 avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris
- Aquarium de la Cité des Sciences, 30 venue Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris
Price: Between €9 and €22
Exploring the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil
Located in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, this botanical garden was created in 1761. Nowadays, it gathers a lot of rare plant varieties and it is one of the biggest gardens of Paris.
As soon as you enter one of the 5 main glasshouses, you travel into a far-off and exotic country …
If you’re lucky and the sun is shining, the heat in the building and the plants will make you forget that you are in the middle of winter in Paris.
You can even enjoy a tour to learn more about this world!
Moreover, it’s free entry for everybody! What are you waiting for?
We guarantee you a big change of scene!
When? Open every day from 8a.m. to 8p.m.
Where? 3 avenue de la Porte d’Auteuil 75016 Paris
Price: Free
Enjoying a Hot Mulled Wine
Mulled Wine is the emblematic winter drink. We can find it in Christmas Markets, of course, but also in some bars.
The Barourcq offers a glass of mulled wine for €3 and you will be able to drink it while playing board games.
You can also drink mulled one in a more traditional setting at Chez Georges.
Where?
- Barourcq, 68 quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris
- Chez Georges, 11 rue des Canettes, 75006 Paris
Price: From €3
Visiting Christmas Markets
Do you adore the Christmas atmosphere? Do you start decorating your house from December 1st (or even earlier)? Do you eagerly await this time of year? If so, this event is just for you!
If you haven’t yet found gifts for your friends, a Christmas market offers the perfect chance to pick up something authentic and handcrafted.
You’ll find more than just gifts; there are decorations and food as well, all amidst a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s also the ideal time to marvel at the city’s lights, specially arranged for the holiday season – a true feast for the eyes.
You can find many Christmas markets around Paris (Jardins des Tuileries, Notre-Dame, Saint-Germain des Prés, and even in front of the Eiffel Tower).
When? During Christmas time.
Where? Everywhere in Paris.
Price: Free, but watch out, you can easily get attracted …
Need more information? Here is our Christmas Market guide.
Admiring the Department Store Window Displays
Here, the main attraction is not shopping but decoration!
The Grands Magasins like Les Galeries Lafayette and the Printemps are famous for their amazingly decorated shop windows for the end of the year.
In an enchanting and festive atmosphere, some tiny figurines move like in a little theater. It is a real show for your eyes, that will enthrall you for sure!
You can also go shopping and climb on the stores’ rooftops, where you will have a breathtaking view of Paris.
When? From November to January.
Where? In the Grands Magasins, boulevard Haussmann 75009 Paris.
Cruising on the Seine
Enjoy the view of Paris from the various Seine River cruises.
In their heated rooms, you’ll enjoy a magnificent panorama. At this time of year, the sun sets early, so you can witness the Christmas illuminations.
Where?
Price: from €13
Enjoying a Dinner Cruise on the Seine
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Come spend a cozy winter evening with the dinner cruises in Paris.
You’ll enjoy a warm and delicious dinner in a heated room. Savor your meal while witnessing the magical display of Paris’s Christmas lights.
Where?
Price: From €85
Visiting a Museum
Why don’t you warm yourself while improving your personal culture?
And for that, nothing is better than visiting a museum.
In Paris, you have a lot of choices: modern art, foreign art, for children, history…
We advise you to go to the Fragonard Musée du Parfum, which is very entertaining and easy to reach for everybody who wants to improve their culture. The entry and the guided tour are free. You will learn a lot about the perfume, its origins, and its uses.
Price: Free
You can also visit the famous Louvre Museum. It is the biggest Museum in Europe and you will be able to discover the permanent collection such as Ancient Egypt and the Renaissance or the temporary exhibitions.
Price: €22 for adults and free for those under 18
For impressionism and new art lovers, the Orsay Museum is the place to go. You will be able to find the paintings of Monet, Cézanne, and Van Gogh, and there are two exhibitions about him as well.
Price: €16 for adults and free for those under 18
Attending the International Agricultural Show
Every year at the end of winter, this fair brings together breeders, producers, and other key players in the agricultural world.
Take a tour to discover all these professions. You can talk with professionals, see animals, and even taste regional gastronomic products.
Filled with various animations and stands, this event is a winter highlight and an integral part of French culture.
When? 10 days at the end of February.
Where? Parc des Expositions, Porte de Versailles 75015 Paris.
Price: 9 to €16
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
