We know that winter is not one of your favourite times to visit Paris. Temperatures that don’t go above 7ºC and the humidity mean that very few people think of visiting the City of Light during these months. But the truth is that Paris doesn’t lose its charm during the winter, but rather regains its normal rhythm of life without so many tourists. Come visit Paris in winter and experience a much more authentic Parisian experience.
The illuminated City of Lights
Paris is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular cities in the world no matter what time of the year, but in winter it has a special beauty. One of the main features of this season in Paris is the Christmas decorations. From the end of November, the streets and shops are adorned with sparkling lights, making the city even more enchanting. Among the best spots to see the lights are the Champs Elysées, whose decorated trees will take your breath away
Christmas markets
Parisians take the festive season quite seriously. From November onwards, traditional Christmas markets bring a family atmosphere to the streets of the city. Craftsmen and traders from all over France set up shop in small wooden huts to sell their wares to Parisians. At these markets you can find everything from handicrafts, souvenirs and antiques to cheese, chocolate and foie gras.
This tradition originated in Germany during the 1990s, and has now become an unmissable event if you decide to visit Paris in winter. You can stumble upon one of these stalls in any corner of the capital, the best known of which include the flea markets of La Defense, Saint-Germain-Des-Prés, Les Tuileries and Notre-Dame.
Christmas and the department stores
In keeping with the city’s Christmas traditions, we cannot fail to mention the shop windows. The department stores in Paris decorate their shop windows, creating real spectacles for those who stroll through the Parisian shops. For example, every year Galeries Lafayette creates elaborate and imaginative themed window displays, where every 30 minutes they put on a light and sound show for the enjoyment of their visitors. Other stores that also organise shows are Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann, BHV Marais, Bon Marché Rive Gauche.
Winter gastronomy
When the festive season is over, there are still plenty of winter days left. That can only mean one thing: plenty of opportunities to try the best French winter dishes. We all know that French cuisine is one of the best in the world, and many of its most famous dishes are not appreciated at other times of the year. If you think about visiting Paris in winter, you can’t miss the traditional onion soup, Boeuf Bourguignon stew, duck breast or raclette to combat the cold.
Winter Sales
Renewing your wardrobe in the shops of Paris may seem like an unattainable dream for many. However, from the second Wednesday in January, the sales arrive in the city and stay for a month. Yes, almost 40 days in which you can find discounts of up to 70% in any shop in the fashion capital of the world. Isn’t visiting Paris in winter not such a bad idea?
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