5 Reasons Why Winter is the Best Time to Go to Paris
Regardless of the cold weather, Paris in winter lights up more than ever thanks to holiday festivities. There is always something going on in the city of lights, especially with Christmas around the corner. Check out some of the reasons why we adore Paris in the winter!
1 – Winter in Paris offers so much to do indoors
When the weather is bright and sunny you may prefer to be outside but you certainly don’t want to miss the fabulous museums, stores and indoor activities Paris has to offer all year-round, so what better time to do so that during Winter in Paris. The vast Fondation Louis Vuitton, the Monnaie de Paris, and the Musée Picasso are some of the many cultural attractions that worth the visit.
If you are a shopaholic, you should schedule your trip between January 6 and February 16, 2016 to enjoy the winter sales, or soldes -which are held just twice a year-. Even the most high-end designers drop prices drastically during this sales season!
You could also take advantage of the wintry weather to enjoy world-class art, architecture, french cooking classes, or wine-tasting classes. As the song says, “I love Paris in the winter, when it drizzles.”
2 – Winter in Paris means money savings on holiday rentals and airfare
Since it’s low season, it’s the perfect time to save money or to have more amazing experiences for the same price during peak season. The plane and train fares are lower, as well as our Paris accommodations.
Don’t miss out on our low season rates for Paris holiday rentals from January to March 1st. Our homes are the ideal spot to warm up and enjoy lounging in your Parisian nest while planning your next day’s explorations.
Look on the bright side: the more money you save, the more you’ll be able to spend on some exquisite macarons from La Durée or Pierre Hermé!
3 – Winter in Paris can warm the belly, as well as the heart
If you never visit Paris when it’s cold, you may never know the joy of a cassoulet, a well-fed turkey, or a luxurious foie gras. Eating is the best way to embrace the holiday spirit! When roaming streets in Paris, you’ll see many vendors selling chestnuts roasted on coals. Chocolatiers and pastry shops, located at every street corner, will also give you a hard time resisting to the temptation of food.
Another great Paris wintertime pleasure is watching the city’s commotion from a café terrace while warming up next to braziers, with a café crème, a vin chaud (hot wine), or best, a hot chocolate.
4 – Winter in Paris means less crowds
In winter, Paris belongs to the Parisians! Since it’s low season, you’ll have more of the city to yourself. You will avoid lines and waiting lists when going to exhibits, monuments or when making restaurant reservations. So, slow down and savor your favorite museums and monuments — spending one-on-one time with La Joconde is worth the extra clothes you’ll have to pack.
This is actually the perfect time to have dinner in an amazing place which often requires reservations months in advance.
5 – Winter festivities and decorations transform the City of Lights into the City of Fairy Lights
Christmas markets, illuminations, and ice-skating rinks take over Paris during the holiday season. This will bring some magic to your evenings, you’ll be able to enjoy with your whole family or with your significant other. So, put your warmest clothes on and come brave the elements to stroll down the glowing Champs-Elysées. A display of lights on the trees adorn the famous avenue, which is covered with wooden chalets.
If you want to put some skates on, go in front of the Hôtel de Ville, at the base of the Montparnasse skyscraper, or even at 200 feet in the air on the first level of the Eiffel Tower.
As you do some window shopping along the boulevard Haussmann, make sure to stop by the window displays at the grand department stores Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. If you want to have a more intimate evening, you can also enjoy the seasonal displays in neighborhood boutiques around Rue de la Paix and in the Marais neighborhood.
Come enjoy Paris’ special appeal in winter, and take advantage of our low season rates on home rentals from January to March 1st! You won’t regret it!
