Paris is magical any time of year, but the City of Light shines especially brightly during the winter months. Free of the usual hordes of summer tourists, Paris in the winter feels more intimate and cozy. You can stroll leisurely through the museums and cafés, enjoying a hot chocolate or coffee and people watching at your leisure without battling crowds.
The winter light in Paris has a special glow, with the low golden sun casting a warm hue over the city’s Haussmann buildings and monuments. A walk along the river Seine, with the Eiffel Tower rising in the distance, is particularly picturesque on a clear winter’s day. The bare trees allow for unobstructed views of the city’s stunning architecture.
Of course, no visit to Paris is complete without experiencing the café culture. In the winter, cafés become cozy refuges where you can while away hours reading, chatting with friends, and watching the world go by. Many cafés offer blankets to bundle up in if you want to sit outside, along with hot drinks like vin chaud, a spiced mulled wine.
Paris’s parks are also beautiful in winter, especially after a fresh snowfall. The Tuileries Garden and the gardens at the Palais-Royal are perfect for a winter stroll. Kids and kids at heart can go ice skating at the giant rink in front of Paris’s city hall, the Hôtel de Ville.
Many of Paris’s world-class museums and attractions are less crowded in the winter, allowing you to enjoy masterpieces at the Louvre and Orsay without fighting through throngs of people. The holiday season also brings special exhibits, concerts, and other events. Christmas markets pop up all over the city, selling gifts, snacks, and steaming cups of mulled wine.
While summer is the most popular time to visit Disneyland Paris, winter also has its charms. The resort is decked out for the holidays with special parades, fireworks, and snow. Meeting your favorite Disney characters in their adorable winter outfits is a magical experience for both kids and adults.
Of course, winter weather in Paris can be chilly. But with the right clothing, the cold only adds to the experience. Parisians are always bundled up in stylish coats, scarves, and hats. Do as the Parisians do and dress in layers, including a heavy coat, comfortable boots, a scarf, gloves, and a hat. That way you’ll be prepared for any weather and can enjoy being out and about.
Don’t let the winter months deter you from visiting the City of Light. With smaller crowds, cozy cafés, stunning light, and holiday cheer, winter in Paris casts a special spell over the city that will leave you longing to return.