Paris in Winter (what to wear & things to do)

Are you thinking of visiting Paris in Winter? Do it! Winter is such a romantic and beautiful time to visit our beautiful city. This guide to visiting Paris in Winter will walk you through the reason to visit in Winter, what to wear to be comfortable and warm and 12 things to do here all Winter long.

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Table of Contents

Reasons to visit Paris in Winter

1. You may get to see snow which is absolutely magical.

2. Paris is even more romantic in the Winter, especially if you are spending Valentine’s Day in Paris.

3. Winter is the perfect time to pop into a cute Parisian cafe to sip coffee and relax.

4. You can snuggle up for a romantic hotel stay.

5. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy oysters and French onion soup in a French bistro.

6. Celebrate with French New Year’s traditions.

7. You can celebrate Christmas in Paris.

What to wear

I recommend dressing in layers! The Winter is quite cold in Paris. The average temperatures are 3° C – 8°C (38°F – 46°F) in December. Make sure that you dress in layers (top, sweater, pants or tights) and that you have warm Winter accessories (a hat, scarf and gloves). This post shares more information about what to wear in Paris in Winter.

Related : Book a Paris Gastronomy Tour!

15 Things to Do in Paris in Winter

1. Go ice skating.

Is there anything more romantic than ice skating during the Winter in Paris? I think not!

2. Visit a museum.

3. Spend hours in a Parisian coffee shop.

We have so many favorite cafes in Paris but if you have limited time, make sure you check out Partisan Café, Boot Café and Café Kitsune.

4. Pop into a cute pâtisserie and try some delicious French sweets.

Start with a pain aux raisins, a pain au chocolat, a croissant and maybe a French flan and keep going from there… !

5. Go for a romantic walk (all bundled up).

Paris is romantic all year long, but Hugo and I think it’s even more romantic during the Winter months than the other times of the year. When it is cold out, you can snuggle up in warm Winter clothing and cuddle with the one you love as you stroll around the beautiful city of Paris.

6. Stop into a cozy restaurant for a dinner à deux.

Again, a Parisian restaurant during the Winter is so romantic. Winter foods in France are also delicious. Try French onion soup, snails, hot chocolate, boeuf bourguignon, vin chaud and more – not necessarily in this order.

7. Head to Shakespeare & Co and curl up with a good book.

This is one of my absolute favorite English bookshops in Paris! Make sure you stop in to take in the history of the place, see it for yourself and maybe pick up a book or two.

Pro tip : if you purchase a book at Shakespeare & Co and ask them to stamp it for you, they will stamp it with their gorgeous unique stamp which makes the beautiful a beautiful souvenir from your time in Paris.

8. Take a cooking class.

You can take a 5 hour authentic French cooking class followed by a 4 course lunch! YUM!

9. Learn to make macarons.

Do you want to learn to make macarons? If you love cooking and baking like we do, you may dream of learning to make quintessentially French macarons. Take an authentic macaron making class in Paris!

10. Learn about wine and chocolate.

Do you love wine? Do you love chocolate? Participate in this chocolate and wine tasting experience in Paris that combines the two.

11. Go clothes shopping.

Paris is one of the fashion capitols of the world, so definitely take advantage of the cold Winter weather to go shopping!

12. Go try on perfumes at Annick Goutal.

I love Annick Goutal perfume. Have you tried it? Definitely go to see the beautiful store near the Louvre and bring back a bottle for yourself or as a gift.

13. Go for a Winter walk in a Parisian garden and take photos.

If you love taking photos, Paris will be your favorite city! It is such a beautiful place to photograph. There is a photo op around every corner, in ever cafe and on top of every bridge. Get ready to share a lot of photos on Instagram.

14. Go for fondue.

Fondue is a French Winter classic and not to be missed during your trip!

15. Go shopping for beautiful French cookware.

Passionate homecooks who visit Paris often love to bring a bit of Paris home with them in the form of authentic French cookware. If you are interested in bringing home copper cannelé moulds, a French cake tin or other French cooking item, make sure you check out David Lebovitz’s article about cookware shops in Paris.