If you’ve ever hesitated to visit Paris in the wintertime, please think again! I was just there in January and decided that winter is one of the best times to visit. I can’t wait to return in a few weeks!

There’s so much to do, plus you get to avoid the tourist rush during other times of the year. If you are thinking about traveling to the city of lights in the winter, here are a few of my recommendations.

Walking Strolls

In Paris you can walk everywhere! Even in the winter, the weather never gets too cold (40°F average temp) and it rarely snows. Just bring a long coat, gloves and a hat, and you’ll have everything you need to start exploring (and it will be less crowded this time of year).

The french word flâner – to wander aimlessly through a city – is a concept so French that the word has no English equivalent!

You’ll be amazed how much there is to see, strolling around the different arrondissements without a destination in mind. Even the exteriors of the buildings, restaurants and boutiques are so captivating. Of course, I love the endless display of flowers and plantings!

When you need a break, look for a cute sidewalk café where they’ll welcome you in with a signature chocolat chaud (hot cocoa) or café au lait, Parisian style.

restaurants

When in Paris, be sure to score a reservation at a great restaurant. Because it’s considered “off season,” you’ll have an easier time getting a table at some of the newest and trendiest spots, as well as the more famous ones such as Les Ombres. This elegant restaurant is surrounded by glass and sits atop the Musée du Quai Branly, with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.

Les Ombres
27 quai Branly
75007 Paris

Winter Sales

“Les Soldes” (the sales) are month-long sales held twice a year, in January-February and again in June - July. This is the time where savvy shoppers can expect to save 50% off current merchandise to make room for the next season’s collections. Parisians typically head there during the first few days of the sale to get the best merchandise.

My personal favorite shopping center is Le Bon Marché in the Left Bank.

Le Bon Marché
24 Rue de Sèvres
75007 Paris

Antiquing

Spend the day thrifting through the famous Paris Flea Market, Le Marché aux Puces, looking for vintage treasures. Located in Saint-Ouen on the northern edge of Paris, “Les Puces” is the oldest and largest flea market in the world. Wander through the many markets and you’ll get lost in the maze of antique finds that will beg to be taken back with you. You’ll want to spend a full day there because there’s so much to see and explore. It’s only open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays so plan accordingly.

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
Metro stop: Porte de Clignancourt

French Pastry Class

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make a French macaron or chouquettes, head to Versailles to take a class with pastry chef and author Molly Wilkinson. In Molly’s class, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks to making amazing French pastries to enjoy and recreate at home. To inquire about in-person private classes, send an email or fill out the request form on the website.

Or, try Molly’s virtual course to learn from home…

French Pastry for Beginners Online Virtual Course
12 weeks of self-paced lessons teaching you the basics of French pastry from the comfort of your own kitchen! Perfect for people who love making cookies or brownies but want to try their hand at cream puffs. Grab your whisk and apron and start baking!

For a 10% discount, use code LESFLEURS10 at checkout. Enrollment for the next course closes on Feb 13th so sign up soon.

Molly J. Wilk Pastry
Website: French Pastry Class in Versailles
Email: contact@mollyjwilk.com

Chateau de Versailles

Going to museums and other tourist attractions can be daunting with the long lines, especially if it’s extra cold outside. Stay cozy and skip the lines with special passes or by starting your day at the Ore restaurant where you can get passes to the chateau. This 17th century Baroque palace is vast, with incredible artwork and breath-taking gardens; you could stay there all day!

Chateau de Versailles
Place d’Armes
78000 Versailles

Ore Restaurant - Ducasse au château de Versailles

I’d love to hear some of your favorite activities in Paris if you’ve visited during the winter. Feel free to share your tips or stories in the comments below.

If you’d like to get the complete version of my newest updated Paris guide, learn more about the giveaway for my new upcoming book, French Blooms.

Bon voyage,
Sandra