You might think that Paris is a cold, rainy and windy city in the Winter. Rain is more frequent, the wind picks up, and the temperature is a bit chilly. But does this make it a bad season to visit Paris? Not at all! And here’s why…
Cuisine
Have you tried Raclette? Don’t until you come to France, and try the real deal. Cheese and meat fondues are also very popular in the colder months: a perfect way to warm your stomach! Beverage-wise, you definitely need to pick up a vin chaud (mulled wine) while experiencing the Christmas markets. And nothing beats a steaming chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) in a parisian café while you watch people hurry by.
Sights
Because there are far fewer tourists in winter, this makes it the perfect time to see all those museums and galleries without queuing for hours. You could also make the most of the quiet and go on a tour of Paris’ most well-known landmarks like the Musée d’Orsay, or the Eiffel Tower. If the cold doesn’t scare you, get those muscles moving on a beautiful night-time bike tour of the city. Just imagine seeing the Louvre all light up as you cycle past! Magical.
Weather
To be honest, even if the weather is a little chillier, nothing is more stunning than Paris on a crisp Winter’s day when the sun is out and you’re holding a hot nutella crepe in your hands while browsing the books outside Shakespeare & Co. And you won’t have to get up too early in order to catch the sunrise creeping over the city.
Lights
Talking of light, Christmas is a great time to see the City of Lights in all her glittering glory. Start at the Arc de Triomphe, stroll down the Champs Elysées and through the Tuileries park towards the Louvre. Stop at a café along the river for a warming glass of red wine while you watch the Eiffel Tower light up, just for you…