Paris transforms in winter into a captivating snow globe of romance, adventure and enchantment. With the Eiffel Tower shimmering and the aroma of freshly baked pastries permeating the air, this season promises an unforgettable escape. To ensure your winter visit is nothing short of magical, we’ve compiled a delightful bucket list featuring Parisian experiences you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive into your adventure!
Sip on Hot Chocolate or Vin Chaud
When the winter chill sets in, Parisians know that it’s time to savor a comforting cup of hot chocolate or spiced vin chaud (mulled wine). For a soul-warming experience, we recommend trying:
- Café de la Mairie: Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés at 8 Place Saint-Sulpice, Café de la Mairie serves an exquisite hot chocolate. Pair it with a freshly baked croissant for the ultimate indulgence.
- Le Caveau du Palais: Nestled near Notre-Dame Cathedral and right next to our Place Dauphine vacation rentals, Le Caveau du Palais offers a delightful vin chaud that will make you feel like you’re sipping the essence of the holiday season. The historic ambiance adds a touch of magic to the experience.
Save Big During the Winter Soldes
January and February are ideal months to visit Paris for avid shoppers as January 10, 2024 to February 6th, 2024 marks the winter soldes, or sales, season. During these months, many stores in the city offer significant discounts, making it a fantastic opportunity to indulge in fashion, home decor and other retail experiences while enjoying the charming winter ambiance of the French capital. The city’s iconic shopping districts, such as the Champs-Élysées and Le Marais, become even more enticing with the allure of winter sales.
See the Mark Rothko Retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton
Art lovers are already raving about the remarkable Mark Rothko exhibit at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy these bold and colorful works of art until April 2, 2024. Frank Gehry’s distinctive architectural design is equally impressive, so be sure to leave time to explore the nooks and views of the building if you have never been.
Cruise the Seine and enjoy a beautiful dinner.
Take a Seine River Cruise
Seeing Paris from the river is always special, but in the winter it’s incredibly romantic. Watch the city’s twinkling lights reflect off the Seine, creating a magical ambiance that’s truly unforgettable. If you’re interested in having a cozy dinner on the Seine this winter, check out our recommended Seine Dinner Cruise and other select Seine River Cruises.
Modern Paris: Travel Back in Time at the Petit Palais
From 1905 to 1925, Paris thrived during the Belle Époque and Roaring Twenties, leaving a lasting impression on its cultural landscape. Running from November 14th, 2023 to April 14th, 2024 at the Petit Palais, the Modern Paris exhibition showcases nearly 400 works by renowned male and female artists of that era, including Robert and Sonia Delaunay, Marcel Duchamp, Tamara de Lempicka, Amedeo Modigliani, Chana Orloff, Pablo Picasso and Marie Vassilieff. You’ll also delve into the fashion of the times with exhibits featuring outfits by Paul Poiret and Jeanne Lanvin, and be captivated by the jewelry from Cartier. Dive into this unique journey through a remarkable period in Paris’s history, where culture, art and innovation flourished.
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Indulge in Gastronomic Delights
Winter is the perfect time to indulge in the mouth watering wonders of French cuisine. We’ve got two culinary gems for you:
- Restaurant Paul: Located just a few doors down from our vacation rentals on Place Dauphine, this lovely landmark restaurant is a good place for a wonderful dinner or lunch. In Woody Allen’s movie Midnight in Paris, it’s where the carriage magically arrived to pick up Adriana and Gil, and it’s just as seductive on a winter evening.
- Au Petit Tonneau: Serving old-style, French comfort food at its finest, this traditional bistro’s red-checkered tablecloths match the hearty, homey cuisine perfect for winter. Don’t forget to mention you are staying with Paris Perfect when you arrive!
If you would like even more of our favorite restaurant recommendations, you can now download our Paris guide for free when you sign up for our newsletter.
Step into the world of Horace Vernet at the Château de Versailles
Horace Vernet was a revered 19th-century painter who captured the hearts of Napoleon I and King Louis-Philippe. This retrospective exhibition at the Château de Versailles from November 14, 2023 to March 17, 2024 pays homage to his magnificent work. Over 200 masterpieces, including previously unseen gems, drawings, and sketches that unveil the artist’s creative process, come together in a celebration of his life’s work. Horace Vernet’s art is both admired and critiqued, making this exhibition a captivating exploration of a painter who left an indelible mark on history.
Admire the Eiffel Tower from the charming Calvados apartment rental.
A Cozy Winter Stay with Paris Perfect
As you plan your unforgettable winter journey in Paris, book your stay now at one of our Paris Perfect vacation rentals in the heart of the city. We hope these handpicked experiences enrich your visit and fill it with warmth, culture and enchantment. Wrap up warmly and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Paris during this truly enchanting season. From all of us at Paris Perfect, we extend our warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season and a wonderful New Year ahead!
