Winter travel to Paris, France: Exploring French culture and food

I love escaping crowds whenever possible. After reading this guest post, I’m ready to finally visit Paris – in the winter! ~ Enjoy

 

While the City of Lights is a sight to behold in the summer months, Paris sparkles even more in the winter. The dazzling lights shining through a light blanket of snow, the festive holiday atmosphere and the cozy cafes make for visiting Paris in the winter an unforgettable experience.

With the peak-season crowds nowhere in sight, you’ll be able to enjoy / take advantage of all the city has to offer and truly experience it like a Parisian. As a bonus, you’ll score cheaper prices on hotels as well as flights and trains in France.

As with any place, every season has its own allure. So, don’t worry about the cold and wet weather, it really is not as gloomy as some make it seem. The shedding of the leaves in the autumn months unveils the city’s true charm and the romantic parks the perfect place to spend a chilly afternoon snuggling up with your loved one.

Everything, the museums, parks, and sidewalk cafes stay open and there are so many more holiday diversions. In the off-travel season, take advantage of the smaller crowds and spend extra time at the museums and other top attractions.

The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Centre Pompidou, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral are just some of the many “must-sees” of the city. This is also a time when many of the museums open up new collections. The early, yet gorgeous sunset provides the perfect setting for a romantic boat ride down the Seine.

As December approaches, the festive cheer and holiday activities pick up. Theatre shows and concerts are held every night, ice-skating rinks provide fun entertainment and the trees and buildings throughout the city are adorned in elaborate garlands and shimmering lights. The tree-lined Champs-Elysées Avenue comes alive as the lights guide the path of jubilant Parisians.

On the third Thursday of November, the French welcome the return of the much celebrated Beaujolais Nouveau, which is a fruity wine from the vineyards up north. This drink is just one of the many unique and delicious epicurean delights of the holidays. For those who like meat, the hunting season brings a variety of game birds and venison to restaurant tables. Street vendors sell roasted chestnuts and the oyster season is at its peak in December.

Winter is also a great time to pick up some of the sweeter treats. Ladurèe and Pierre Hermè are the go-to places for French macaroons, while La Maison du Chocolat’s serves a traditional Epiphany cake and other tasty pastries. Winter is also truffle season. If you’re willing to splurge, go to La Maison des Truffles to indulge in some of France’s best.

And, what would Paris be without some shopping? The holiday months give way to extensive Christmas markets and grandiose window displays. If you stick around after Christmas, the sales are fantastic, and there is an impressive fireworks show that brings in the New Year.