― Best Things to Do, What to Pack & Insider Tips ― 

How to get the most out of a trip to Paris in winter

When we think of what a trip to Paris might look like, most people will envision days spent strolling around the arrondissements in the warm weather and relaxing in the parks under the soft sunshine. But as it turns out, there are a wealth of reasons why you should consider visiting Paris during the wintertime. 

If you are looking to really experience all the romance and culture of the City of Light, want to avoid the crowds, and also wouldn‘t mind saving some money, then winter just might be the best time for you to plan your big Parisian adventure. 

Let’s be honest: there is never a bad time to visit the magnificent city of Paris, no matter what season it is. But there are some extra special experiences that you can have in winter that you just won’t get at any other time of the year. 

This quick guide to winter in Paris from Galeries Lafayette will give you all the tips you need to have a wonderful visit, regardless of the weather.

Explore the iconic galleries and museums of Paris

People flock to Paris from all corners of the globe to experience its vast collections of art and historical artefacts. When the weather turns cold, it’s the ideal time to explore at least a little bit of the immense cultural richness that Paris has to offer.

The first stop on any art lover’s tour should be, of course, the Louvre. Home of the Mona Lisa and the Venus De Milo, the Louvre contains a staggering number of stunning masterpieces and antiquities. There are over 500,000 objects and 35,000 works of art on display spread out over 60,600 square metres. It’s not possible to take it all in during the one trip, so plan your visit carefully if you’re short on time! 

As well as the Louvre, some of the other must-see museums in Paris include the Centre Pompidou, the Musée Picasso Paris, the Musée Rodin, the Fondation Louis Vuitton, and the Musée d’Orsay.

Enjoy the charming Parisian Christmas markets

If you are visiting Paris during the Christmas season, then you are in for a very special treat indeed! From the middle of November through to early January, there are numerous Christmas markets running throughout Paris. Called ‘Marché de Noël’ in French, Christmas markets are popular with visitors and locals of all ages. Some of the most famous Parisian Christmas markets include the Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas market, the Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market, and the Montmartre Christmas Market.

On your way to and from the markets, you can marvel at the wondrous Christmas displays at Galeries Lafayette. Our iconic holiday window displays always feature Santa Claus (Called Père Noël in French), and an array of Christmas themes. Expect gorgeous lighting, a festive atmosphere, and a uniquely French celebration of the spirit of Christmas. Don’t miss the fabulous Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, a Parisian tradition since 1976!

If you want to create your own traditional Christmas dinner, there is a huge range of exquisite gourmet food at Galeries Lafayette Gourmet, such as the finest foie gras, beautiful French wine, and delectable chocolate. Don’t hesitate to discover the secrets of Ferrandi chefs at one of our workshops. The perfect opportunity to improve your culinary skills and delight your guests this Christmas.

Treat yourself to a night out at the ballet or theatre

When the wind is blowing and the snow is coming down, you might be tempted to hunker down in your hotel room. But a better idea is to put on some of your best clothes, wrap yourself up in a coat and set out to see a theater show or enjoy a night at the ballet. Paris is home to one of the world’s most celebrated ballet companies, the Paris Opera Ballet (Ballet de l’Opéra national de Paris). You can see both classical ballets, such as Swan Lake, or contemporary ballets at majestic and historic venues like the Palais Garnier, the Opéra Bastille, or the Place de l’Opéra If you’d rather catch a show, then head out to Théâtre du Châtelet, Le Grand Rex, or the Théâtre Mogador. These venues often host the latest hit musicals and productions.  If you fancy a spot of shopping before or after the show, or need some refreshments, Galeries Lafayette is ideally located just next to the Opéra Garnier and the Théâtre Mogador.

To dig right into Parisian culture, there’s no match for a live cabaret show. You can be wowed by Parisian cabaret and burlesque performances at the legendary Moulin Rouge or other famous venues such as the Lido and the Paradis Latin. 

Spend some time ice skating

Want to work up an appetite and have an experience you can only have during wintertime in Paris? Then, you might want to try a spot of ice skating. Strap on your skates and race around some of the most beautiful ice skating rinks in the world. 

One of the not-to-be-missed ice skating experiences in Paris is the Patins en Folie at Parc André Citroën. This is the biggest outdoor ice skating rink in Paris, with more than 450 square metres of ice to glide over. Or you can visit the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte ice skating rink and be amazed at the fabulous fairytale atmosphere. If you have little ones with you, are a fan of comic books, or you’re just a big kid yourself, then the snow village at Parc Asterix is the perfect spot to have some fun with some of France’s most beloved cartoon characters.

Buy yourself a new outfit during the winter sales

It really does go without saying that fashion is part of the beating heart of Paris. And winter is one of the best times to go shopping in the French capital. From top brand designer stores to discounters, winter is when Parisian retailers offer some of their best deals. Going shopping at the winter sales is something of a tradition for Parisians. Some people even take time off work to make the most of the post-Christmas bargain season!

Known as ‘Les Soldes’, the Paris winter sales run for an entire month from January to February.  To find some of the best bargains and enjoy one of the most beautiful Parisian attractions, follow the flock of French fashionistas to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. Built in 1893, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is a truly iconic Parisian shopping destination and one of the most gorgeous buildings in the City of Light. 

Underneath its famous Art Déco dome, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is home to over 3,500 of the world’s top brands. Discover a unique Parisian shopping experience at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. International visitors can enjoy a tax-free shopping experience with a 12% savings. If you want to enhance your visit, you can arrange a dedicated personal shopper.

If you need a break, the center has a range of fantastic restaurants. You can even head up to the terrace and enjoy a breathtaking view of Paris in the wintertime!  

Settle in and relax at Galeries Lafayette

 After taking in the immense amount of culture on offer, experiencing the whirlwind of ice skating or shopping at Galeries Lafayette until you drop, you might feel like you are in need of refreshment. Alongside fashion, architecture, and artworks, we all know that the French are rightly famous for their delectable cuisine and wonderful dining culture. And Galeries Lafayette in Paris is certainly one of the best places to enjoy the finest French food and drink. 

Galeries Lafayette has a variety of cafés and restaurants spread across our Paris Stores. You can settle in for anything from a casual bite to a refined gourmet experience. For a truly memorable Parisian dining experience, book a table at La Terrasse at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. You can sample the best French cuisine and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.

Learn how to cook Parisian cuisine

Once you’ve had your fill of the fabulous Parisian food and drink, you may want to try your hand at creating a classic dish yourself. Taking a cooking class is a great way to immerse yourself in French culture and learn a few handy culinary skills for your kitchen at home. 

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann has teamed up with the renowned cooking school Ferrandi Paris to provide a series of in-depth cooking workshops. These courses are designed for both novice cooks and experienced chefs. Even the kids can have a try at creating a sumptuous meal! 

The Ferrandi Paris school’s cooking classes at Galeries Lafayette are held in English and always cover seasonal themes. So, if you go during winter, expect hearty dishes with a distinctly Christmassy flavour!

Escape from the weather at Galeries Lafayette

If the weather really is becoming too much to bear, you can always head for shelter – and some shopping – in one of the historic Galeries Lafayette stores located throughout Paris. Each Galeries Lafayette store has stunning interiors and a vast selection of high-end fashion, beauty products, household goods, and gourmet food and wine. They are no doubt some of the most charming spots to spend some time when the Parisian rain strats to come down. 

As well as the wonderful flagship Galeries Lafayette store on Boulevard Haussmann, you can also visit Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées for a more modern shopping experience. 

Discover New Styles at Paris Fashion Week

Paris puts on its very best and showcases the cutting edge of fashion during Fashion Week. Held twice a year, there is the spring/summer Fashion Week and the fall/winter Fashion Week. The winter Paris Fashion Week usually runs from late February to early March and exhibits the very latest in autumn and winter styling. 

Fashion Week is where the very top names in international fashion display their latest collections. While many of the events are for industry professionals, you can find fashion events accessible to the public all across Paris. Even without insider credentials, it’s still a special experience to be present in a city during its celebration of style. 

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann also regularly hosts fabulous fashion shows that are open to the public. Experience all the elegance and style of Parisian fashion week at Galeries Lafayette and might even spot a celebrity or two!  

What to pack for a winter visit to Paris

While it doesn’t get anywhere near as cold as other parts of the country, you can still expect some cold weather in Paris in winter. Mornings can be chilly, the days can be cold, and at night, let’s just say you need to be ready for some very frosty temperatures. A thick coat, a sturdy jacket, boots, gloves, a hat, and a trusty scarf or three are absolutely vital. 

Remember that Parisians pride themselves on their style. So, although winter might mean wrapping up, it most certainly does not mean covering up your own unique fashion sense! Dress with flair and style, but always be sure to keep things tasteful. Understated chic and effortless cool are the mainstays of Parisian style. 

Focus on building your outfits using neutral colours and choose garments made from natural fibres like cashmere or wool. Layering for warmth is essential. A classic heavy wool coat is a smart choice, as is a sturdy leather trench coat. Sweaters and blazers are always good mid-layers with cotton shirts or t-shirts underneath. If you are especially prone to the cold, you may even want to consider investing in some lightweight thermal underwear. 

Good quality jeans or pants will help you ward off the chill. When you’re wearing a dress or a skirt, go for thick hosiery to help you stay warm. If urban wear is your thing, then a thick hoody beneath a puffer jacket will keep you protected from the worst of the Parisian winter winds. 

When you’re in Paris, you can expect to be doing plenty of walking, even in the wintertime. It’s incredibly important to choose solid footwear to make sure you can handle the slippery winter streets. Choose a good pair of boots or waterproof sneakers or shoes. Make sure your shoes are broken in, weatherproof, comfortable, and give you plenty of grip. 

The winter months can see Paris getting a fair bit of rain, especially in December. A warm woolly beanie or a classic fedora-style hat is also a wise choice. If you can’t bring an umbrella with you, then make sure you pick one up as soon as you can. A hat and umbrella will allow you to casually stroll the Parisian laneways in classic noir style, rather than running for shelter when the rain starts to come down! 

Don’t just pack practically. Remember that there is a good chance you’ll be sitting down for a meal at a fine dining establishment, a chic café, or going to a high-end show. Put at least one formal or semi-formal outfit in your bag. It is Paris, after all!

No matter what your style, you can find all the accessories you need for winter, can be found at Galeries Lafayette.

Where to find the perfect wardrobe for a Parisian winter

When it comes to places to shop for outfits, you’ll be more than spoiled for choice in Paris. You can find boutiques from the world’s leading fashion houses all along the iconic Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Other fabulous areas to find the best shopping include Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais, and the Rue de Rivoli. Set aside some time to visit the Boulevard Haussmann, home to the magnificent and historic Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. You can also find a wonderful Galeries Lafayette store amidst the other top fashion boutiques on the Champs-Élysées. If you’re going for a winter stroll along the Seine, there’s a Galeries Lafayette in the Beaugrenelle district. 

From high fashion to everyday essentials to homeware and gourmet food, Galeries Lafayette provides you with an outstanding Parisian shopping experience.

Experience Paris from a unique perspective with magical lights, festive markets, and a cozy atmosphere in cafés and museums. Despite the colder weather and shorter days, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds, better prices, and a warm welcome at Paris’s iconic sights, stores, and restaurants. With the right preparation and a sense of adventure, your winter trip to Paris can be both magical and unforgettable.