5 Reasons Why Paris in Winter Is a Good Idea

Paris in winter may not seem like the best idea when you first think about it.

I get it.

We all think of Paris in spring when we can sit outside at the cafes with a glass of wine and watch the people go by.

How are you supposed to do that in winter?

Yeah.

I feel ya on this.

That’s why when I decided to travel to Paris in January, I knew it wouldn’t be like this — that I wouldn’t get the same Paris I had experienced on my first visit here in early June 2008.

But there are some advantages to making a trip to Paris in winter.

The Louvre and Palais Royal were somewhat busy on a Sunday. But not nearly as busy as this would be during high tourist season.

#1 It’s less expensive

Paris is going to be expensive at any time of year.

But at least in winter, you can get better rates on accommodation.

Prices definitely come down as hotels, guesthouses and Airbnb owners try to fill their rooms.

The other thing to note is that you are probably going to find a less expensive flight in winter as well.

I actually only paid $360 round trip for an economy class ticket (not basic economy but standard economy) on American Airlines.

Yup.

$360 from Cincinnati to Paris — round trip.

And with just one stop in between and good flight times.

Flights to Europe, in general, are cheaper, in winter.

I stayed at Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais in the Le Marais neighborhood. It was definitely less expensive in winter.

Visiting Paris in winter has some real benefits.

#2 It’s not as crowded

Paris in winter is not nearly as busy and crowded as it will be at other times of year, especially summer.

Museums are easier to navigate without hoards of people.

Reservations for restaurants are easier to secure.

The streets are not as busy with tourists.

Sites like the Eiffel Tower will be less busy.

This is one of the best things about visiting Paris in winter.

Place des Vosges can be a popular spot in the Marais neighborhood. In winter, it’s definitely much quieter.

The Musée d’Orsay is definitely less crowded in winter compared to other times of year.

#3 You can still sit outside

Believe it or not, you can still sit outside in Paris in winter.

Many restaurants and cafes have heaters outside on their patios.

And these patio areas often have some plastic shelter around them to keep the heat in.

Now this comes with the caveat that people are allowed to smoke on these patios — at any time of year.

So, if you really want to sit outside and it’s not too cold, then you can.

And if you get a decent weather day, you can still sit outside at one of Paris’ many parks.

Just dress accordingly.

Even in winter, folks will sit outside…even those who are not smokers!

The Jardin des Tuileries and the buildings of Paris. Even on a Sunday in winter, the locals are taking advantage of being outside.

#4 You’ll have more interaction with locals

I often feel that people who live in cities and towns that are heavily touristed get “tourist weary”.

They grow weary of all these outsiders invading their home.

These might be the people who work in the places you, as a traveler, are visiting such as a restaurant or shop.

Or it might just be someone on the street who works at the office who is simply walking to and from work each day through the hoards of tourists who have taken over their town.

Paris is no different as it is one of the most popular cities in the world to travel to.

In winter, the Parisians aren’t inundated with all the tourists.

So there’s a better chance of having more interaction with a local.

It might be that the waiter at the cafe has more time to chat because he’s not so busy.

Or the woman in the shop has time to help you more because there aren’t 10 other customers in her store.

The person on street is happy to help with directions — because they aren’t running into huge groups of travelers on a regular basis as they try to walk to the metro stop.

Yes, Paris in winter is a good idea if you want to interact with the Parisians.

And, contrary to what you might hear, the Parisians are pretty darn nice!

There’s more chance of having meaningful interaction with the locals when Paris is not inundated with tourists. This makes winter a wonderful time to visit.

There’s more chance of having meaningful interaction with the locals when Paris is not inundated with tourists. This makes winter a wonderful time to visit.

#5 More time to see Paris lit up

Winter in the Northern Hemisphere means shorter days and longer nights.

In cities this means that you get to see the city all lit up for more hours.

And Paris is definitely a city worth seeing lit up at night — no matter what arrondissement you happen to be in.

From the Eiffel Tower to Moulin Rouge to the neighborhood cafe — it’s a delight to wander around Paris when the lights are on.

So for those of us who aren’t late night Lucys, we can actually experience Paris under the lights, and not have to sacrifice our beauty sleep.

One of the joys of Paris in winter.

I was able to stand on my balcony and enjoy the lights just down the street. And I didn’t have to stay up past my bedtime!

Seeing Paris lit up is a treat. And in winter, you don’t have to stay up late to do so!

Would you visit Paris in winter?

I have to admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Paris in winter.

My visit in late spring/early summer a dozen years ago was wonderful with long, warm days to wander about, camera in hand.

But I really like Paris in winter.

It’s definitely not as busy at the museums or some other sites.

However, the Louvre was pretty busy for January!

Would I visit again in winter?

Absolutely.

Because, really, Paris is always a good idea — no matter what time of year!

A sweet moment in Jardin des Tuileries. Traveling to Paris in winter, means you can slow down and savor these moments.

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