Why Visit Paris in Winter
Paris looks beautiful in the winter season, it is also the cheapest season for visitors to enjoy the place to the hilt. The winter season begins from December through February, though it can be cold in November and December too.
In the winter season, Paris changes from City of Lights to City of Fairytale Lights. One of the most beautiful sights is walking along the sparkling Champs -Elysees in winter. The city streets shine with bright lights. There is a sparkling display of lights on the trees that line the long boulevard at Champs -Elysees.
There are several reasons as to why it is amazing to visit Paris in December. Here are some of them
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Roam around and take in the beautiful Parisian beauty
Take in the beautiful sights and sounds as you walk along the streets, decorated with fancy lights.
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Christmas Markets in Paris
Christmas markets are a delightful sight in Paris. Visit the annual Notre-Dame Christmas Market for shopping, buying decorative items, cutlery, crockery, ceramic items and more. There is another Christmas market at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, close to a beautiful church. The Christmas markets at the Eiffel Tower and Champs -Elysees are beautiful. You can indulge in local, delicious Parisian cuisine, hot wine, hot chocolate, crepes and waffle.
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Ice skating in Parisian winter
Ice-skating rings open up during winter, the most spectacular one being 200 feet up the air in the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. Most ice-rinks tend to be free for use, though you must pay for renting the skates, which cost an average 5 Euros. Hotel de Ville, Trocadero and Grand Palais are the three best spots to skates, with Grand Palais being the costliest one, charging about 12 Euros to rent the skates. But you benefit from a dazzling light show and great music too.
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Drink hot chocolate
Drinking hot chocolate is the one of the most sinfully delightful things to do in a Parisian winter. Some of the best places include Angelina, Café de Flore and Charles Chocolatier.
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Bûche de noël
This is a popular Christmas dessert and is loved for its taste, as much as it is, for its presentation. You can get the best Bûche de noël at Rue Montorgueil, known for its bakeries and pastry items.
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Check out the most beautiful museums in Paris
During winter, make time for the covered museums in Paris, especially the Louvre and Munsee d’Orsay. There are other museums like Le Grand Palais, the Musee Rodin, Centre Pompidou. During the winter season, the crowds are lesser. With the Paris museum pass, you can get good deals to the various museums in the city.
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Sainte Chapelle
The beautiful Sainte-Chapelle looks surreal in the winter sunset.
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Paris Department Stores in Winter
The gorgeous Gallery Lafayette, and mega stores like Printemps, Haussmann, Le Bon March, BHV Illuminated are a sight to behold with stunning Christmas decoration. Also, you can benefit from winter sales, especially in the beginning of January.
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Disneyland Paris
There are shorter lines to this wonderland in Paris. The atmosphere is Christmassy and feels fun. The flip side is that it wraps up early in winter, but you can enjoy some great food at places like Arnette’s Diner, King Ludwig’s and Rainforest Café.
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Boat Trip along the Seine River
It can be quite romantic to cruise along the Seine River with your partner and watch the beautiful sighs from the air-decks of your boat.
Temperature of Paris in Winter
During the winter months, the average temperature begins at 5.5°C on December 1st and drops down to 4°C by December 31st, compared to January, which has an average temperature of 5°C over the course of the month.
Parisian Weather in Winter
Winter is Paris is pleasant and beings from early December through February. There is not much snow and if it does rain, it does usually in December. In the months of December and January, it is sunlight usually from 8.30 Am to 5 PM, unlike summer where it is from 6 AM to 10.30 pm. Remember most sites have limited opening hours, but the benefit is that there is lesser crowd. The average temperature in December is 4 to 5 degrees Celsius in the months of December and January.
Here is the Paris itinerary for 3 days.
What to wear while visiting Paris in the winter season
The key is layered clothing. Wear clothing in thin layers, one on top of the other. Go for dark denim pants or dark colored trousers. Wear thermals under your clothing. Long woolen socks and comfortable, ankle-length boots ensure that you enjoy your walk along the cobbled streets. Do not forget your scarf and yes, the winter gloves.
Paris in Winter – Images
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