Paris in the Off-Season: How to Spend 4 Days in Paris in Winter
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Paris is one of the most iconic and romantic cities in the world. Even in the winter, the City of Lights shines brightly, offering endless sights to see, foods to try, and experiences to be had. I had the pleasure of spending New Year’s Eve in Paris with my mom a few years ago and it was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had. There are tons of seasonal activities that make visiting Paris in winter a unique experience! Think outdoor Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and more!
This four-day winter itinerary for Paris will give you a taste of the best the city offers in December, January, and February. We'll go over how to get around, top attractions and museums to visit, where to stay, day trips to take outside the city, and of course, lots of food and drink recommendations for warming up from the winter chill.
While four days may not be enough time to see absolutely everything, it will allow you to hit many of the highlights and top things to do, and soak up the magical Parisian atmosphere. By following this guide, you'll get a good overview of the city and leave wanting to come back to discover even more. The travel tips and experiences here will help you make the most of your precious time exploring Paris in winter.
Is 4 Days in Paris Enough?
Paris is a city that takes weeks or even months to explore and appreciate fully. However, visiting for just 4 days is still absolutely worthwhile. While you won't be able to see and do everything, you can experience many of the highlights and get a good feel for the city in this amount of time.
Four days allows you to see the most famous sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, and more. You'll have time to wander charming neighborhoods like Montmartre, explore world-class museums, shop the elegant boutiques, eat at cozy cafes, and soak up the romantic ambiance.
With efficient planning, you can fit in the top attractions and also make time for leisurely neighborhood strolls, lingering at cafes, people-watching, and getting a sense of everyday Parisian life. The key is to focus on the areas you most want to see rather than trying to cover the whole spread of the city.
What is Paris Like in Winter?
Paris in winter can be quite chilly, with average highs around 45°F (7°C) and average lows of 35°F (2°C). While it doesn't snow too often, Paris does get its fair share of grey, rainy days during the winter months. We arrived in Paris during the last week of December and to our surprise, we did not have one rainy day!
The winter period in Paris runs from late November through early March, with January usually being the coldest month. Pack warm layers like sweaters, thick socks, scarves, gloves, and a heavy coat for exploring Paris in the winter. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea. Rain is frequent, so bring an umbrella too, or see if your hotel has complimentary ones.
While summer draws bigger crowds, winter allows you to enjoy Paris's museums, monuments, and neighborhoods with fewer crowds. As you probably guessed, this is the off-season for Paris. Just be ready for short, colder days and chilly weather. The winter gloom is all part of the Parisian atmosphere in winter.
How to Get Around in Paris
Paris has an excellent public transportation system that makes getting around the city efficient and affordable. Here are the best options for transportation in Paris:
Metro - The metro is the fastest and easiest way to get around Paris. The extensive network has 14 metro lines and over 300 stations, getting you practically anywhere and everywhere in the city. It operates daily from 5:30am to 1:15am and tickets can be purchased from machines at each station.
Bus - Buses can be a good alternative to the metro for sights and neighborhoods not close to a metro stop. There are over 100 bus routes covering the entire city. Buses run daily from 6:30am to 8:30pm and tickets can be purchased on board. If you’re one of my regular readers, then you know how I usually recommend taking the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus for at least a day. Yes, it’s a very touristy thing to do, but it really is useful for getting to popular areas and not having to worry about getting lost. We rode the Big Bus sightseeing bus our second day and it not only helped us explore the city, but it was also a great way to see the holiday lights on the buildings and streets as the sun went down - including the Eiffel Tower!
Taxi & Ride Shares - Taxis are readily available at taxi stands all over Paris and can be hailed on the street when the taxi sign is lit. They are more expensive than public transit but provide a quick and direct trip. Aside from taxis, Uber is also popular in Paris. Our hotel scheduled a taxi one night to go to dinner, and it was effortless. However, one night we tried to use Uber to pick us up near the train station and it ended up not working out because neither of us spoke much French and our Uber driver couldn’t find us. So if you choose to go this route, brush up on your French beforehand just in case.
Walking - Paris is a very walkable city, with many sites and neighborhoods close together. Walking allows you to experience the charm of Paris neighborhoods at a leisurely pace. If you’re staying in a central location, walking will be your main mode of transportation. We walked almost everywhere during our time in Paris, just be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
4 Days in Paris in Winter
Start your vacation in Paris on the right foot by exploring the iconic neighborhoods and attractions that make Paris one of the most popular destinations in the world. With ample sights packed into a small area along the River Seine, you'll get the most out of your time by focusing each day on a different district. This is how I build my itineraries and it’s highly effective every time.
Day 1: Sainte Chapelle and the Catacombs of Paris
After arriving in Paris early in the morning, we took a taxi to our hotel and dropped off our bags. If you don’t already utilize this perk, you should! Most hotels offer complimentary luggage storage which is great when you arrive well before check-in time. If your hotel does not offer that then you can look into services such as Bounce that have luggage lockers you can rent throughout major cities worldwide.
Since our hotel was located in the Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois neighborhood, our first stop was Sainte Chapelle, which showcases some of the most beautiful stained glass I’ve ever seen. Sainte-Chapelle is an 11th-century Gothic-style royal chapel featuring one room in particular that has stunning stained glass windows. You can purchase your tickets online for only 13 euros and also offer guided tours twice a day. They now enforce a 30-minute time slot for ticketed visitors, which is all you really need here unless you are doing a guided tour. We visited shortly after they opened when there were less crowds.
After visiting Sainte Chapelle, walk to Le Saint Regis for lunch. This nearby café was cozy and packed with locals. It’s located near Notre Dame Cathedral, which was closed during my visit and under construction due to the fire earlier that year, but is still worth walking by. After you’ve filled up on your first taste of French food, make your way to Luxembourg Gardens. This walk is about 17 minutes, but you can take your time and stroll through this beautiful park. Since you’re visiting in winter, the park isn’t nearly as beautiful as it is in the spring, but it’s worth seeing and it’s a great way to stretch your legs after a long flight.
From Luxembourg Gardens, head to the 14th arrondissement for one of the most interesting attractions in Paris, the Catacombs of Paris! This is probably not everyone’s cup of tea, but I found it extremely interesting and mesmerizing in a creepy sort of way. You will need to book your tickets in advance online and you can choose from a variety of options and tours. The standard ticket will cost about $30 per person, but you can also purchase a VIP ticket that lets you skip the line and gets you into restricted areas. This is a very popular attraction so be sure to book your tickets online and be prepared to wait in a long line. The tour comes with an audio guide and it was so cool to learn about how the catacombs started and their purpose. Yes, it is a little creepy, but if you like history it’s extremely interesting and I enjoyed seeing a darker side of Paris.
After a full first day in Paris, wind down the evening with dinner and drinks. We had our first dinner at Le Train Bleu, located in the Gare de Lyon train station. The inside is what attracted me to book a reservation with the restaurant and most of the reviews were very good, unfortunately, we did not have that great of an experience. The inside was truly beautiful but the food and the service were very sub-par even though our reservation was at 7pm when the restaurant opened for dinner and they were not busy at all. I don’t recommend eating here, but I recommend going in for a drink at the bar to see the paintings and the décor.
Day 2: A Parisian River Cruise and Le Festival du Merveilleux
Day two when traveling abroad is great for catching up on sleep and making sure you’re well adjusted to the time difference. Sleep in a little and start your day with a late breakfast or brunch before exploring the city more. We walked along the bank of the Seine from Hotel Brighton towards the Eiffel Tower for brunch at Monsieur Bleu. If you’re already well-adjusted, this is a great day to explore the Montemere neighborhood as well. I had every intention to, but I came down with a cold and wasn’t feeling up to seeing everything. Monsieur Bleu is located at the Palais de Tokyo and has beautiful décor and delicious food. I ordered the soup of the day, which was a coconut curry soup - it was one of the best soups I’ve ever had and perfect for a cold winter day. We also ordered mimosas and shared a pastry basket - because when you’re in France you’ll want to eat as many croissants as you can!
After lunch, cross the Pont d'Iéna to get a close-up view of the Eiffel Tower. This view has the perfect angle for those sought-after photos! If the Eiffel Tower is open, this would be a great opportunity to visit it and go up it. Unfortunately, it was closed when we visited, but it was still just as mesmerizing from the ground. Near the Eiffel Tower near the Pont d'Iéna, there’s also a small Christmas market that has fantastic handmade gifts, holiday treats, mulled wine, and hot chocolate. During winter, there are Christmas markets spread all across Paris and this is a huge draw for visitors during this time of year!
Once you’ve soaked in the beauty of the Eiffel Tower, hop on a Beateaux Parisiens River Cruise which is included in the Paris Pass. Most major cities have an attractions pass for visitors that includes entry to top tourist attractions at a discount, plus a card for the metro system. We purchased the Paris Pass a few months prior to our trip and felt that it was definitely worth purchasing! The river cruise lasts about an hour and allows you to see the city from a different perspective while learning interesting facts about some of the buildings and monuments.
After the river cruise, cross the street and jump onto the hop-on-hop-off bus, which is also included in the Paris Pass. Yes, these buses are a little touristy - but, they are a really great way to get a lay of the land and to rest your feet for a bit while still seeing the sights. These bus tours also let you see neighborhoods of the city that you may not plan to spend time in if you’re only visiting for a short amount of time.
The last stop before dinner should be the Musée des Arts Forains, the fairground museum. I had done a lot of research for this trip to figure out what I really wanted to spend my time seeing and I came across this museum that has all sorts of old carnival rides and games from the 19th and 20th centuries. It sounded interesting and after visiting, it immediately became my favorite thing I did while in Paris! During the holiday season, the museum is open to the public for Le Festival du Merveilleux where they decorate the building and turn on some of the games and rides. This is the only time you can ride and play some of the games and it’s an absolute blast! The festival was full of locals and we were so glad we found this hidden gem. Your admission ticket includes a few tickets to play games and ride some rides and there are food vendors in the back just outside the museum building. Although we felt a little out of place at first, after a few minutes our inner child came out and we found ourselves laughing and riding a carousel that had unicycles that you pedal to make it go faster! If you visit Paris in December you have to check this place out!
End your second day in Paris with a cozy dinner at La Bécane à Gaston in the 10th arrondissement. This was hands down one of my favorite meals in Paris and I will make it a point to go back if I’m ever in Paris again. The restaurant is small and makes you feel like you’re eating dinner at a friend's house. This cozy family-owned restaurant is popular amongst locals so you’ll want to make a reservation in advance. Our favorite items on the menu were bruschetta, roasted chicken, pasta in a ragu sauce, and of course, tiramisu!
Day 3: The Louvre and Opera Garnier
If it’s your first time in Paris, you’ll want to visit The Louvre and the time you spend at The Louvre will depend on how much you enjoy museums. The Louvre is huge and houses tons of masterpieces and ancient artifacts. You could probably spend an entire day solely at The Louvre, but the one thing most people enter to see is the painting of the Mona Lisa (and it’s smaller than you might think!). My mom and I really wanted to see it so that’s mainly what we spent our time at the museum doing. Since the Louvre is the top museums in Paris, the key is to be in line right when they open their doors. And since you’re traveling to Paris in winter, the lines will be much shorter than they are in the summer months at the peak of tourist season.
We made sure we could keep an eye on the line and arrive right before the museum opened by having breakfast at 8am at Café Marly. It’s located right across from the pyramid entrance to the Louvre and it’s really tasty. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating and we sat inside where it was warm and cozy and we even saw Marly, the cat that lives there - very sweet and cute! After breakfast, we got in line for the Louvre, which admission was also included in the Paris Pass, and once inside, we made a beeline to the Mona Lisa since I knew there would be another line there.
Once you’ve wrapped up visiting the Louvre, make your way to the Garden of Palais Royal where you can grab a coffee, see the striped pillars, and stroll through the garden. Next, make your way to Fragonard Museum for a free tour that lasts about an hour. Fragonard is one of the well-known perfume houses in France and during the tour, you’ll walk through a small museum and learn about the history. The tour ends with a smell test in their company store where you can do some shopping afterwards. Fragonard also offers perfume-making classes where you can create your own custom fragrance and bring home a very unique souvenir. I took a perfume-making class in Nice, France and it was so much fun! I really wish I would’ve taken the one offered at Fragonard in Paris.
The next stop is Opera Garnier which is located right down the street and is just a short 2-minute walk. There is a guided tour included in the Paris Pass which you’ll need to sign up for in advance, or you can buy tickets to a self-guided audio tour. The inside of the theater was absolutely gorgeous and if you can see a show during your vacation I’m sure it would be well worth it!
Once your tour is over, stop by Galeries Lafayette for a magical holiday display. If you love shopping, which I most certainly do, then you must make time to visit the Galeries Lafayette, especially during the holidays. The window displays were immaculate and I have never seen a more beautiful Christmas tree than the enormous one they set up in the middle of the store! This iconic store creates a new over-the-top display each year and it’s always a must-see when visiting Paris in winter.
End your third day in Paris with a delightfully delicious meal at Le Souffle - one of my other favorite meals in Paris! I had found this restaurant online well before our trip and had been fantasizing about eating there for months. Most, if not all, of their menu are soufflés. From the appetizer to the entrée to dessert! Please go here, it will not let you down! I recommend making a reservation in advance, which you can easily do by emailing the restaurant. They are very prompt and accommodating.
Day 4: Versailles and Christmas Markets
Versailles makes for a magical day trip from Paris in the winter. The opulent Palace of Versailles is far less crowded in the colder months, allowing you to explore the Hall of Mirrors and Royal Apartments without the crowds. The fountains may be turned off depending on the weather, but the gardens still provide a regal backdrop for a brisk winter walk. Be sure to visit the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon to see where the royal family escaped from court life. In December, Versailles hosts a beautiful Christmas market on certain weekends that cannot be missed. Versailles was actually on our itinerary to visit one day but at the time, there was a labor strike and a lot of the main transportation lines were not running. You’ll want to depart Paris early in the morning, ideally before 9am, so that you can take your time exploring the grounds of Versailles and be back in Paris for the evening to soak in the magic of the Christmas markets spread throughout the city.
If you weren’t able to check out the Christmas market at Pont d'Iéna on day two then this would be a great time to do so. There is also an amazing Christmas market with an ice skating rink at Tuileries Garden. This was my favorite Christmas market that we found, full of local artisans, hot chocolate, mulled wine, food vendors, and more. This particular Christmas market is located at the fairgrounds inside the park and is the largest Christmas market in Paris! There is a Ferris Wheel that is open year-round so the market itself embraces a spirit of carnival and Christmas market. There are typically 15-20 Christmas markets that pop up in Paris during the winter months and a full list can be found here. This was my first time experiencing true European Christmas markets and now I’m obsessed!
Pont Alexander III Bridge
Where to Stay in Paris
Paris offers many amazing neighborhoods to stay in during your winter visit. Here are some of the best areas to consider:
Le Marais
Le Marais is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris. Located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, it is filled with beautiful architecture, trendy boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Staying in Le Marais puts you within walking distance of top attractions like the Pompidou Center and the Picasso Museum. It’s also very central and easy to access by metro.
Some of the best hotels in Le Marais include Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais, a boutique 4-star property in an 18th-century building, and the 5-star Hotel du Petit Moulin, a designer hotel in an old bakery.
Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois
Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois is known as one of the best neighborhoods to stay in when visiting Paris and it’s where the hotel we stayed in is located. It’s home to top attractions like the Louvre and the gorgeous Sainte-Chapelle, and Notre Dame is just a short walk away. There are tons of shops and restaurants in this neighborhood, including Le Souffle and Le Cafe Marly, two of my absolute favorites!
Some excellent hotels in this area include the 5-star Hôtel du Louvre part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt with stunning rooftop views and the 4-star Hotel Brighton, located right across the street from Tuileries Garden. Hotel Brighton is where we stayed and it was amazing! The room was spacious, we had a view of the Eiffel Tower from our window, and the staff was extremely warm and helpful. During the holiday season, there is a Christmas market across the street at Tuileries Garden that you must visit!
Montmartre
Montmartre is a popular, charming, hilly neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement. This is where you’ll find the iconic Sacre-Coeur Basilica perched over the city. Montmartre has a quaint, village-like feel with cobblestone streets, art studios, cafes, and restaurants. Staying in Montmartre gives you easy access to Sacre-Coeur and the area's lovely parks and gardens, and you can easily take the metro to reach other iconic Paris attractions.
Some highly-rated hotels in Montmartre are Le Relais Montmartre, a 4-star boutique property, and the 3-star Hotel Particulier Montmartre with just 23 rooms in a Victorian building.
Favorite Places to Eat in Paris
Paris is known for its mouthwatering cuisine and café culture. Here are some top picks for the best places to enjoy French food in Paris:
Le Cafe Marly
Nestled in the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris, Le Cafe Marly offers a timeless setting with its elegant decor and stunning views of the Louvre's courtyard. The cafe provides a perfect blend of modern cuisine and traditional French dishes, appealing to both locals and visitors alike. This is where we ate breakfast before visiting The Louvre and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting on a cold winter day. Whether one is looking to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, a chic lunch, or a romantic dinner, Le Cafe Marly offers a sophisticated dining experience. The ambiance exudes a sense of refinement, making it an ideal spot to relax and savor delicious food amidst the cultural richness of one of the world's most renowned museums.
Monsieur Bleu
Nestled in the iconic Palais de Tokyo with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, Monsieur Bleu is a culinary haven in the heart of Paris. The restaurant exudes a timeless charm with its Art Deco decor and elegant ambiance, offering a sophisticated dining experience. From classic French dishes to modern creations, every bite at Monsieur Bleu is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. We had brunch here before setting off on a river cruiser along the seine and it was wonderful! Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a special celebration, Monsieur Bleu should be at the top of your list.
La Bécane à Gaston
As soon as you walk into La Bécane à Gaston, you’ll feel as if you walked into a good friend's house for dinner. La Bécane à Gaston in Paris is a quaint bistro that offers a delightful culinary experience for visitors and locals alike. Nestled in the heart of the city, this charming, family-owned eatery captures the essence of French cuisine. La Bécane à Gaston prides itself on serving delectable creations made from locally sourced ingredients. The cozy ambiance and impeccable service further enhance the overall dining experience. This is hands down, an absolute must-visit in Paris!
Le Souffle
This restaurant is hands down my favorite place to eat in Paris! Le Souffle is a short walk from the hotel we stayed in, Hotel Brighton, and you guessed it - they serve all sorts of souffle. Entrees and desserts will be a souffle and I guarantee it’ll be the best souffle you’ve ever tasted! You can choose from a 3-course menu that changes seasonally and is about $90 per person. My main course souffle consisted of mushrooms with a red wine sauce while my mom enjoyed a souffle with tender pieces of chicken. For dessert, I ordered the chocolate souffle while she had a mango souffle. I recommend this restaurant to everyone I know and it’s a true hidden gem in Paris.
Monsieur Restaurant
If you’re going to splurge on a meal, do it at Monsieur. This is where we had our New Year’s Eve dinner and it was absolutely delicious! Monsieur Restaurant is located inside Hotel Lancaster in the 8th arrondissement and offers a sophisticated dining experience perfect for those seeking a swanky meal in the City of Light. With its elegant decor featuring plush velvet seating, soft lighting, and contemporary art adorning the walls, Monsieur Restaurant exudes a refined ambiance ideal for a special night out. The menu showcases a fusion of traditional French cuisine with a modern twist, prepared using the finest ingredients. Whether you're savoring their signature dishes, indulging in a glass of exquisite French wine, or simply enjoying the romantic atmosphere, Monsieur Restaurant promises a culinary journey that embodies the essence of haute cuisine in Paris.
What to Pack for Paris in Winter
Paris winters can be cold, rainy, and windy, so packing the right clothes is key to staying comfortable during your visit. Following this winter packing list will ensure you stay toasty warm and fashionable during your winter escape to Paris! And don’t forget, Paris is the fashion capital of the world, so if you forget something you’ll be in good hands.
Warm Coat & Jacket: A warm winter coat is a must, along with a lighter jacket for layering. Opt for wool coats, down jackets, or parkas. Having a hood is useful for when it rains or snows.
Sturdy Walking Shoes: Much of exploring Paris is done on foot, so bring some comfortable, waterproof shoes or boots with good traction. Sneakers or leather boots work well.
Scarves, Hats & Gloves: Scarves, beanies, and gloves will keep you cozy when the wind chill kicks in. Cashmere scarves and leather gloves add style while keeping you warm.
Thermal Layers: Pack thermal long underwear and tops to layer underneath your outfits. Merino wool or synthetic fabrics work best.
Sweaters & Warm Socks: Wool sweaters and fleece tops add extra warmth over your thermals. Bring a range of warm socks in wool or synthetics.
Small Umbrella: A compact umbrella that can be tucked into your bag is essential for when the Paris rains arrive. Opt for wind-resistant models. You can also check with your hotel beforehand to see if they offer complimentary umbrellas.
After 4 magical days exploring the City of Light in winter, you'll leave with wonderful memories and a longing to return. The shorter days and cold weather present the city in a beautiful, new light. With far fewer tourists than other seasons, you’ll be able to appreciate Paris's top sights and discover hidden gems at your leisure. Spend your days sightseeing and nights enjoying fine French cuisine at Paris's cafés, brasseries, and bistros.
Paris is winter is truly magical and I often find myself reliving these memories over and over. No matter how you spend them, 4 days in Paris will create memories to last a lifetime. This guide will help craft an ideal Parisian winter vacation—now start planning your trip!
Happy travels!
-Tess
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Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
