Beating the winter blues with the promise of an escape to Paris may be just the ticket, but if you need a little convincing as to why, we’re here to help you find some of the most compelling reasons to visit Paris in the winter. Let the warmth of seasonal celebrations, comforting meals and picturesque monuments that often find themselves covered in snow influence you. While many would agree that the French capital has je ne sais quoi year-round, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe, there is indeed something mysterious about Paris in winter. So embrace the magic as we delve into some of the many reasons to visit Paris in winter ……

The food
Celebrations
Sightseeing
Weather
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Food
The rich warmth of French cuisine is just one of the many reasons to visit Paris in winter. Its love of food and seasonal delights has spanned centuries, incorporating countless recipes, traditions and, of course, Christmas markets. It is unabashedly indulgent, adventurous, bright and sparkling in every way. French chefs constantly strive to push culinary boundaries to bring you decorated plates that wouldn’t be out of place hanging in the Louvre. There are Michelin-starred restaurants like Guy Savoy (perfect for those fine dining experiences), candlelit dinners floating along the Seine, and sumptuous dinners in humble red-and-white checkered tablecloth bistros (with authentic and whip-smacking soupe à l’oignon lively French atmosphere). Either way, you won’t be disappointed; after all, it’s a gourmet’s paradise and playground for foodies. For those who crave an “appetite” in some of the best restaurants in Paris (sure to tantalize the taste buds and leave you feeling full enough) don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Parisian restaurants in the evening

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Celebrations
Paris is often referred to as the City of Light, which seems especially appropriate in the colder months when the bright lights of the metropolis are brighter. The Champs-Élysées, Place Vendôme, and Montmartre are decorated with colorful light bulbs, and stores like Galeries Lafayette sparkle with decadent holiday-style displays (making window shopping even more exciting). Running from November through January, the dazzling light shows are just some of the many reasons to visit Paris in winter, and for those who celebrate Christmas (or just enjoy the seasonal festivities), there’s much more to see, enjoy and accomplish. Traditional Christmas markets filled with vin chaud (mulled wine) and roasted chestnuts are sure to awaken the holiday spirit in anyone.

Paris at Christmas

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Sightseeing
It’s easy to see why Paris is one of the most visited cities in Europe, with countless landmarks and monuments ready to be photographed on every cobblestone street corner. Seeing it all can often feel like a chore. This is especially true if you’re pressed for time and have only 24 hours in Paris, but for those ready for a longer, more leisurely stroll through the wide boulevards and sweeping cityscapes of the Seine, you’re in luck. From the heart of the Paris skyline – the iconic Eiffel Tower, standing tall and stoic at 1,000 feet – to the (slightly shorter but equally grand) Arc de Triomphe, there’s plenty to explore. You can even venture deep into the city where the catacombs are located (perhaps on a blustery winter’s day), or stay firmly above ground and wander the winding sidewalks of Chaumont Hill Park. Either way, you’ll be truly spoiled for choice. Plus, with frigid temperatures discouraging some visitors, you may find the city’s streets, attractions and transportation network less crowded (one of the many reasons to visit Paris in winter!) .

Inside Parisian Architecture

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The Weather
While many people find the doom and gloom of a dark (and potentially rainy) winter hinders travel in Europe, we think that in this case, it actually highlights the beauty of Paris. The cold and dark climate is the perfect backdrop for the Gothic architecture, and if you are lucky enough to experience the spectacle of snowfall in Paris, the city will seem even more magical. In addition, the City of Light has the unique ability to illuminate and blow away the cobwebs through joy and winter celebrations. So much so that you will soon find yourself completely forgetting about the weather as you don your coziest cold chic outfit, sip on a very rich chocolate chaud (hot chocolate) and seek solace and warmth in the countless museums and cathedrals. Before venturing into the twinkling city in search of adventure