Updated July 1, 2017

When I managed to get some time off over the Australian summer, I thought it would be a good opportunity to tour Europe. But when it’s summer in Australia, it’s winter in Paris and I imagined this would present its own set of challenges.

Winter in Paris?

When most people think of winter in Paris, the idea of short, rainy, snowy, and miserable days usually spring to mind. But I was soon to discover that the City of Lights is equally as mesmerizing in winter as it undoubtedly is at other times of the year.

If cheaper flights, half-price hotels, no crowds, and no queues don’t do it for you, perhaps the sight of a Winter ‘Soldes’ (sale) sign on every shop window will raise your excitement level. Maybe the luxury of having more euros in your pocket to spend on whatever your heart desires will appeal to you. Or, perhaps the prospect of a hot chocolate and macaroon at Angelina’s will cut the mustard.

angelina-paris-hot-chocolatePhoto credit: Angelina, Paris

During the six days I spent in Paris, I managed to eat, see, and smell my way through the city. As a result, I’ve compiled a somewhat concise must-see, must-do list for other money-conscious travellers.

Transportation

On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), you wouldn’t be alone if you were suddenly flustered by the sheer size of the transportation system. Rest assured, having travelled to several other cities, Paris has by far the most comprehensive, affordable, and convenient metro system for tourists — even if on ne parle pas français.

The system is easy to understand. The tickets are cheap, easy to buy, and uncomplicated with its one price, no matter how long the journey. Signage is excellent, in English, Italian, and German.

TIP: Be ready to leave the train at your destination. Doors don’t stay open for long!

Paris Visite Pass. Designed for tourists, the Paris Visite Pass offers unlimited use of the metro, bus, Regional Express Network (RER), trams, SNCF, Montmartre Funicular, and Ile-de-France buses. It doesn’t include the high-speed train service (TGV). For €72,40 for a five-day, five-zone pass, (see the official website for the latest information), getting around is easy and affordable. This is especially convenient in winter when the prospect of negotiating icy cold streets isn’t appealing. A Visite Pass may be purchased online, or at the airport. Move hastily through the airport so you beat the line-up at the service desk. As a bonus, the pass includes a host of discounts at popular Paris landmarks.

TIP: Before arriving in Paris, download a Paris Metro app and plan your route. Another excellent choice is the Citymapper app. Input where you need to go (e.g., “I need to arrive at the Gare du Nord at 09:00,” and it lists all possible routes, times, and costs by metro, bus, Uber, bicycle, walking, and so on.

From the Airport. The RER B follows a route passing through ‘Paris — Gare du Nord’ and ‘Châtelet – Les Halles,’ two stations that give tourists their first taste of the Paris metro system. It offers connections for eight different metro routes. For a modest price in the range of €10 (in comparison to at least €50 for a taxi), the RER B is a cost effective way of getting into the city from the airport. It also offers the convenience of purchasing a ticket within the airport in one of the clearly marked kiosks or service desks. A five-zone Paris Visite Pass includes access to the RER B.

TIP: The Visite Pass can be purchased for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days. A day is calculated from the first use. If you arrive in the evening, using the Visite Pass on that day will waste one whole day. For this reason, it’s more cost effective to buy a ticket on the RER B, and save the first use of the Visite Pass for the following morning. For the latest information, see Paris by Train

RER B Map

Money matters

Paris is expensive. You’ll have an idea of accommodation costs as presumably, you’ve made advance bookings. The big surprise may be food, and that you’ve underbudgeted.

In practical terms, credit cards are widely accepted (so is Apple Pay). However, establishments rarely accept American Express. Visa and MasterCard are the credit cards to carry in your wallet.

Suggested activities

1. Get up early to stroll the streets

It’ll require skipping a winter sleep-in, but you’ll not be disappointed. Jet lag propelled me outdoors to the sight of one of the largest dumps of snow in over a decade. The sun was just starting to climb over the horizon, and there was no other person on the streets — brilliant! Photo opportunities were aplenty. There were no queues standing in the way of my warm morning croissant, and I was able to enjoy the tranquility of Paris for a couple of hours on my own.

Set your alarm clock, slip on your jacket, and experience a rare peaceful moment in Paris on a beautiful winter morning.

paris-streeet-winter

2. Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Arc de Triomphe

When you think of the iconic landmarks of Paris, it would be hard to leave these out. They’re on everyone’s list, but in winter, crowds are for the most part limited, if not non-existent.

When I arrived at the Eiffel Tower to explore its charm at greater heights, I had to ask for directions to the correct kiosk as there wasn’t a single person waiting underneath. Summer waiting lines can be up to three hours’ long, so it’s recommended one books online in advance of a summer vacation.

If there happens to be a queue at the Louvre, there’s an entrance from the shopping area, Carrousel du Louvre.

3. Shopping Les Soldes (if that floats your boat)

One of the advantages of winter is the sales at all of the grands magasins of Paris. Department stores, designer outlets, boutiques, and and even hardware shops hold two periods of sales as per state regulations each year. During Les Soldes, prices are gradually slashed, but beware, stocks also decrease as time wears on. In the winter of 2014/2015, the sale period ran from January 7 to February 17, but check online before planning your trip. Even if the price is a little above what you’re willing to spend, a shopping trip to Paris in the winter is not complete without visiting Galeries Lafayette (the Paris equivalent of Harrods in London).

4. Eat yourself silly

While much is documented on the irresistibly delicious pastries available on each street corner of Paris, there are somme that stand head and shoulders above others. While price is generally a good indication of quality, there are a few hidden gems that can only be found by taste testing on every corner. Put the diet on hold, and just munch your way through the streets of Paris.

From my experience, the enjoyment factor of a hot chocolate complemented by a pastry is enhanced when you’re forced to embrace the cup for no other reason but to defrost hands. Of all the places I visited, two that should be included on any Paris itinerary are Angelina for hot chocolate, and the undeniably romantic Le Coupe-Chou with its fascinating history, nestled in the quaint backstreets of the Latin Quarter.

le-coupe-chou-paris-latin-quarterPhoto credit: Le Coupe Chou, Paris

5. Disneyland

An attraction not embraced by everyone, Disneyland attracts children and adults from the world over. Disneyland Park is in Marne-la-Vallée, around 32 kilometres / 20 miles from downtown Paris via the RER A train. 

It attracts millions of visitors each year, and you’ve likely read about the nightmarish queues to get on a single ride, but in winter, these lines were almost non-existent. I’m not one for all the rides and shenanigans associated with theme parks, but when you have the ride to yourself, it was hard to resist. However, for those considering the long haul to Disneyland, in my opinion, one day is more than enough.

disneyland-paris-winter

6. Musée d’Art Moderne (Gallery of Modern Art)

If you asked anyone who knows me, each of them would struggle to say I had any interest in art whatsoever. That was before I visited Paris’ Gallery of Modern Art. Encompassing works from the likes of Henri Matisse and Salvador Dali, there are pieces that are so intriguing, they are just labelled as “art” for the lack of a better word. The heated facility makes the Gallery of Modern Art a perfect winter attraction in Paris.

gallery-modern-art-paris

7. Versailles

Versailles can be a nightmare to visit during the summer. It’s one of the most popular day trips from Paris, a short 30-45 minutes by train on the RER C. In winter, you’ll be able to enjoy the hugely popular Palace of Versailles without the crowds and the queues.

8. Explore Paris by bicycle

Cycling is a wonderful way to explore the city, even in winter. Bikes can be rented at Vélib’ Bike Stations at reasonable rates. Bundle up with layers and a waterproof, windproof jacket, gloves, and hat and explore to your heart’s content. When you’re done, drop the bike off at any Vélib’ bike station and take the Metro home.

9. Chill in your accommodation

The weather may be miserable, you’re not feeling well, or for any one of a number of reasons, it makes sense to enjoy a rest day. No excuses, no guilt; it’s your trip to do as you please.

It helps to be prepared. Listen to an audiobook downloadable from your public library. Watch a movie or binge on a favourite TV series with your Prime or Netflix subscription. To do so, you’ll likely need a VPN (Virtual Private Network) so you can connect to a server in your home country. A VPN is not only useful for viewing geo-blocked content but it allows you to securely check bank accounts and safely cruise the internet.

For more information, see:

 

For other ideas, see Paris is Always a Good Idea (and we tell you why).

 

Have you been to Paris in winter?  What suggestions could be added to those above?

 

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