Travel to Paris in winter. Attention Free tickets
Give me Paris and the Violet of Montmartre,
Fantastic air in the capital of love...
The scent of the Tuileries, the Arc de Triomphe,
Parc Monceau, where it's fresh and the nightingales sing...
In winter, Paris is attractive in its own way, but the weather can be cool, dank (+4 Celsius on average) and rainy. Occasionally there is wet snow. Warm socks, a sweater and, of course, an umbrella will not hurt. And yet Paris in winter does not lose its charm. In the first half of December, everything here is relatively inexpensive, and there are few visitors on the streets.
The second half has the highest prices. This is not surprising: the city becomes a big Christmas fairy tale, the peak tourist season associated with the upcoming holidays begins. Let's figure out what you can save on when coming to Paris without a travel agency.
In a desperate attempt to understand Paris the first time, tourists rush headlong through the list of attractions, enjoying the views as they run, through the camera lens. You can't do that with Paris. Stash the map in your bag, leave your camera at home and immerse yourself in the history and culture of this city, turning off the beaten paths and then returning to them again.
The signs of New Year's Paris are:
. ice skating rink in front of city hall
. Christmas trees and illuminations
. shop windows
. Christmas markets
. Disneyland
Unstable weather does not allow you to walk outside for a long time, but you can visit theaters, exhibitions and museums. At this time of year, winter in Paris means an abundance of Christmas gifts and the best time to buy souvenirs. A Ferris wheel is being installed at the Place de la Concorde for the holidays. New Year's performances at Disneyland - a fresh, enchanting program. Skating rinks are open on the Champs-Élysée and in the Grand Palais. The country's main mass will take place on Christmas night at Notre Dame de Paris. The main Christmas tree is installed next to it.
If you come to France on your own, without using the services of travel agencies, you will be forced to look for a place to stay for the night. Show themselves to be the most economical hotels Formula1. Here, accommodation in a 1-3-bed room will cost around 38 euros.
When choosing a hotel, you must first choose the area. It is better to choose a hotel in a white, respectable central area. In Paris, as in many other “Western” cities, there is a division into areas where national communities live. Of course, the boundaries between areas are not as sharp and defined as, for example, in New York, but they are also there and felt. Therefore, if you don’t want to leave every day and return to “little Delhi”, “little Algeria”, “little Morocco”, “Chinatown”, worry about this in advance.
The next main expense item when traveling in Paris is excursions. There are many tricks here, knowing which you can save a significant amount of money.
Firstly, urban transport. Travel on a sightseeing bus will cost 8-10 times more than on a regular city bus.
Secondly - independent excursions and a guide. Today you can download an audio guide to most popular attractions. And at the main tourism office, which is located in Paris, you can get free guides and maps.
, siège du Ministère de la Justice, 11-13 place Vendôme, Paris, France
at the Hotel de Bourvahier
at the Hotel de Bourvahier
"" on Place Vendôme.
Top Grossing Paris sights- the product is in short supply, that is, the throughput is much lower than the number of people willing to get there. This means you can’t do without queues. To save some time, buy tickets online: most cultural centers and museums sell them on their websites. Also, find out about alternative entrances. For example, there are three of them in the Louvre - and in one the queue is always shorter.
To save money and time, you should consider purchasing Paris Museum Pass- cards for 2, 4 or 6 days, which allow you to visit 60 museums, galleries and monuments free of charge and without a queue, including a tour of Notre Dame, the National Orsay Museum, the Pantheon and the Rodin Museum.
The second incredibly useful acquisition - Paris Attractions Pass, which can be purchased at city tourist offices. It gives you the right to visit 7 main attractions free of charge and without a queue: a cruise on the Seine, wine tasting, the Paris Opera, an interactive history of Paris, the Grévin wax museum, the Montparnasse Tower and the Dali Museum. The total savings compared to purchasing all tickets separately is 120 euros.
If you want everything at once, you can buy Paris Pass, which already includes a museum pass, 7 attractions, free travel on public transport, 2 days of travel on the Hop-on Hop-off tourist bus, a guide to Parisian entertainment and discounts on restaurants and cafes. For 2013, a two-day Paris Pass costs 110 euros, a four-day pass costs 160 euros, and a six-day pass costs 180 euros.
Attention Free tickets:
For example, in the Louvre and the Museum d'Orsay. There are several days when you can visit it for free - this is every first Sunday of the month. You can also visit the Museum of the History of the City of Paris, the Cognac Geu Museum, the Carnavalet Museum, and the Gardens of Versailles absolutely free of charge. There are about two dozen other smaller museums that you can visit without spending a penny.
For a brief glimpse into Paris's past, plan a stroll through the flea markets. There are more than ten of them in Paris, each with its own specialization. For example, at the flea market on Rue Paul Bert you can find the best dresses from the 70s, and at Vernaison Market they sell such home decor that you will have to buy a second suitcase for luggage.
Shopping lovers can be advised to exchange walks around Galeries Lafayette for something less pretentious and more authentic. For example, in Montmartre there is a cozy Passage des Panoramas, one of the smallest passages in the world, where you can find selected chocoleries and pastry shops, a bookstore with antique postcards, tiny fashion boutiques with clothes, shoes and accessories. Sales continue until mid-February. This means that the moment is right for shopping, despite the fact that the air is filled with pre-spring dampness. It's raining, the buds are swelling. The average temperature this month was 5.6 degrees Celsius.
Most visitors to Paris have two museums on their list: the Louvre and the Orsay Museum. With good reason: both contain gigantic collections of the most significant masterpieces of art. However, if you want something unusual, you can always explore smaller collections.
The Orangerie Museum (Le Musée de l'Orangerie) concentrates on the works of impressionists and post-impressionists: Monet, Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, Renoir, Modigliani, Deran, Gauguin, Sisley, Rousseau, Renoir and others. There are watercolor sketches and sketches of paintings , and recognized masterpieces. About three hundred paintings by the same authors are in the collection of the Marmottan Monet Museum (Musée Marmottan Monet). The son of Claude Monet gave to this museum the largest collection of his father’s works, which even the most famous collections cannot compete with.
Paris lovers will enjoy visiting the Musée Carnavalet, a museum of the history of the city. People come here to look at paintings, furniture, clocks, mirrors, sculptures, engravings and other items collected over several centuries. Part of the exhibition consists of items purchased by the museum from private collectors and antique shops. And if you want a more detailed acquaintance with the real interiors of the mid-19th century, you should look into the house-museum of Victor Hugo or visit Salvador Dali in the museum named after him with the largest European collection of sculptures by the master.
Food: To save on food, you don’t have to give up going to quality restaurants. You just need to plan a visit for lunchtime. Almost every Parisian restaurant from 12 to 15 serves a business lunch for 12 euros, which is in no way inferior in quality to evening dishes for 20-30-40 euros.
There are chains of inexpensive stores where the French shop, and it is better for the thrifty tourist to use them. Therefore, if you don’t have enough money to regularly use restaurants, you don’t need a lot of money for food. Beer costs from 70 cents for 0.5; cheeses - somewhere from 1.2 euros per package of 200-250 grams, water - from 40 cents per 1.5 liters, wine - from 1.5 euros per bottle. In cheap cafes, a “formula” is a small set of dishes that costs somewhere from 5 euros. In restaurants - 10-15 euros. If your travel budget is small, don’t worry, you won’t spend much more money in Paris than in Moscow.
Paris and snow sometimes seem like incompatible concepts. Even if it does appear there, it doesn’t last long. Leaves behind wet roofs and streets. And yet the month is considered the coldest of the year. If during the day the temperature is about six degrees, then at night it drops to zero. Not only snowfalls are possible, but also heavy rains. The weather in Paris in winter is quite capricious. The festive bustle is fading, and tourists are seen less often on the streets. A warm jacket and waterproof shoes allow you to enjoy the beauty of the city.
Visiting attractions at this time means there are no queues and no rush. At night it sometimes freezes and becomes slippery. On windy and rainy days it is difficult to climb the Eiffel Tower on foot; you have to use the elevator. There is a skating rink on the lower tier until the end of the month. Winter sales start in January and last for six weeks. The cost of the product is immediately reduced by a third, and then can reach 70 percent. Entry into the Tuileries Gardens, where the event is being held, is by invitation only at this time. The January snow brings a lot of interesting things to the capital that will be remembered for a lifetime.
February delights with its exciting events:
. Valentine's Day,
. carnival (Pantruche Carnaval)
. women's tennis tournament,
. Chinese New Year.
The illuminated panels of all Parisian districts in connection with Valentine's Day turn into one big letter of passion and love. Fat Tuesday (mardi gras) is not for nothing considered one of the main holidays. To the sounds of various instruments, the carnival, in which thousands of residents take part, proceeds to the city hall. Paris in winter regularly carries its unsurpassed charm, enhancing it until spring.
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Parisian Higher State School of Fine Arts.
(ENSBA, Ecole Nationale Superior des Beaux-Arts)
(ENSBA)
(ENSBA)
(ENSBA)
(ENSBA)
(ENSBA)
Building (Conseil d'État)
Palais Royal(French Palais Royal - “royal palace”) - a square, palace and park located in Paris opposite the northern wing of the Louvre.
Cardinal's Palace
Despite the name, the palace standing on the square was built according to the design of Jacques Lemercier for Cardinal Richelieu and was initially called the Cardinal Palace. After the death of Richelieu, the palace was occupied by the widowed Anna of Austria with the young Louis XIV, then Cardinal Mazarin settled here.
Residence of the Dukes of Orleans
Under Louis XIV and his successors, the palace served as the city residence of the Dukes of Orleans, and during the minority of Louis XV, it was from here that the Prince Regent led the administration of all of France. In one of the wings the “Sun King” settled his favorite Duchess de La Vallière; there she gave birth to the king's two illegitimate sons.
Theater Comédie Française
At the beginning of the 18th century. The palace apartments were renovated in the Rococo style that was just becoming fashionable at that time. These interiors were destroyed in 1784, when a theater building was erected on the site of part of the palace to house the Comédie Française. The pre-existing Palais Royal theater was as closely connected with the life and work of Moliere as the London Globe was with the work of Shakespeare.
Public garden
Around the same pre-revolutionary years, the owner of the palace, the Duke of Orleans, later known as Philippe Egalite, opened the gardens to everyone and erected majestic colonnades with benches on the square. This manifestation of populism brought the Duke of Orleans the favor of the broadest sections of Parisian society. Soon the most fashionable clubs and coffee shops in the city began to shine here.
La galerie de Montpensier ~ La galerie de Valoi
Government agencies
In 1852, the square was expanded during the reconstruction of Paris, undertaken under the leadership of Baron Haussmann. During the Paris Commune of 1871, the palace burned down, but was rebuilt two years later and has since housed various government agencies - the Council of State, the Constitutional Council and the Ministry of Culture. Just behind the palace are the old buildings of the National Library.
In 1986, modern installations appeared on the square - the so-called Buren Columns (“Art Transforms the City”).
It was founded by a charter (1585-1642) dated January 29, 1635. As stated in the charter, the Academy was created “to make the French language not only elegant, but also capable of interpreting all the arts and sciences.” Among the first members of the Academy are Valentin Conrard, Jean Desmarais de Saint-Sorlin, Jean Ogier de Gombaud, Francois Métel de Boisrobert, Jean Chaplain, Nicolas Fare, Antoine Godot, Francois Menard, Gomberville, Guillaume Coltet, Guez de Balzac, Racan, Vozhla , Saint-Amand, Voiture.
Salle de lecture de la bibliothèque de l"Institut de France
If you tune in to a fairy tale and do not set yourself the goal of taking photographs against the background of attractions, then in the winter in Paris you can spend a rather romantic time and relax peacefully in decent, sophisticated places, of which there is no shortage in Paris, which is Paris. Delight your eyes, the gates of your perception, with the sophistication and beauty that Paris is filled and saturated with, feel, absorb this magnificent, delightful city and God grant you good luck.
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Websites with information and photographs of Paris
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At first glance, there is practically no difference between what time of year to visit this or that city. The streets, houses and roads in winter are the same as in summer, and in autumn they are not too different from in spring. The attractions remain the same; they are not dismantled or transported anywhere. Heat, rain or snow in London are not much different from heat, rain or snow in Berlin... Every city in each season has its own face, similar to its other faces, but still special in its own way. Winter Paris also has its own secrets.
First of all, Paris in winter provides an opportunity to look at this city in its true form; a form free from hordes of tourists moving in large groups along the central streets, turning their heads in different directions at the same time and constantly clicking their cameras. This, of course, is also Paris, but Paris is more of an exhibition, designed for external impression. Visiting Paris in spring, summer or early autumn during a tourist boom is the same as coming to visit someone at a time when there are a dozen more guests - the impression of the house will still be different, not that worse, but to others. Therefore, everyday, ordinary Paris is easiest to observe in winter. In addition, as eyewitnesses testify, it is in the Parisian winter that the city shows its character especially clearly. The French capital, despite all its romantic flair and ambience of gray buildings and pavements steeped in history, the city is still more melancholy than uncontrollably cheerful. People here like to have fun and have a blast, but the principle of “time for business, an hour for fun, even three hours” is strictly observed. And it is in the Parisian winter, which is more reminiscent of the Russian autumn, that the new facets of this city appear especially clearly.
By the way, about the weather. Winter in Paris for a resident of Russia, especially after the last couple of rather severe seasons in terms of temperature, will cause nothing more than a condescending smile. Of course, what kind of winter is this, in which the average air temperature is approximately 5-7 degrees above zero, and if the thermometer drops below zero, it is usually no further than -5 degrees Celsius. True, the climatic situation is complicated by the fact that due to high air humidity (after all, the Atlantic Ocean is not too far away), the usual winter weather here is prolonged drizzling rain. When it gets cold, it turns into snow and rain, and that nasty and destructive substance for shoes appears under your feet, which is well known to residents and guests of Moscow at the beginning of spring. However, snow in Paris is generally rare, and rain even gives a special melancholy charm to the city, making one remember for some reason the signature London weather.
In terms of visiting museums and other attractions, winter Paris also has obvious advantages: a significantly smaller number of tourists, much shorter lines at ticket offices, and, accordingly, more free time for thoughtful walking around the halls of, for example, the Louvre. For tourists with children, Paris in winter is generally an almost ideal place in terms of entertainment: the number of visitors to the most famous Disney amusement park, Disneyland Paris, which for the younger generation is simply an earthly paradise, is significantly reduced. True, there are certain restrictions - for example, some of the Parisian museums and attractions are either closed in winter or operate in a more strict mode. For example, there is a much higher risk of not getting to the Eiffel Tower, which is closed to visitors due to bad weather.
Those who should put aside all their affairs, worries and plans and go to Paris in winter are fashion connoisseurs and fashion buyers. It’s not news to anyone that Paris is one of the recognized capitals of fashion, and here, especially in the historical center of the city, there are so many boutiques concentrated that shopaholics seriously risk getting squints from wandering eyes, bloody calluses on their feet from endless transitions from one store to different and just go crazy with the variety and splendor. So, around mid-December, the season of Christmas discounts begins in boutiques, which continues into January with traditional sales of high fashion collections. Only in winter in Paris you can buy extra-fashionable things from extra-fashionable designers at one and a half, two, or even three times cheaper than their usual cost. Agree, this is a very compelling argument in favor of visiting Paris in winter.
Alexander Babitsky
Paris is a city that is beautiful at any time of the year. But, still, when is it better to go to Paris so that the weather doesn’t let you down and it’s not spoiled? More on this later.
Climate and weather in Paris
Paris has a temperate oceanic climate; characterized by warm summers and cold winters. It is rare to be unbearably hot or very cold. Rains regularly remind us throughout the year. And although the average annual rainfall in Paris is not so abundant, it is still much more than in other regions of France.
Weather in Paris in summer
Summer in Paris comes in July and lasts until August. During this time average temperature remains on the mark 25°C. Even at night the air temperature is unlikely to drop below. Rains are not a frequent occurrence, although sometimes they can unexpectedly spill and wash off annoying dust from the asphalt. During the summer months there is approximately 60 mm of precipitation. Residents and guests of the city enjoy the sun for more than 8 hours a day.
Weather in Paris in autumn
Yellow autumn lasts from October to December, it is also called the time of change. Paris and its inhabitants experience low temperatures at this time. The first month of autumn is characterized by maximum temperatures in 15°С and as days go by it drops, reaching 10°C. The amount of precipitation remains the same as in the first months of autumn. In October the temperature drops at night up to 8°С. In November the city receives very low levels of sunlight - less than 3 hours per day.
Weather in Paris in winter
very cold. In January the maximum temperature is 6°C, and the minimum - 1°C. Snow in the city is a common occurrence. During winter, especially during snowfall, Paris looks truly stunning.
Weather in Paris in spring
The weather in spring is wonderful. Residents of the city believe that spring comes with the first blooming flowers. The temperature gradually rises and reaches the mark 20°C. During this season, the city receives a huge amount of sunlight.
Weather in Paris by month
Air temperature
average temperature 5°C. Daily maximum 6 - 12°C. Daily minimum 1 - -5°С.
Air temperature
average temperature 4 - 5°C. Maximum 7 - 14°C. Minimum 1 - -4°С.
Air temperature
average temperature 5 - 9° C. Maximum 9 - 18°C. Minimum 2 — -2°С.
Air temperature
average temperature 9 - 12°C. Maximum 13 - 23°С. Minimum 5 - 12°C.
Air temperature
average temperature 12 - 16°С. Maximum 17 - 26°С. Minimum 8 - 15°C.
Air temperature
average temperature 16 - 18°C. Maximum 21 - 29°C. Minimum 11 - 14°C.
Air temperature
average temperature 18 - 30°C. Maximum 23 – 31°С. Minimum 14 - 19°C.
Air temperature
average temperature 18 - 20°С. Maximum 19 – 31°С. Minimum 9 - 15°C.
Air temperature
average temperature 14 - 17°C. Maximum 14 - 22°C. Minimum 6 - 16°C.
You believe that traveling is possible and necessary only in the warm season. But no! Try taking a vacation in December or January and visit winter Paris. Now I will try to convince you that you are not wasting your time.
Paris in winter can be very different. You can find slush and snow-white snowdrifts, but in every weather you can find something different. And you will definitely find countless Christmas lights and delightful falling flakes of snow. Oh, by the way, wonderful winter photos are taken on the eve of the New Year.
Paris in December.
So, our winter begins in December - we’ll move there. There is at least one great thing about winter travel: there are relatively few tourists. Until approximately December 20, Paris is free from the influx of travelers. You can easily explore the sights and museums. Castles and museums will hospitably open their doors. It may happen that there will be only a few people wandering around the entire castle.
Closer to Catholic Christmas, streams of people fill the streets of the city. By the way, it is on this holiday that wonderful performances take place in the famous Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral. You won't regret getting an invitation to this event.
Many townspeople and visitors are delighted with the improvised ice skating rinks, which are located in the most unexpected places. One of the famous ones is located near the city hall, the second is right at the base of the Eiffel Tower.
And, of course, why almost half of tourists come to France - New Year and Christmas sales. Stores announce crazy price reductions, decorate their windows with garlands and glass balls, inviting customers. In addition, there are Christmas markets - small shops where traders offer goods of their own production.
Paris in January.
What do Parisians do after the New Year, that is, in January? Follow them by visiting Paris over the New Year holidays. Paris in January is the best place for a quiet reading of the classics in a cafe. You can also meet friends there. In winter, Parisian cafes offer blankets and mulled wine. In general, the streets of the Latin Quarter and Montmartre are waiting for you.
In January, by the way, sales continue, which are called winter post-holiday sales.
After the holidays, the tourist boom dies down again, so it's easy to find flights and hotel reservations at a reasonable price. For example, you can organize a trip to Disneyland with your children, although adults are also frequent guests of the attractions. At this time, it is very easy to count the people having fun there on one hand.
Paris in February.
Maybe you have a loved one? Then you know about Valentine's Day - the holiday of all lovers. You understand? Spending the most romantic day of the year in the most romantic city on the planet is probably a dream. What to do on this day? It’s very simple - dance until you drop, go for a walk, kiss, drink wine or hot chocolate.
Photo: Valentine's Day in Paris 😉
In February, Paris literally blossoms, although the calendar winter has not yet gone away. You can find something pleasing to the eye literally every week. In addition to Valentine's Day, they celebrate Chinese New Year, which is also very beautiful. What do you think of the Dragon Parade? It takes place on this very day.
What other famous events take place in Paris in winter? Well, for example, on New Year’s Eve a huge Ferris wheel is being installed. Many who have ridden it believe that they definitely need to do it again and again.
In the city of Chantilly, also just before the New Year, a real parade takes place. This town is 50 kilometers from the capital.
You can visit the boat exhibition in December. What, not the best time for sailing? But no. This is a very large exhibition, which contains the most beautiful, most modern examples of shipbuilding. Naturally, you can walk among the beautiful yachts brought by their owners from many countries.
At the end of the article we will provide some practical tips that will be useful for winter travel to Paris.
Firstly, you need to dress correctly. Of course, the French winter is not much like the Russian cold, but still a warm jacket, durable shoes and a good umbrella will be the right choice. Temperatures in the winter city hover around zero degrees Celsius, and in January it is often even colder.
Secondly, if you are going to buy something during sales, then leave some space in your travel suitcase. Take only the essentials from home, and traveling light is always more pleasant.
At the end of the article, I can say that Paris is beautiful at any time of the year. Honestly. Only the accents change. In summer there are beautiful parks, in winter there are museums and cozy cafes. Whenever you come, you will find something to your liking, and the lack of tourists and low prices are a definite plus of a winter trip.
In December, Paris remains attractive and the average temperature for this month is four degrees Celsius. The weather may be cool, damp and rainy. Occasionally there is wet snow. Warm socks, a sweater and, of course, an umbrella will not hurt. And yet Paris in winter does not lose its charm. In the first half of December, everything here is relatively inexpensive, and there are few visitors on the streets.
The second half has the highest prices. This is not surprising: the city becomes a big Christmas fairy tale, the peak tourist season associated with the upcoming holidays begins.
Their signs after December 20 can be:
ice skating rink in front of city hall
Christmas trees and illuminations
shop windows
Christmas markets
Disneyland
Unstable weather does not allow you to walk outside for a long time, but you can visit theaters, exhibitions and museums. At this time of year, winter in Paris means an abundance of Christmas gifts and the best time to buy souvenirs. On the Place de la Concorde they are installing for the holidays. New Year's performances at Disneyland - a fresh, enchanting program. Skating rinks are open on the Champs-Élysées (les Champs-?lys?e) and in the Grand Palais. The country's main mass will take place on Christmas night at Notre Dame de Paris. The main Christmas tree is installed next to it.
January snow in Paris
Paris and snow sometimes seem like incompatible concepts. Even if it does appear there, it doesn’t last long. Leaves behind wet roofs and streets. And yet the month is considered the coldest of the year. If during the day the temperature is about six degrees, then at night it drops to zero. Not only snowfalls are possible, but also heavy rains. The weather in Paris in winter is quite capricious. The festive bustle is fading, and tourists are seen less often on the streets. A warm jacket and waterproof shoes allow you to enjoy the beauty of the city.
Visiting attractions at this time means there are no queues and no rush. At night it sometimes freezes and becomes slippery. On windy and rainy days it is difficult to climb the Eiffel Tower on foot; you have to use the elevator. There is a skating rink on the lower tier until the end of the month. Winter sales start in January and last for six weeks. The cost of the product is immediately reduced by a third, and then can reach 70 percent. Entry into the Tuileries Gardens, where the event is being held, is by invitation only at this time. The January snow brings a lot of interesting things to the capital that will be remembered for a lifetime.
What can February please you with?
Sales continue until mid-February. This means that the moment is right for shopping, despite the fact that the air is filled with pre-spring dampness. It's raining, the buds are swelling. The average temperature this month was 5.6 degrees Celsius.
February delights with its exciting events:
Valentine's Day,
carnival (Pantruche Carnaval)
women's tennis tournament,
Chinese New Year.
The illuminated panels of all Parisian districts in connection with Valentine's Day turn into one big letter of passion and love. Fat Tuesday (mardi gras) is not for nothing considered one of the main holidays. To the sounds of various instruments, the carnival, in which thousands of residents take part, proceeds to the city hall. Paris in winter regularly carries its unsurpassed charm, enhancing it until spring.