Pros & Cons of Visiting Paris in winters: Things to know

December 5, 2017

Reveals a quieter, less hectic side of Paris, winters are amazing. The temperature drops allows a leisurely exploration of its vibrant streets and monuments. Cafes transform into cozy heavens and nights grow darker inviting the travelers to enjoy hot chocolate watching the streets. This season makes this city of lights brighter and glowing. Undoubtedly, the Winter Holiday Celebrations in France leaves you surprised. If you are ready to travel in this season, here are some pros and cons and things to be aware of.

Pros and Cons of visiting Paris in winter season

From enchanting Christmas at the foot of the Eiffel tower to soul stirring ice skating rinks under the shining stars, there’s a lot to experience during Winter Holiday Celebrations in France.

But before you pack your bags and book your France visa appointment, scroll down and take a look at pros and cons of visiting Paris in winters.

Source by: traveltriangle.com

PROS of visiting

1. Affordable trip

The foremost thing that travelers consider while planning Winter Holiday Celebrations in France is the expenditure. And that’s the reason people consider going to Paris during the cold season as it is affordable and economical.

During this time, even on the major airlines the airfares from the east coast to Paris are below $1,000 roundtrip. Hotels are also heavily discounted this offseason which decreases your accommodation expenses too. Whether it’s about luxury hotels near the top attractions or cozy single rooms with Parisian charm, you can take advantage of this off season at a greater level while booking accommodations.

2. Shorter lines

During Peak seasons, queuing can be like a national sport. Especially Paris, where lines can take an hour to get into popular sites like Musee d’Orsay, Louvre, Notre Dame, etc.

In such a peak season, travel experts recommend buying the tickets in advance to skip those lines. Whereas in winter holiday celebrations in France, even the walk lines to most of the attractions have no lines. This helps you in spending more time seeing these attractions and you will be able to explore more other places. This helps in exploring more highlights of this city in a short stay!

Also check,Get France Tourist Visa from London UK | Process & Requirements

3. Less crowd

Paris is one of the most popular destinations in the world which welcomes millions of travelers every year. The ratio of crowd itself shows its popularity. In the warmer months, the popular sights are filled with visitors not leaving bare space and you can’t enjoy the beauty of this city with peace. However, visiting Paris in the winter season can be a good option as you’ll see lesser crowds.

This time you’ll be able to walk through the popular art galleries quietly and be able to explore the region with peace. Fewer people not only makes your trip enjoyable but also you get safe from pickpockets. Feel safe, feel free in Paris!

CONS of visiting

1. Cold weather

The foremost reason winter holiday celebrations in France are considered off season is the weather. As compared to the northern United States, Paris has slightly moderate temperature. Temperature in this city during the period of January and February remains average overnight lows just above freezing and daily highs are not more than 40’s F. Most importantly, it rarely snows in Paris.

In such weather, a good winter coat, gloves and hat are sufficient for walking comfortably around the city. But undeniably this is not a season for doing things like sitting outside at sidewalk cafes or picnicking by the side of the Eiffel tower during late January. If you wish to see Paris during this season, make sure to carry the right clothing and attitude.

2. Closures

While tourists are fond of peace and quiet places and lesser crowds, tourist businesses don’t. During this season, some attractions are open for a shorter duration and you will not find a number of tour packages due to less demand. Another landmark that you will miss visiting this season is the city’s trademark bouquinistes. These closures can be a drawback for travelers during winter.

3. Brown Gardens

Paris guides are generally incomplete without the beauty of the gardens at Versailles, Luxembourg, Tuileries, and tree lined Champs Elysee. And the popularity among travelers for these gardens is absolutely true.

Visiting Paris in winters and cold seasons will give an entirely different experience. During this season, these famous gardens are mostly dormant. Their beauty fades as instead of lush green they are lined up with bare wooden sticks. For paying the lower prices, you have to pay this way compromising a bit of beauty.

4. Short days

Although 24 hours in a day is there wherever you go in France. But going to this city of lights in winter means fewer hours of daylight. In these few hours you need to discover this enchanting city. Enjoying the city lights, spending time at French restaurants, seeing shows and more need to be managed and can make your trip longer than planned.

****Paris in winters can be wonderful and affordable as well if you can compromise a bit and enjoy the rest.

Other Places To Visit In France In Winters

Summers in France inspire beauty, spring inspires romance, and winter? What about winters? If you haven’t been to France in winters, you are missing a lot of things about this beautiful country.

Winter holiday celebrations in France are not just about visiting Paris. You can explore some of the best places to have lifetime experience. Here are those other best places!

1. Nice

Enjoy the Nice carnival taking place for two weeks. Whether you take part in the Flower parade or watch the huge floats, this experience will be amazing. During thai time, flowers are plucked out and spread on pedestrians, a sight worth your trip. And most importantly, don’t miss taking a ride on a giant winter-only Ferris wheel. Perfect blend of adventure and beauty, right?

Also check,15 Amazing Things to see and do in Rouen in 2024

2. Roquemaure

When it comes to places to visit in France, especially during winters, the list may become short but is full of exciting places. Roquemaure is such an exciting and soothing place to visit during winters. This village of Roquemaure boasts a town church holding the mortal remains of patron saint St. Valentine!

3. Nantes

If you are a classical music lover, then vacation in France during winters is perfect. The classical music festival in Nantes, La folle journee is a heaven for music lovers as performers gather here from all over the world.

Surely, this is among the best cities where you can witness the magic of music and peace. So, don’t forget to come here once!

4. Aquitaine

If you are looking out for warm weather during winter holiday celebrations in France, then you should visit Aquitaine. Being the warmest area in France, this place is famed for its surfing scenario especially in Moliets beach.

This place must be in your list if you are looking for picture perfect sunny beaches and laying there in winters with your family members. And most importantly, don’t forget to attend the Carnaval de Perigueux and Festival du film at Sarlat during winters.

5. French Alps and Pyrenees

When looking for adventure and fun, this is where you should go! During your France trip , you can get the most beautiful sight of the French Alps in winter.

January to February is the perfect time to enjoy winter sports including cross country skiing, ice climbing, downhill skiing, dog sledding, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. You can also take part in a snow polo event which is held every January.

6. Camargue

Wondering where to go during winter holiday celebrations in France. Camargue is really one of the most recommended places. In summers, this site is full of locals whereas winters tell a different story. Falling on the migratory route, this place is heaven for bird lovers as distinctive species of birds spend the winter season here making it magical and enchanting. Especially the pink flamingos who become more vibrant during this period. See the beautiful nature at Camargue!

Also check,Top Things to Do in Lyon: The Food-Obsessed French City

7. Corsica

Visit Corsica when you are planning a winter trip in France. Maybe you have seen too much snow and enjoyed enough skiing, then you might be searching for a milder climate. Then Corsica is where you can go. Here you can enjoy hiking, hunting and mountain climbing as well as sunny days.

8. Bloise

A hillside city located on the banks of River Loire. This place beholds a gothic vibe with its old cathedral and cobbled streets. The royal palace of Chateau Royal de Bloise has beautiful ornamentation, chambers, paintings and sculptures of the 16th century which captivated the attention of tourists from all over the world.

This place is a perfect place during winters offering a pleasing atmosphere and antique feel. Just gaze at the flowing river and spend your romantic moment here!

9. Monaco

The Stade Nautique Rainier III in Monaco is a swimming pool transformed into a thrilling ice rink. At this place you can also go ice-karting and upgrade your speed like never before. Here you can also go for viewing the yachts, Monte Carlo and Mediterranean sea due to the neighboring harbor.

Besides enjoying the ice skating, you can even try capturing the most exotic wildlife over here.

10. Alsace

When most of the attractions are open for a shorter duration during this off season, there is a place which is meant to attract you with its historic charm. It’s Alsace. This french region retains the old charm in the most beautiful way and you will be surprised to see the buildings.

With hundreds of enchanting Alsatian villages and historic towns of Strasbourg and Colmar, Alsace makes for a captivating sight.

**** France is beautiful in all the seasons and the most appealing thing is it looks different in every season. But winters are quite special; it’s definitely a tourist hub. The above mentioned places are the highlights of this vibrant country beholding the city of lights “Paris”.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, winter holiday celebrations in France are not a bad idea. Winters in Europe start a little before and finish early, captivating the travelers from all over the world.

Paris showcases changes every season and winters give you totally different experiences including the view of gardens, relaxing walk on the cobbled streets and grabbing coffee near the Eiffel tower. What else does a traveler need?

Before you plan your vacations in Paris during the winter season, know the pros and cons so that you can make the best out of it. Everything listed above can ensure you that your trip will be the best and level up your trip experience. If it fits your criteria, there’s nothing better than visiting Paris during winters.

Also check,Nice Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

FRANCE VISA

In case you are wondering how you can get there in upcoming winters, we are here with the visa services. Our easier and faster visa procedure helps you in getting a France visa from UK within 10-15 working days. We are experts working for years to help applicants get the Schengen visa timely before their planned trips so that they travel hassle free and enjoy at best. Our procedure is secure and safe. Therefore, apply for the France visa with us and travel to this beautiful city of lights in winters. It’s definitely Worth exploring!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paris expensive during winters?

Being considered a low season, winters witness lesser crowds and peace in Paris. All the expenditure during this season reaches low and you will find better prices for accommodations, traveling and touring the top attractions. So, it is not expensive to tour the city of lights in winters.

Is it worth visiting France in the winter?

Yes. The cold weather and the Christmas season is so magical with the lights all over the city. Apart from Paris, you can travel to other place including NIce, lyon, Monaco, Blouse etc where you can immerse in the beauty of gardens, enjoy winter sports and see the historic attractions with ease.

Are their Christmas markets in Paris?

Yes. Paris has a number of Christmas markets starting from November onwards. Some of the most popular ones are Abbesses Christmas Market at Montmartre, Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l’Est, Village de Noël at Champs de Mars, Le Village de Noël at Les Halles, and Marché de Noël et Saint Germain des Prés.