Top things to do La Défense, Paris in Winter

Staying in La Défense in winter, whether you’re taking a short break, a longer holiday, or an extended business trip, is a great opportunity to see another side of one of Paris’ major business districts. Use our guide to find events, activities, and attractions that are perfect for solo travellers, couples, and families so you can plan a stay worth remembering.

The Best Events In Paris In Winter

The La Défense Paris Christmas market closed on 24 December, but there are still many fantastic events to tempt you out of your hotel room in Paris in winter. Take a look at the best of them.

Celebrate New Year's Eve: Known in French as le Réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with gusto in Paris. You’ll have no trouble finding an elegant dinner, raucous party, or anything in between on 31 December. For a party close to La Défense Paris, head to the Oxygen Nodd rooftop at 2 Espl. General de Gaulle, where you’ll find terraces with 360-degree views of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Grande Arche, and La Défense skyline, bars, private heated bubbles, dancefloors, DJs, and more.

Go shopping for sales: Shopping in La Défense and other parts of the city is one of the best things about Paris in winter. Why? The famous Paris winter sales offer spectacular savings on designer and boutique apparel. Find discounts of anything between 30% and 80% at major labels, small boutiques, and huge retailers such as Armani, Chanel, Valentino, Galeries Lafayette, BHV, and Au Printemps. 11 January to 7 February.

Be enchanted by the Festival of Lights: Let butterfly, dragonfly, frog, snail, and spider light installations enchant you at one of the best things about Paris in winter, namely the Festival of Lights at the Jardin des Plantes in the 5th arrondissement. See the installations unilluminated for free during the day or purchase a ticket and see them in all their glory at night. Until 15 January.

Enjoy a French Epiphany tradition: An almond frangipane tart known as galette des rois traditionally is eaten on the Epiphany feast, also known as Three Kings Day. Celebrate this tradition by heading to a bakery and enjoying a hearty slice of this once-a-year treat. Who knows? You might be crowned king (or queen) for a day! 6 January.

Cultural Events To Attend In Paris In Winter

You won’t want to miss these cultural events in Paris in winter.

Attend the Candlelight Concert: Chopin & Liszt: Watch talented performers play the music of Chopin and Liszt in St Ephrem Church at 17 Rue des Carmes, a venue known for remarkable ambience and outstanding acoustics. 14 January at 4.30pm.

See the Monet - Mitchell exhibition: See how the exhibition creates a dialogue between the works of exceptional artists Claude Monet and Joan Mitchell at the Louis Vuitton Foundation, 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne. Until 27 February.

Celebrate Chinese New Year: Paris is home to Europe’s largest Asian community, so you can expect to see a few terrific Chinese New Year celebrations. Welcome the Year of the Rabbit at one of several events taking place around the French capital on 22 January.

Things To See And Do In La Défense Paris In Winter

La Défense Paris is home to a few important landmarks and many hidden gems. Find the best things to see and do in the area.

See the view from the La Grande Arche de la Défense: The 110-metre-cubed La Grande Arche de la Défense was inaugurated in 1989. See this seriously impressive landmark and be sure to take in the unparalleled view of the city from the roof terrace. You’ll find it at 1 parvis de la Défense.

Follow the La Défense art route: 70 outdoor artworks by world-famous artists such as Baldaccini, Calder, and Miro are dotted around the district. Follow the La Défense art route and see if you can find them all.

Hunt for a piece of the Berlin Wall: A small piece of the Berlin Wall, the barrier which divided the German capital from 1961 to 1989 is preserved next to an office building in la Défense. The easiest way to find the three-panel section of wall that comes from Waldemarstrasse in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin is by joining a la Défense street art walking tour.

Local Places To Eat And Drink In La Défense In Winter

Whether you’re in the mood for a drink and nibbles or a more substantial lunch or dinner, you’re sure to find something satisfying at one of these local places in La Défense Paris.

Eclipse: Select carefully prepared dishes from a gourmet menu and dine in a sophisticated and warm atmosphere at Eclipse. This restaurant is perfect for lunch with business associates or a romantic dinner with someone special. 86 Esplanade du Général de Gaulle.

Le Ferney: A brewery and brasserie, Le Ferney is known for specialties made with local products, a wide selection of beers and cocktails, and fast, friendly service. The establishment is ideal for lunch and happy hour drinks. 13 place des Degrés.

Les Philosophes: Retro décor, an impressive range of draught beers and estate wines, and traditional French cuisine are what Les Philosophes is all about. If you’re looking for the classic brasserie dining experience in La Défense in winter, this is where you’ll find it. 28 rue Vieille du Temple.

Find the perfect spot for family dining with our list of the top 10 best restaurants in Paris la Defense. From casual eateries to fine dining, we've got you covered!

Experience Paris In Winter

Experience the unique charms of Paris in winter by booking your stay at Fraser Suites Harmonie La Défense. Our location in a major business district only a few miles from the old Paris city limits makes our hotel ideal for business and leisure travellers, whether you’re travelling solo or with your family. Choose comfortable and convenient accommodation. Contact us and start planning your trip.