What to do in Paris in Winter

Often draped in snow, Paris is a magical place to be in winter. Find the best thing to do, cultural events to attend, local places to eat and drink, and much more in our winter guide to Fraser Suites Le Claridge Paris so you can plan the perfect stay, whether you’re on holiday with your family or taking an extended business trip alone or with colleagues.

The Best Things To Do In Paris In Winter

There’s plenty to see and do in Paris in winter. Here are our top picks.

See the Christmas lights: Paris is never more obviously the City of Lights than in December and January. Take a stroll and marvel at the splendid illuminations in various parts of the city. You’ll find the best of them on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées (until 2 January) near Fraser Suites Le Claridge Paris and at Bercy Village (until 10 January).

Celebrate New Year’s Eve: While 1 January is a relatively quiet public holiday with few if any events, New Year’s Eve (AKA le Réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre) is jam-packed with parties, concerts, performances, dinners, cruises, fireworks, and more. Ring out the old year in style by enjoying a dinner and champagne cruise on the Seine, attending a classical music concert at St Severin Church or St Eustache Church, partying the night away in a trendy bar or club, or watching the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower.

Prolong Christmas cheer at the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market: If you’re not ready to say goodbye to the Christmas spirit for another year, head to the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market. You’ll find French produce and seasonal treats, artisanal goods, décor and ornaments, food and beverages, rides, and an outdoor ice rink with skates for hire. Until 8 January.

See the Festival of Lights at the Jardin des Plantes: Every year sees the Festival of Lights interpret another phase in the story of evolution of life on earth. This year’s festival celebrates butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, and other creatures. See the installations for free during the day or spend a few Euro on a ticket to see them illuminated at night. Jardin des Plantes, 57 Rue Cuvier, 5th arrondissement, until 15 January.

Feel the buzz of Paris Fashion Week: It might not be possible to see the shows, but you can still feel the incredible buzz of Paris Fashion Week by spending time in the trendy bars around the Carrousel du Louvre, not far from Fraser Suites Le Claridge Paris. Men’s Fashion Week takes place from 17 to 22 January, followed by Haute Couture Fashion Week from 23 to 26 January.

Feel the love on Valentine’s Day: Paris is the world’s capital of romance, so where better to spend Valentine’s Day? If you’re staying at Fraser Suites Le Claridge with your partner, treat them to a Valentine’s Day they won’t forget. Consider spending the morning at Versailles or taking a sightseeing cruise on the Seine. That evening, head out for dinner and a show at one of the city’s famous cabarets, such as the Crazy Horse, Moulin Rouge, or Paradis Latin. 14 February.

Cultural Events To Attend In Paris

Paris is synonymous with culture, so be sure to attend a few of these cultural events during your stay.

Watch Verdi’s Il Trovatore at Opéra Bastille: Watch an exquisite production of Verdi’s inspired opera about love, hatred, and death at Opéra Bastille. 21 January until 17 February.

Eat crepes on La Chandeleur: Known as Candlemas in English, La Chandeleur is a Christian festival commemorating the presentation of Jesus in the temple 40 days after Christmas. In France, people celebrate the day by eating crepes in all sorts of ways. Take part in this fine old tradition by heading to one of the excellent creperies near Fraser Suites Le Claridge and indulging in their offerings. We recommend Breizh Café at 1 Rue de l'Odéon, Brutus at 99 Rue des Dames, and Mad’eo at 19 Rue de Picardie.

Attend the Paris Carnival Procession: Dating back to the Middle Ages, the Paris Carnival is a time of sheer indulgence and fun before Lent. The highlight undoubtedly is the Paris Carnival Procession, known as the Promenade du Boeuf Gras. Watch this colourful parade featuring floats, dancers, musicians, jugglers, acrobats, and other entertainers. The parade starts at Place Gambetta at 1pm, makes its way through the city streets, and ends at the Place de la République. 19 February.

Discover France’s rich agricultural and regional heritages at Salon d’Agriculture: A major highlight on the trade fair calendar, the Salon d’Agriculture brings together France’s finest regional specialities, such as dairy products from Normandy, dry-cured sausages from the French Alps, and rum distilled in the country’s overseas departments. Paris Porte de Versailles. From 25 February.

Local Places To Eat And Drink

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to sample the excellent cuisine when you’re in Paris in winter. Here are some of our favourite local places to eat and drink near Fraser Suites Le Claridge.

SFouquet’s: Established in 1899, Fouquet’s is a Parisian institution. This iconic high-end brasserie is known for serving delectable, reinvented classics such as steak tartare, sole meunière and delicious patisseries. 99 Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

Le Sens Unique: Look no further than Le Sens Unique if you want to indulge in duck or steak cooked to perfection. The wine list is good, and the atmosphere is homely. What a pleasure! 47 Rue de Ponthieu.

Chez Gabrielle: Run by a husband-and-wife team, Chez Gabrielle is known for its cosy, welcoming atmosphere, and excellent seafood dishes, particularly the flambéed scallops. The restaurant also offers fantastic non-seafood dishes. 7 Rue de l’Étoile.

Pleine Terre: A hidden gem among the restaurants near the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Pleine Terre serves beautifully presented original gourmet dishes. 15 Rue de Bassano.

Buddha Bar: The Buddha Bar has been a trendy spot since its establishment in 1996. The lounge bar offers a plethora of cocktails, while the restaurant proper serves mouth-watering Pacific Rim cuisine. The décor alone makes this impressive place worth visiting. 8-12 Rue Boissy d'Anglas.tour.

Discover Paris In Winter

Paris in winter awaits your discovery. Place yourself in the heart of the action by staying at Fraser Suites Le Claridge. Our hotel in a lovingly conserved 1900s heritage building within the iconic Champs-Élysées district offers Gold-standard serviced apartments with exquisite views of the famous avenue and the Eiffel Tower. You’ll also enjoy attractive amenities, and a location that puts you within walking distance of major attractions and the Franklin D Roosevelt subway station. Contact us and start preparing for the holiday or business trip of a lifetime.