Paris in January Overview

The City of Light is a magical place to visit at any time of year, however, there’s something extra special about Paris in January. The winter months are a beautiful time to explore the city, with its twinkling lights, snowy parks, and festive vibes.There are plenty of things to do in Paris in January, in which you can indulge and have a gala time with your friends and family. From visiting world-famous museums like Musee d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou, to strolling through picturesque streets and exploring attractions like the Palace of Versailles and Montmartre, there are a plethora of activities to enjoy. In addition to witnessing the Eiffel Tower in all its glory, your visit to Paris would be complete only after you try some of the city’s renowned food and wine! The cold weather doesn't deter visitors from enjoying all that Paris has to offer, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Things to Do in Paris in January

Eiffel Tower
Visit Eiffel Tower

To get the true taste of Paris in January, head over to visit the magnificent Eiffel Tower when the weather is cool and the crowds are not as much as they are in the summer. There are plenty of things to do at the tower, including taking a ride to the top for stunning views of Paris, grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, or simply admiring the architecture.

Louvre Museum
Explore Louvre Museum

When visiting Paris in the month of January, take some time out to explore the Louvre Museum as the crowds are usually smaller than in other months. You can also explore the museum's many galleries, which house artworks from across the globe. Some of the museum's most famous paintings, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, are on display in the galleries.

Citadel De Mahon Catacombs of paris
Discover the Catacombs Of Paris

Considered to be one of the most offbeat things to do in Paris in January is discovering the Catacombs of the city where the remaining of more than six million people lies. The Catacombs are a labyrinth of underground tunnels and chambers that stretch for miles underneath the city, and date back to the early 1800s.

Centre Pompidou
Checkout Centre Pompidou

Another popular place that you can check out in the city of Paris in January is Centre Pompidou, which is a public museum and cultural centre. Centre Pompidou houses the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in Europe, with more than 100,000 works of art on display, besides housing a library, a research center, and an auditorium.

Palais Garnier
Enjoy Opera At Palais Garnier

If you are looking to indulge in different experiences with your loved ones in Paris in January, enjoy an opera at Palais Garnier. It is here where you can enjoy operas like The Marriage of Figaro, Carmen, and La Bohème in January, each of which is a classic in its own right.

Montmartre, Paris
Roam around Montmartre

One of the most relaxing things that you can do in Paris during January is visiting Montmartre. The snow is fresh on the ground and the air is crisp as you walk up the winding streets of Montmartre. You can also see attractions like the Sacré-Cœur Basilica before heading to one of the local cafes for a delicious cup of hot cocoa.

Grévin Wax Museum, Paris
Explore The Grévin Wax Museum

Exploring the Grévin Wax Museum is surely one of the top things to do in Paris in January. This wax museum dates back to 1882, and is home to wax statues of over 200 famous personalities. Some of the figures on display at the museum include Marie Antoinette, Napoleon Bonaparte, Mahatma Gandhi, and Marilyn Monroe, among others.

Palace Of Versailles, Paris
Stroll Around the Palace Of Versailles

You can also take a stroll around the Palace of Versailles in January. In addition to exploring the palace grounds and gardens, you can also go on a tour of the royal apartments here. The weather in January can be cold and snowy, but the grounds are beautiful in any season, and the palace itself is an amazing example of French architecture.

Orsay Museum
Visit Musée D'Orsay

The Musée D'Orsay, situated on the left bank of the Seine, is one of the most popular places to visit in Paris in January. The museum is home to an incredible collection of art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the building itself is a work of art.

Sainte Chapelle
Visit The Sainte-Chapelle

Your visit to Paris in the month of January will be incomplete without visiting the Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic chapel located in the royal palace on the Île de la Cité in the heart of the city. Built in the 13th century to house the crown of thorns relic, it is one of the most important examples of Rayonnant architecture.

What to Pack For Your Trip to Paris in January?

Arc de Triomphe
  • When planning a trip to Paris in January, some of the things that you need to pack include a lot of warm clothes, along with other essentials. Ensure that you have plenty of warm sweaters, coats, scarves, warm socks, and a hat or cap that will protect your ears and head. You must also pack an umbrella since there can be sudden and erratic rainfall in the city at any given time during this month.

  • Since the streets of Paris can be icy and slippery owing to snow, you must also pack a couple of pairs of waterproof shoes to ensure that you don’t fall down and maintain your balance. Don’t forget to pack a pair of high-quality gloves (with fingers and finger-less) to keep your hands warm.

  • Besides all the clothing and winter essentials, you must also carry all your travel documents, including your passport and visa, as well as proof of identity, extra cash (in local currency) and type E power adapter when visiting Paris in January.

Tips to Travel in Paris in January

Paris, view of the river near sunset
  • Plan your visit to Paris in January as it is the low season, so you can avail good deals on airfare and accommodation in the city during this time.

  • It is advised to not book outdoor picnics, boating and other similar activities in January as the experience can be rather displeasing due to bad weather.

  • It is also advisable to start your day early, since it tends to get dark from 03:30 p.m. onwards, especially during the first half of January.

  • It is best to avoid taking a Seine river cruise in Paris in January, since there would be icy winds blowing around, making the experience quite unpleasant.

FAQs related to Paris in January

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