Who wouldn’t want to spend winter in Paris? Just picture it: a morning walk in the crisp, cold air on the banks of the River Seine, people watching over a rib-sticking cassoulet with a blanket on your lap on a bustling restaurant terrace, an afternoon soaking up the best museum exhibitions without the crowds that flock here in peak season, all topped off by views of the glittering Eiffel Tower and Christmas illuminations as night embraces the city. If you need a good excuse to visit Paris this November or December, you can use any of these: “I need to scrub up on my French”, “I got a great deal on a course there”, “I need to use up my holiday allowance” or “It’s the perfect early Christmas present for (insert name of loved one here)”. Read onto find out more about what makes winter in Paris so special.
Christmas markets in Paris:
- La Défense / 12th Nov-31st Dec
- Jardin des Tuileries / 14th Nov-3rd Jan
- Notre Dame / 26th Nov-27th Dec
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés / 27th Nov-6th Jan
- Hôtel de Ville / 5th Dec-3rd Jan
- Eiffel Tower / 5th Dec-3rd Jan
Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire…
France is famous for its food, and November and December are real corkers when it comes to culinary delights. Make a beeline for the traditional little bistros and look out for seasonal menus serving winter delicacies such as black truffle, hearty stew and hare à la royale.
You don’t want to miss the Christmas markets that come to town from mid-November onwards either! Take a deep breath, follow your nose and sample chouchous (caramelised nuts), marrons chauds (roasted chestnuts), cornets de saucissons (charcuterie cones) and pain d’épices (honey ginger cake) among others, all washed down by a vin chaud or chocolat chaud outside a cute little wooden chalet.
If you’re looking for something more authentic, mingle with the locals at Marché Grenelle and warm up with a highly calorific bowl of cheesy aligot, Alsatian choucroute (sauerkraut) or a rich bœuf bourguignon. It’s only open on Wednesdays during the week, but you’re far more likely to be able to practise your French at the market. Plus it’s under 10 minutes from ACCORD Paris, meaning you can grab lunch straight after your 15-hour morning course or fuel up here before your afternoon lessons.
O Come, All Ye Faithful…
Christmas is always a spiritual time, and Paris is full of spiritual sites with there fair share of magic and wonder. Step inside the city’s churches, and you may well be greeted by a traditional nativity scene, advent calendar (nothing like the chocolate ones you get from the supermarket) and maybe even a Christmas tree.
Visiting a church or cathedral whilst on holiday is a great way to get to grips with a country’s culture, as well as being a lovely way to escape the drizzle and gaze at some beautiful religious architecture. The churches in the capital also set the scene for concerts and organ recitals, the most iconic at this time of year being Handel’s Messiah. Join in singing the Hallelujah Chorus with the locals at the likes of La Madeleine on 11th December.
Silent Night…
Visitor numbers tend to soar in Paris in the last two weeks of December, which works out well for you since ACCORD Paris closes on December 12th 2026. That means you can learn French and have Paris pretty much to yourself without having to queue up for your vin chaud at the market or jump up and down to get a view of the Mona Lisa.
It’s a golden opportunity to visit the places you’ve always avoided because they’re too busy or always fully booked, such as the often-sold-out Catacombs, Eiffel Tower or the Louvre.
Your packing list:
- A little umbrella
- A warm, waterproof coat
- A hat
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Layers
Baby, It’s Cold Outside…
But not too cold! November and December in Paris tend to be chilly and damp, so don’t expect freezing cold temperatures but rather changeable weather. Plan some good rainy-day activities to make the most of the lower visitor numbers in the capital’s museums and monuments.
Escape the damp weather and keep cosy with activities such as a madeleine baking class with a real Parisian chef or an art class in a cute little Parisian café. Head into the famous passages couvertes to visit high-end boutiques, whimsical wine bars, nostalgic bookshops and mouth-watering bistros among unique 19th century architecture. When the sun is shining, get outside and embrace the city. The French capital has a very different vibe in winter; it’s more laidback and magical, with illuminations lighting up the city streets and shop windows glittering with show-stopping sights.
Remember that the days are shorter at this time of year, so you may well arrive at ACCORD Paris just after the sun has come out and leave when it’s dark, especially if you’re on one of the super-intensive French courses! What better excuse to saunter beneath the glittering fairy lights and festive decorations?
A great way to feast your eyes on the city in the evening is a trip on a bateau mouche or boat on the River Seine. Spend an hour or more watching the world go by and gazing at the festive illuminations, glittering Eiffel Tower and Christmas decorations adorning the legendary landmarks you sail by. We recommend you book well in advance as these experiences sell out fast over the holiday season.
- Ice, Ice, Baby… Ice skating rinks in Paris:
- Grand Palais
- Printemps Haussmann Rooftop
- Jardin des Tuileries
- La Défense
- Parc André Citröen
- Esplanade Jacques-Chaban-Delmas (free)
Underneath the Christmas Tree…
No trip to Paris would be complete without a spot of Christmas shopping. Les Grands Boulevards and Faubourg Saint Honoré are the place to go for window shopping, but if you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs or French fancies to treat your friends and family, food is always a great option. Tins of foie gras are always popular and convenient to pack in your suitcase. Less convenient, but just as appreciated, are boxes of macarons in seasonal flavours such as spiced gingerbread or chestnut from the likes of Ladurée and Pierre Hermé.
The Christmas markets are always full of festive little trinkets to take home with you. Look out for traditional santons which, although not local at all (they hail from Provence), are very, very French. These hand-painted clay figures appear in nativity scenes and represent French village life, so you’ll find bakers, milkmaids, vine growers and more to add to your little Christmas display at home.
And you can’t beat a bauble in the shape of the Eiffel Tower, can you? Speaking of the Eiffel Tower, ACCORD Paris is just a stone’s throw from the great Iron Lady and one to keep in mind for gifting. Contact us on info@activelanguages.co.uk about arranging a course for your teenager, partner or best friend to treat them to an unforgettable experience this Christmas.
There’s still time to book your course at ACCORD Paris before it closes for Christmas. Contact us today to secure your place and enjoy winter in the French capital!
