When winter settles over Paris, the city transforms into something magical: golden lights, warm cafés, and quiet museums that feel like secret hideaways. Even when the weather changes unexpectedly, the City of Light keeps its charm. From steamy chocolat chaud to grand galleries and hidden passages, here are our favorite ways to stay warm while still exploring Paris in winter.
Top 7 Things to Do in Paris When It’s Cold
1. Warm Up in Paris’ Historic Cafés
Step inside Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, where warmth meets nostalgia. Nothing says “Paris in winter” quite like a steaming cup of chocolat chaud. Order a velvety hot chocolate or a café crème and watch the world go by from behind misted windows. These timeless cafés are ideal for reading, people-watching, or simply escaping the chill.
2. Get Lost in the Louvre (Without the Crowds)
Winter in Paris means fewer tourists, and that’s your cue to explore the Louvre at your own pace. Wander from the Winged Victory to the Mona Lisa, then through the hushed halls of sculptures and tapestries. The echo of footsteps and soft lighting make it feel like a private experience.
3. Shop & Stroll Through Covered Passages
When rain hits, head for the passages couverts: 19th-century arcades that combine architecture, history, and charm. Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas, and Passage Jouffroy are all filled with boutiques, tea salons, and vintage bookstores. They’re perfect for wandering without braving Paris in the cold or rain.
4. Indulge in a Spa Day or Hammam
There’s no better time to relax than on a cold Parisian afternoon. Visit the historic Hammam de la Mosquée for a traditional steam bath or book a modern luxury treatment at Le Bristol’s Spa. Warm stones, eucalyptus steam, and candlelight, a pure winter bliss.
5. Discover the City’s Hidden Museums
Paris has hundreds of museums beyond the big names. Try the Musée Carnavalet: a museum in Parisian history, Musée Gustave Moreau: a museum in romantic art and symbolism, or the Musée de la Vie Romantique: a cozy gem near Montmartre. These smaller spots are quiet, beautiful, and perfect for an escape from Paris in the cold.
6. Enjoy Candlelit Evenings Indoors
As night falls early, Paris glows from within. Attend a classical concert in Sainte-Chapelle, where stained glass shimmers with every note. Or dine by candlelight in a tucked-away bistro and remember that romance thrives, even in the cold of Paris.
7. Take a Private Tour, Indoors and Out
Some of Paris’ best experiences mix comfort with adventure. Visit the Opéra Garnier, explore private art collections, or take a chauffeured city tour that lets you see Paris’ landmarks from the warmth of your seat. With My Private Paris, you can tailor your route for a luxurious, weatherproof day with no umbrella required.
When the air turns crisp and the Seine glows under soft winter lights, Paris doesn’t slow down, it only shifts gears. Every steaming cup, every golden hallway, every quiet museum visit becomes part of the city’s cozy winter rhythm. So bundle up, step out, and discover that cold-weather Paris might just be the most enchanting of all.
If you want to experience this, contact us today for us to show you the best of Paris — your way.
