Fewer tourists, cozy cafés, twinkling lights… all to yourself.
Source: 7 Reasons to Visit Paris in January – French Morning
1. January Sales (Les Soldes)
January Sales + Fashion Week = Unique Paris Experience in January.
Sure, you don’t have to leave the U.S. to take part in sales. But it’s Paris! On January 6, 2016, Paris shops and boutiques begin their January sales. While I’m not into shopping so much that I’d travel to Paris just to shop, I love my cape that I bought in Paris. Click here for French Morning’s suggestions on where to purchase that undefinable je ne sais quoi (I do not know what) French item that will have your friends oohhing and ahhhing.
2. Paris Fashion Week
You can’t purchase tickets to Fashion Week, but there will be plenty of fashion designers and models of both sexes walking the streets to make Paris in winter a little more interesting. Fashion Week will take place at the Carrousel du Louvre, an underground shopping mall in the 1st arrondissement (Metro: Tuileries). Men’s fashion will be shown from Wednesday, January 20 – Sunday, January 24; Haute Couture from Sunday, January 24 – Thursday, January 28. Watch the fashion shows live by clicking here.
3. Warmer Temperatures during Winter Than You Might Expect
When I was in Paris during winter recently, temperatures hovered in the mid-40s Fahrenheit (about 7.2 degrees Celsius) and it tended to rain/sprinkle more than snow. Since many cafes have heated outdoor seating, you’ll see plenty of Parisians sitting outside drinking Espresso without a care of feeling cold. Besides, sitting outside during winter gives you a good excuse to snuggle up to someone you love.
4. Fewer Tourists
Are you an art lover who yearns to spend quality time in Paris museums but don’t like crowds? January would be a great time for you to go. There won’t be long lines to get in or people elbowing you for a better look. (That goes for attractions and shows of all types, too.) Click here for Paris Insiders Guide to museum exhibits in January.
5. Great Skiing 4 Hours Away
So, perhaps you want to go to Paris to beat the crowds, but your honey doesn’t want to miss snow skiing. No need! Click here for Ski & Snowboard’s recommendations for French skiing.
Mmmmmmm…..La Gallette des Rois!
6. La Galette des Rois (The Cake of Kings) is Plentiful in Boulangeries (Bakeries)
You need only to look at the picture (or should I say, “salivate over the picture”?) to know why it is so named: flaky, rich, and slightly sweet, meant to be consumed with Espresso or another hot drink to keep you toasty warm.
Pont de Alexandre III lit up at night.
7. It Gets Dark at 3:30 P.M.
More time to enjoy the City of Light lit up in all of its splendor. How I love those old fashioned gas lights and the Eiffel Tower lit up at night.
Bon Voyage!
Image of Paris Fashion Week poster by Paris Insiders Guide, CCBY 2.0. Image of French Alps by David-Michael Photography, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of La Gallette des Rois by Gael Chardon, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Pont de Alexandre III by CanStockPhoto.