Visiting Paris with children in winter: what to expect

Without a doubt, Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and visiting it with children is an absolutely wonderful idea. However, every time I told people that we were visiting Paris in winter with kids, they thought it was a horrible idea.

Frankly, I thought we might be doomed too, thinking that all the parks and playgrounds might not be accessible, but I quickly realized I was worrying unnecessarily. Most tourists prefer to visit France in summer to enjoy the beautiful weather and lively atmosphere, but also the tourist crowd has the same idea.

The city of Paris is worth visiting at any time of the year, including winter, and there is plenty to do with kids even when it’s cold, dark and even rainy. There is something undeniably beautiful about Paris in December. It’s cozy, romantic and festive, with pretty lights everywhere.

Visiting Paris with children in winter

Paris has a reputation for being gray, cold and wet in winter, but that is not entirely deserved. Sure, the weather won’t be as nice as in spring or summer, but there will still be plenty of sunny days. On average, you can expect 10 to 11 days of rain per month in winter, which is not that bad.

Keep in mind that the days in Paris are quite short in winter, with only about 8 hours of daylight. At the end of December, the sun will not rise before 9 am and will set at 5 pm. Plan your sightseeing and outdoor activities accordingly. Offers a great excuse to sleep in 😉

The good news is that, due to the mild French climate, winters in Paris are relatively mild. Temperatures rarely fall below freezing, although humidity can make it seem colder than it is.
December 4°- 8°C (39°- 46°F)
January 3°- 8°C (37°- 46°F)
February 3°- 9°C (37°- 48°F)

What to pack for Paris in winter

There’s only one way to beat the Parisian winter weather and that’s with layers. Warm, sunny days alternate with cold and humid ones, so layers are your best friend. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors exploring the city, long underwear and thermal clothing will help keep you warm.

Winter in Paris with kids meant I made an exception and instead of a single, portable, lightweight travel stroller (which is why I always carry), I brought a stroller for my kids. As crazy as the idea seemed at first, I quickly realized it was a lifesaver. The children would interact with each other under the waterproof cover and blankets and walk around the city with us.

For kids, a pair of waterproof winter boots was a must so they could splash in puddles and run through muddy parks. Additionally, rain and ice can make Paris’ cobblestone streets particularly slippery.

Regardless of the season, fashion style in Paris tends to be quite minimalist with simple, high-quality pieces in neutral colors. Warm pants and dark jeans are always appropriate for Paris in winter; They go with everything, look elegant and provide enough warmth.

For adults, dresses won’t look out of place either, but we recommend combining them with fleece-lined leggings to protect your legs from the cold. Also, opt for warm layers of long-sleeved shirts, cardigans, and sweaters. To fit in with Parisian fashion, leave the sweatshirts at home and opt for cute knits.

How to get around Paris in winter

Getting around Paris in winter is almost as easy as in summer. Although Paris is a very walkable city, you’ll probably want to opt for public transportation, taxis, or Uber more often in winter.

Paris’ public transport network is excellent, with convenient metro, train, tram and bus connections. The subway is the best way to get around the city. It’s fast, affordable and easy to navigate. With 16 lines and 300 stations, you will always get where you need. You can buy tickets at the automatic machines and at the information booths at the stations, but also at tobacco kiosks and online. Information booths also hand out free metro maps.

Metro tickets are also valid for the RER urban train network, buses and trams. The RER is especially convenient when you want to travel to the outskirts of the city or get to the airport. A single ticket costs €1.90, but you can also get a set of 10 tickets for €14.50 or purchase one of the multi-day tourist passes for public transport, starting at €13.20 for 24 hours. Children receive a discounted rate.

During the night, when public transportation is not as available, you can opt for a taxi. During the day, traffic makes this a less convenient option. You can stop one or walk to the nearest taxi rank. Be prepared to pay cash and show your address to the driver, as most drivers do not accept credit cards and speak minimal English.

The best things to do in Paris with children in winter

1. See the big tourist attractions

You can’t go to Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame or the Louvre. Paris has many monuments and tourist attractions that are famous for one reason: their incredible beauty. Paris city center offers one postcard view after another. Even when it’s cold, it’s gray and it’s raining.

Winter is actually the best time to visit the most famous places in Paris because there are fewer tourists. Paris in winter is much more relaxed and less crowded. This way you won’t have to wait in line or compete with crowds to get a photo of the Mona Lisa.

We were able to simply walk into the Louvre and escape the winter cold. Notre Dame still required a reservation, but it wasn’t too difficult to get tickets. Unlike spring, during winter it is also easy to buy tickets to the catacombs.

2. Go to a playground

Paris is a very walkable city, even in winter, and no school will cancel outdoor recess when it’s rainy or cold. We saw many children at numerous playgrounds and my children were no exception to the rule.

All we needed was a pair of rubber boots and we had a great time. The city was a bit moody and none of my children complained about the cold.

If it starts to rain too much, there are plenty of indoor attractions in Paris that kids will love. For example, did you know that there is a huge indoor aquarium right next to the Eiffel Tower?

3. Visit the Museums

What better time than a cold and rainy winter day in Paris to visit museums? Hide from the bad weather and warm up while contemplating incredible works of art. Paris is full of museums. From world-famous tourist attractions like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay to small galleries and hidden gems.

In winter, you won’t have to wait in the same crazy lines as in summer. Take advantage of the lack of tourists and the winter weather to treat yourself to paintings and sculptures by world-renowned artists or discover emerging artists.
Art and history lovers can’t miss the Louvre, the Orsay Museum is a must-see for fans of 19th and 20th century art, and modern art connoisseurs will love the Center Pompidou. Even in winter it is worth buying tickets to these museums in advance. This will also limit the amount of time you spend waiting in line, which is especially annoying when it’s cold and rainy.

4. Celebrate the holidays

Paris is incredibly atmospheric and festive in December. The numerous twinkling lights and cold weather give it a touch of Winter Wonderland. Get into the Christmas spirit by visiting the many Christmas markets, ice skating, or enjoying the Christmas theme at some of the Loire Valley’s nearby castles. I also highly recommend the Vaux le Vicomte Christmas decorations – it can be visited on a half-day excursion.

For the celebration itself, you can attend Christmas Eve mass at one of Paris’ many cathedrals and churches or reserve a seat for a dinner and cabaret show.

For children, walking past beautifully decorated windows is a fun activity, as well as seeing the Christmas tree at Galerie Lafayatte. Although I have to admit, my little one was definitely afraid of a giant elf hanging from the ceiling.

New Year’s Eve is a light show in Paris. Get tickets to one of the city’s glamorous New Year’s parties, get dressed up and enjoy an unforgettable night. Imagine the view of fireworks over the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe.

5. Shop until you drop

From the designer stores along the Champs-Elysées to the Sunday markets, Paris is a shopaholic’s paradise. The French are known for their impeccable taste and Paris is the heart of the French art and fashion scene. It is the perfect place to get items from famous and not-yet-famous French designers.

Heated stores are not only a welcome refuge from the winter weather, but winter is also sales season. Most stores will be offering huge discounts in mid-January, from high street to high fashion. There’s no better time to get a good deal on beautiful pieces from French designers.

You can also get some of the most spectacular Christmas trees in the world in some squares, such as the Galerie Lafayette. It is one of the most instagrammable places in Paris.

6. Enjoy French cuisine

French cuisine is possibly one of the best and most famous in the world. And rightly so! Who doesn’t love those delicate French dishes and pastries? Winter is as good a time as any to enjoy delicious food and explore Paris’ culinary scene.

Start your day with a French puff and a latte in a cozy café. For lunch and dinner, the bistro offers typical French winter dishes, including hearty soups and stews. And is there anything better than warming up with a delicious hot chocolate after a cold, rainy winter day in Paris?

If you want to learn how to make those delicious French dishes and pastries yourself, a cooking class is a great activity on a cold day. They are offered throughout the city with different themes and at different levels so that anyone can add something new to their culinary repertoire. You can also preserve everything you prepare. Last time I left class with 120 fresh macarons!

Christmas markets also offer many great food options. Classic Christmas market dishes are often found there, as well as traditional French dishes, such as cheese, and international appetizers. All this, of course, accompanied by cups of steaming mulled wine.

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Don’t be discouraged by the slightly greyer, colder and wetter winter weather. Paris is beautiful any time of year! Visiting Paris in winter has great advantages: holidays and festivities, a cozy and romantic atmosphere, lower prices and fewer tourists. So pack a warm coat and book a trip to Paris now 🙂