Enjoy a fabulous trip to Paris in winter with our selected experiences

With its majestic architecture and wide boulevards lined with elegant restaurants, boutiques and manicured parks, Paris is one of the most alluring capitals in Europe. While the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur and Notre-Dame are world-famous landmarks, the city's considerable charm is further enhanced by its cafe culture and bohemian lifestyle. Even after winter arrives, the seductive French capital promises marvellous things to discover, from special events and enchanting Christmas markets to unbeatable museums, exciting outdoor activities and hearty servings of seasonal food and drink!

The majority of visitors arrive in Paris during the late spring and early summer, dreaming of sunkissed strolls along the banks of the River Seine before lunch outside at a traditional bistro. But, is Paris worth visiting in the winter? Absolutely! The city retains its charm year round, with winter in Paris providing its own magical atmosphere. Trees lining Haussmannian boulevards twinkle with fairy lights and heated brasserie terraces glow enticingly. Throughout December, department stores are dressed in lavish holiday displays, and brightly lit Christmas trees illuminate the city.

Winter travel to Paris has other advantages. November, early December, mid-January and February are the best times to visit because they encompass the low season for tourism: smaller crowds, better accommodation prices and fewer queues for top attractions and restaurants. Additionally, the cooler seasonal temperatures make winter a great time to fully enjoy exploring art galleries and museums and relaxing in cosy cafes. However, do remember that the holiday period, from mid-December until 6 January, is a high tourist season in Paris.

Winter in Paris spans from November to February, and the weather is cold but rarely freezing. Temperatures range from highs of 8°C to lows of 3°C. Some days are grey and rainy, but many days begin with a frosty morning followed by sunshine and clear blue skies. Does it snow in Paris in winter? Not often, and even then it's usually a light dusting. However, keep in mind that winter days in Paris are fairly short: towards the end of December, the sun doesn't rise until around 9am and sets by 5pm, giving you only eight hours of daylight. Whatever the weather, there are always plenty of things to do and places to visit in Paris in the winter. Here are some of our favourites.

A seasonal tradition dating from the Middle Ages, Christmas markets start to appear in late November. Swiss-style chalets offering festive foods, handcrafted gifts and decorations, amidst radiant displays of sparkling lights and brightly decorated Christmas trees provide holiday spirit in abundance. Do as the Parisians do: embrace the festive cheer, a cup of fragrant mulled wine in hand, as you browse for arts and crafts, smell the roasting chestnuts, and sample such specialties as raclette, sizzling sausages and fresh waffles. There are at least a dozen Christmas markets across Paris each winter, and they are typically open from the last Sunday in November until Christmas Eve (24 December), though some stay open until early January. Read on for our selection of the best.

• Tuileries Garden, 75001
• Open mid-November to early January; Mon-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-12.45am; Sun 11am-11.45pm
• Transport: Métro lines 1, 8 or 12 to Concorde or line 1 to Tuileries

The biggest and best Christmas market in the city, the Tuileries Garden: La Magie de Noël spans the length of one of Paris' finest parks. Featuring all the delights of a traditional Christmas market, including multiple illuminated Santas and reindeer, La Magie de Noël also offers a seasonal funfair packed with carnival rides – you'll see the huge Ferris wheel silhouetted against the sky as you approach across the park. Fairground-style attractions include fun house rides, ideal for teens, as well as a carousel and train rides for younger kids. There's also a compact outdoor ice rink. The Artisan Village features French and international handicrafts to browse before you're tempted by the tantalising treats on offer at scores of Bavarian-style chalets. Popular favourites include hot roasted chestnuts and Nutella crepes. You'll also find many cabins offering hot mulled wine, alcoholic drinks and even Champagne bars. Remember, enjoying these beverages in moderation not only enhances the holiday experience but also ensures it remains safe and enjoyable for everyone.

• Square René-Viviani, Quai Montebello, 75005
• Open Mid-December until Christmas Eve (December 24)
• Transport: Métro line 4 to Saint Michel or line 10 to Maubert-Mutualité; RER line B or C to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

One of the most charming seasonal markets in the city, the Paris Notre-Dame Christmas Market takes place in leafy Square René Viviani park on the Left Bank. Within view of Notre-Dame's soaring 12th-century towers (currently under reconstruction since the catastrophic fire in 2018), the market's stalls serve up much more than traditional mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Local producers offer a range of French gastronomic delights such as foie gras, dry-cured sausage, cheeses and pretzels, as well as exquisite traditional macarons and madeleines. Artisans also distinguish the market with handcrafted jewellery, mohair and cashmere scarves, ceramics, candles glassware and more. Occasional performances by musicians enhance the festive cheer, and frequent appearances by Santa himself delight children.

• Esplanade de La Défense, 92800, Puteaux
• Open late November until Christmas Eve (December 24); Sun-Thu 11am-8pm; Fri 11am-10pm; Sat 10am-10pm
• Transport: Métro line 1 to La Défense or Esplanade de La Défense; RER line A to La Défense

La Défense Christmas Village is actually the largest Christmas market in the Paris area, but its location in the high-rise business district a mile beyond the Périphérique ring road means you won't chance upon it when exploring the city centre. However an easy trip on the Métro takes you to La Défense, where excellent gift shopping opportunities, delicious food options and abundant entertainment await, all presented against the dramatic backdrop of the district's skyscrapers – especially impressive when lit up after dark. Hundreds of Swiss-style chalets overflow with quality artisanal products, from knitwear and leather goods to pottery and glassware.

Head to the food court to feast on tartiflette (creamy cheese and potato with ham), raclette on baguette and waffles. Or enjoy a sit-down meal at one of the pop-up restaurants – steak frites or entrecote au bleu, anyone? And don't forget the hot cider, beer and wine. Christmas scenes such as Santa's house make festive backdrops for family photos, while afternoon story time, crafts, rides on the vintage carousel and face painting keep the little ones entertained.

• Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, 75004
• Open early December until early January; Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
• Transport: Métro line 1 or 11 to Hôtel de Ville

Paris's Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market sees the expansive plaza in front of the city's government building transformed by hundreds of fir trees decorated with twinkling lights. After dark, an enchanting light show turns the Hôtel de Ville's magnificent neo-Renaissance façade a deep blue that is seemingly flecked with drifting snowflakes. Just steps away from bustling Rue de Rivoli, a traditional carousel, mountainside tubing, a climbing wall and an ice-skating rink provide fun for children. Meanwhile, you can treat yourself to hot chocolate or mulled wine and take a few moments to soak up the festive spirit of the city's loveliest Christmas market.

Any trip to Paris should include relishing the delights of the nation's cuisine. An essential element in the French art de vivre is knowing how to eat well and to consciously enjoy eating food. Take the time to fully appreciate these warming seasonal specialties on your winter trip to Paris!

Paris bars and bistros traditionally add mulled wine to their drinks menus during the winter. A festive favourite, mulled wine makes a fragrant warming drink when sipped in a cosy cafe or at a terrace table bathed by the city lights. Prepared by heating sweetened red wine with cinnamon, cloves and star anise, and garnished with an orange slice, vin chaud is also perfect to sip as you stroll through Paris Christmas markets.

Tartiflette originated in the French Alps and is a traditional French comfort dish when winter weather brings a chill. A scrumptious baked gratin of potatoes, onions, crème fraiche and lardons (diced bacon) enriched by plentiful melted Reblochon cheese, it's the ideal dish to warm you up after a cold day's sightseeing in Montmartre.

Generous portions of this national delicacy traditionally appear on festive Christmas and New Year's Eve dinner tables in the capital. Foie gras is generally served up whole or prepared as pâté. Try it on wholemeal toast with chutney or fig jam, accompanied by a chilled glass of Bergerac or Pinot gris, at Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie in Les Halles.

A classic comfort dish with origins in the south of France, cassoulet is another cold weather staple. A thick, rich stew of pork and duck confit cooked slowly with white beans and vegetables until tender, cassoulet is one of the most popular meals in France, so you're sure to see it on Paris winter menus.

Exceptional all year round, the hot chocolate at Angelina tea salon on Rue de Rivoli is best savoured on a cold winter's day. Made with blended cocoas from Niger, Ghana and the Ivory Coast and served with whipped cream, Angelina's rich, smooth hot chocolate is best accompanied by a macaroon or millefeuille. Once at your table, take a moment to soak in the refined dining room, which is decorated with numerous frescoes and large mirrors.

• Champ de Mars, 75007
• Transport: Métro line 6 to Bir-Hakeim; RER line C to Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel

• 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018
• Transport: Bus 40 to Place du Tertre; Funiculaire de Montmartre from Abbesses

Overlooking the city from Montmartre hilltop since its completion in 1914, Sacré-Coeur’s graceful white domes crown a basilica housing a spectacular mosaic of Christ and breathtaking stained-glass windows. For sweeping Paris views, you can tackle the 300 winding steps or make quick, easy ascent on the funicular railway.

• 10 Boulevard du Palais, 75001
• Métro lines 1, 7, 11 or 14 to Châtelet; RER lines B or C to Saint-Michel

Built for King Louis IX in the 13th-century to house his collection of holy relics, Sainte-Chapelle on Île de la Cité near Notre-Dame, is a masterpiece of ornate Gothic styling with brightly decorated vaulted ceilings. Aim to visit the chapel on a sunny winter’s day, when rays of light as stream through countless tiny kaleidoscopic panes, illuminating the breathtaking stained glass windows.

From mid-November onwards Paris really lives up to her name as the City of Light with spectacular festive displays illuminating the capital’s wide boulevards and grand monuments. From your Paris hotel, take an evening stroll down the Champs-Élysées to enjoy the most extravagant Christmas displays in the city. Sparkling decorations are strung across the avenue, and the hundreds of trees lining it shine with countless twinkling bulbs. Shopfronts are draped with lights or illuminated with projections. The Galeries Lafayette department store presents dazzling window displays, and the designer boutiques along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré are splendidly adorned. Not to be outdone, nearby Place Vendôme is transformed into a mini-forest of pine trees decorated with white lights.

• 75001 Paris
• Open Wed-Mon 9am-6pm, Fri until 9:45pm. Admission €17
• Transport: Métro lines 1 and 7 to Palais-Royal or Musée du Louvre

A highlight of a winter trip to Paris is that you can visit one of the world’s greatest art museums without having to deal with massive crowds. The Louvre's collections encompass art and antiquities from ancient civilisations up to masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Da Vinci. There’s far too much to see in a week, let alone a day, but you can savour moments in front of pieces ranging from the Venus de Milo to the breathtaking Mona Lisa.

• 1 rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007
• Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-6pm, Thu until 9:45pm. Admission €16
• Transport: Métro line 12 to Solférino; RER line C to Musée d'Orsay

This majestic, late 19th-century railway station overlooks the Seine and now houses the revered Musée d’Orsay. The numerous canvases hung in the museum’s cavernous interior make up the world’s finest collection of Impressionist art, including masterpieces by Degas, Manet, Monet and Renoir. And don’t miss the world-class collections of decorative arts and Art Nouveau furniture.

• Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004
• Open Wed-Mon 11am-9 pm, Thu until 11pm. Admission €15
• Transport: Métro line 11 to Rambuteau or line 1 to Hôtel de Ville

Housed in a striking complex with numerous exposed girders and multi-coloured ducts, the Centre Pompidou is a must-see when visiting Paris. Here, you can view the most comprehensive collection of modern and contemporary art in Europe. Displays detailing the development of the pre-eminent 20th-century artistic movements feature stellar works by artists from Chagall to Mondrian, Léger to Miro. And don't miss the sweeping panorama of Paris from the rooftop.

When the cold weather arrives, ice-skating rinks traditionally pop up around the city, offering a fun winter activity. The rink underneath the glass roof of the Grand Palais des Glaces is our favourite, but much-needed renovation at the Grand Palais means it won’t be running before the venue reopens in 2024. However, there’s still merriment for little ones to enjoy on rinks at Christmas markets. The rink at La Magie de Noël at Tuileries Garden is compact but big enough to provide plenty of enjoyment, and there’s a special area for beginners. You can find another small ice-skating rink at the Christmas market in front of the striking Hôtel de Ville.

Adore shopping? January is the best month to visit Paris because you can take advantage of fantastic winter sales. Starting the second week of the new year, “Les Soldes” see boutiques and department stores offering significant discounts on highly desirable merchandise. In fact, shoppers can find as much as 70 percent off on labels such as Chanel, Gucci and Hermès. A good starting point for your retail extravaganza could be one of the big department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette or Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement. On nearby Place Vendôme, visit luxury jewellery houses such as Boucheron and Cartier before browsing the designer clothing boutiques lining the adjacent Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

Although temperatures rarely drop as low as freezing, you should still expect chilly weather on your trip. And, of course, some days it might rain. To help you prepare for your trip, here’s a list of what to wear in Paris in the winter.

• Clothing and footwear: Thick sweaters and fleece tops are essential for keeping warm. Pack a few short-sleeved and long-sleeved T-shirts as well, so you can layer-up on extra-cold days. 
• Pants: Pack a pair of jeans and some thick trousers for your trip. A pair of thermal leggings for layering under your pants is also a great idea. 
• Boots: Don’t go out without them. You’ll need a comfortable pair of waterproof, leather boots to ensure you’re well prepared for long days of walking around the city.
• Winter coat: They’re bulky, but you’ll need a winter coat that is warm and waterproof. And because coats take up valuable suitcase space, if possible, you should take one that goes with (almost) everything.
• Hats, scarves and gloves: Paris is an international fashion capital, but keeping warm is essential on your trip. Make sure you pack a warm hat, as fashionable as you like, as well as a woollen scarf and matching gloves. Thick socks are also a good idea if you can squeeze them into your case.
• Tech: Of course, you’ll be bringing your mobile phone. But make sure you also pack a charger cable and a portable charger so you don’t run out of battery power when you’re out and about for extended periods. Also, remember to pack an adapter for the two-pin plugs in France, which you'll also need if you're planning to bring your laptop or tablet.

The centrally located neighbourhood of Les Halles is home to numerous market streets, bakeries and restaurants. Novotel Paris Les Halles offers modern rooms and amenities steps away from the stores and leafy park of Forum les Halles shopping centre and a five-minute walk from the Centre Pompidou.