5 Reasons to Visit Paris This Winter*

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just feel like I really need an escape from reality, and this feeling seems to crop up more often in the middle of winter when everything is dull and grey. The funny thing is, I don’t always need to escape somewhere hot (although when I’m doing the freezing cold school run, I do often dream of white beaches and turquoise seas) sometimes I just need to go somewhere pretty, and there are few places prettier in the world than Paris in the winter. If this is you too, I have some news, the Voyage Prive website has some great Paris city breaks that you should definitely take advantage of. And if it’s not you, maybe these 5 reasons will convince you otherwise;

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The city is beautiful in the Winter
Okay, in my opinion, Paris is always beautiful but there is something extra special about seeing it against a cold crisp blue winter sky, believe me, I know. Or maybe you’d like to see it under a thick layer of powder snow? Wandering around the famed streets in a winter coat clutching a hot chocolate is the perfect way to explore Paris. It’s a city of senses and for some reason they’re sharper in the winter. Yes, it’s probably going to be freezing up the Eiffel Tower so don’t forget your beret, but I can assure you, it’s worth it!

Then at night, the city of lights shines even brighter than usual with all the Christmas lights you have on offer. The whole city is illuminated with light show projects that last into the beginning of January.

It’s one of the shopping Capitals of Europe
When it comes to shopping, I always think of Paris, like New York but closer. In fact I know of people who hop on the Eurostar to simply go shopping Paris, it’s that close by these days. Imagine going to Paris to do your Christmas shopping? They get similar sales to us in the run up to the big day so you’re able to pick up some bargains, and you could always pop into Laduree on Champs Elysee for a scrumptious desert. What a great weekend break.

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The Christmas markets are wonderful
I know when a lot of people think of Christmas markets they think of Germany, but Paris has some beautiful ones too. They pop up all across the city but the most famous has the back drop of Notre Dame herself. As much as I love a Christmas market in a local city, they’re extra amazing on the continent. Think of the warm crepes, fresh cheeses and artisan produce. If you visit Paris in the winter be sure to step away from the typical tourist landmarks to enjoy one of these festive gatherings.

You Can Ice Skate in front of the Eiffel Tower
I haven’t covered many of the tourist land marks, because that’s not what this post is about (although you should make time to visit them!) but I can’t possibly put this post together without letting you know you can ice skate with the Eiffel Tower as the back drop. I know it’s technically a big mental structure but admit it, there is something romantic about it, so just imagine skating (the most romantic of all winter activities, obviously) with your loved one and the tower glittering behind you.

Finally, you can pop to Disneyland Paris!
Of course this was going to come up, you cannot go to Paris and be that close to Disney and NOT visit in my opinion, and you’re in luck, DLP at Christmas is my favourite time to visit. There is so much magic in the air, and even more so this year with some wonderful new entertainment for the season. If you’re going to Paris anyway I 100% recommend you spend a day at the most magical theme park in Europe.

Who is ready to run off to Paris this Winter? I know I am!