Visiting Paris in the Winter

Certainly, here is the translated text in English, preserving the markdown tagsWinter in ParisCertainly, winter in Paris is generally not the gentlest - the average temperature is around 7°C, so be sure to pack warm clothing - but it remains quite bearable and especially this time has some pleasant advantages. First of all, it finally returns the city to its inhabitants: the streets, cafes, restaurants, museums, and shops gradually empty of tourists, and the Parisians take back possession of the places. The long hours at the museum ticket counters shorten, and hotel room prices lighten a bit... A great way to start the journey.

My Beautiful Christmas Tree!

Winter is, of course, marked by the Christmas decorations scattered all over the shops and streets of the capital, from late November until the beginning of the new year. The trees on the Champs-Elysées avenue are adorned with colorful lights, a large open-air ice rink is set up on the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville, and, faithful to tradition for years, the Parisian department stores offer young and old the spectacle of their most beautiful Christmas decorations and fairy-tale-like window displays.

The essential family outing at the end of the year is, of course, the traditional Christmas markets, with wooden chalets opening their doors as early as November. From Saint-Germain-des-Prés to Place de la Nation, passing through the Champs-Elysées avenue, Paris now lives to the rhythm of artisans from all over France who come to showcase their products. Decorations, party items, or delicious local products - there's something for every taste in a warm and festive atmosphere. The Christmas markets are also an opportunity to find ideas for unique gifts, decorate your Christmas tree, or prepare delicious festive meals.

And Once Santa Claus Has Passed?...

The Christmas celebrations, of course, do not mark the end of the festivities! But beware, if you're in Paris for the first time during this period, you'll probably want to celebrate the New Year by admiring a fireworks display at the foot of the Eiffel Tower... But no. On New Year's Eve, you can venture around the Iron Lady or on the Champs-Elysées avenue, filled with a crowd of joyful revelers. To see Bengal fireworks and colorful parades, you'll have to wait until late January for the Chinese New Year. A series of events - concerts, shows, markets... - are scheduled for several days in various neighborhoods of Paris (Grand Palais, Hôtel de Ville, Place d’Italie, Belleville...

Until early January, the magnificent nave of the Grand Palais overlooks its grand annual funfair, subtly bringing together popular art and classical culture. The 30-meter high Ferris wheel delights the little ones and gives adults the opportunity to contemplate the immense glass roof of the palace while enjoying a panoramic view of Paris. The funfair is filled with over 50 attractions, including timeless bumper cars, rifle shooting stands, and lovely wooden carousels.

And if you desire to update your winter wardrobe, there's nothing better than exploring the Paris winter sales! They start on the second Wednesday of January and last for a month. The sales attract millions of Parisians each year who chase after good deals, with some shops offering up to -70% discounts during the final markdowns. So, get ready, set...