Paris in Winter: A 3-Day Festive & Cozy Itinerary

Paris in winter is magical — the city sparkles with holiday lights, festive markets line charming squares, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine fills the air. Even on chilly days, the City of Light shines with cozy cafés, world-class museums, and elegant seasonal cheer.

This 3-day winter itinerary wraps together warmth, wonder, and just the right dose of holiday sparkle.

🗓️ Day 1 – Winter Icons & Sparkling Nights

🖼️ Morning: Warm Up in the Louvre

Start the day indoors with a visit to the Louvre Museum
Reserve skip-the-line tickets to avoid outdoor queues
👉 Book Louvre Entry Here

🎧 Add an audio guide for a richer experience, or join a winter-themed art tour

☕ Midday: Cozy Café Lunch

Head to Angelina near the Tuileries for rich hot chocolate and French onion soup
Or find a corner table at Café de Flore in Saint-Germain for a classic Parisian lunch

❄️ Afternoon: Holiday Market + Ice Skating

Visit the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market
- Browse artisan stalls, sip vin chaud, and grab a warm crêpe
Go ice skating at the nearby Hôtel de Ville rink or Grand Palais des Glaces (seasonal)

🌟 Evening: Paris Illuminations

Stroll down the Champs-Élysées under thousands of lights
Pass by Place Vendôme and Galeries Lafayette for breathtaking Christmas displays

📷 Don’t miss the Galeries Lafayette interior tree display under the dome

🗓️ Day 2 – Art, Opera & Alpine Comfort Food

🎨 Morning: Musée d’Orsay or l’Orangerie

Enjoy Impressionist warmth inside Musée d’Orsay
👉 Get Entry Tickets
Or visit Musée de l’Orangerie to bask in Monet’s Water Lilies

🥐 Brunch Break

Head to Claus or Holybelly for a winter brunch with warm pastries and seasonal specials

🎭 Afternoon: Palais Garnier or Winter Boutique Shopping

Take a tour of the Palais Garnier Opera House (or book an evening performance)
Browse covered passages like Galerie Vivienne or Passage Jouffroy for vintage shops and tea salons

🧀 Dinner: Raclette or Fondue

Embrace alpine vibes with dinner at:
- Pain, Vin, Fromages (fondue & raclette heaven)
- Le Chalet Savoyard (warm, cheesy goodness in a ski-lodge setting)

🧣 Pair with a glass of Savoie wine or warm mulled cider

🗓️ Day 3 – Cathedral, Canal, and Christmas Spirit

⛪ Morning: Notre-Dame & Île Saint-Louis

Walk the peaceful banks of the Île de la Cité
See Notre-Dame’s exterior, then explore Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass
👉 Skip-the-Line Sainte-Chapelle Tickets

🍨 Midday: Winter Picnic or Warm Bistro

Grab takeaway from Maison Verot and find a spot along the Canal Saint-Martin
Or dine in at Chez Janou for Provençal comfort food

🎄 Afternoon: Montmartre in the Snow

Explore Montmartre’s village-like charm — quieter and beautifully frosted in winter
Visit Sacré-Cœur, shop at local boutiques, and stop for warm tarte tatin

📷 Don’t miss photo ops on the stairs with views over a wintry Paris skyline

🎁 Evening: Christmas Lights & Final Treats

Do a final Christmas lights walk: Place Vendôme → Rue Saint-Honoré → Champs-Élysées
End with a sweet treat from Pierre Hermé or Jean-Paul Hévin

❄️ Bonus: Winter Tips for Paris Travelers

Pack layers: gloves, scarves, waterproof boots
Days are short: sunset around 5pm — plan photo stops earlier
Book indoor tickets ahead — museums and concerts are popular escapes from the cold
Markets peak mid-December to early January

🛍️ Recommended Winter Experiences

Paris in winter is a season of light, warmth, and indulgence. From festive markets to cozy dinners and glowing cathedrals, this itinerary gives you the perfect blend of elegance and cheer — even when the temperature drops.

👉 Plan Your Cozy Paris Getaway with Tours, Passes & Experiences