What to do in Paris in January

It’s a New Year and it’s January again (even though last January seems like just yesterday!) Everyone’s recovering from a busy holiday season, and it’s quieter and calmer in Paris. But there’s no shortage of things to do. Keep warm by catching that exhibition you were meaning to see, listen to some classical music in a Paris church, or grab a bargain at the winter sales:

New Year’s Concerts – Various locations & dates

There are many New Year’s concerts in Paris, including on January 1: Don Quixote at Opéra Bastille (also on Jan 2), concerts at the Eiffel Tower and Église de la Madeleine, as well as Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & Christmas Songs at Église Saint‐Eustache, and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & Mozart’s A Little Night Music at Église Saint‐Germain‐des‐Prés (also on Jan 29). There’s also Chopin with candlelights at Église Saint‐Éphrem (also on Jan 17, 21, 26).

For the rest of the month, there’s a New Year’s concert with Champagne, wine, and tapas at La Sainte‐Chapelle on Jan 2; Offenbach’s La Vie Parisienne at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées on Jan 2, 4-9; Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Église de la Madeleine on Jan 8, 14, 21, 29; Brahms, Beethoven & Chopin at Église Saint‐Éphrem on Jan 19 and 27.

Soldes d’Hiver – Jan 12 – February 8

If Santa forgot a few things from your wishlist, the winter sales are your opportunity to fill in the gaps and save at the same time. Prior to the public sales are typically soldes privées (private) or VIP sales. But don’t be dissuaded—here’s a tip: usually all you have to do is sign up to the brand’s newsletter to access the sale! 

Vivian Maier – Musée du Luxembourg – until Jan 16

Catch the exhibition by American street photographer Vivian Maier before it ends. The exhibition reveals archives that were discovered in 2007 and have never been seen before, including vintage photographs printed by Maier, super 8 films that have never been shown, and audio recordings. This exhibition allows the full extent of the eminent artist’s work to be appreciated, and for her work to be placed in the history of photography.

Botticelli: Artiste et Designer – Musée Jacquemart André – until Jan 24

The Musée Jacquemart-André celebrates the creative genius of one of the most well-known Renaissance artists in Italy, Sandro Botticelli (1445-1510), and his workshop’s activity. The museum exhibits around 40 works by the master, along with several paintings by his contemporaries, who were greatly influenced by him.

Vogue Paris 1920-2020 – Palais Galliera – until Jan 30

The Palais Galliera presents a major new exhibition celebrating 100 years of Vogue Paris magazine. The exhibition illustrates the magazine’s ability to create, adapt, and anticipate over the past 100 years. For Vogue Paris 1920-2020, around 400 items have been brought together, mainly from the magazine’s archives—photographs, illustrations, magazines, documents, and films—as well as more than 15 haute couture and prêt-à-porter models. 

Piinpi: Contemporary Australian Indigenous Fashion – Australian Embassy Paris – Jan 31 – April 19

The first major survey of contemporary Indigenous Australian fashion, Piinpi sheds light on a blossoming industry that is set to become a major fashion movement. Piinpi: Contemporary Australian Indigenous Fashion celebrates Australian Indigenous art, history, and culture through the lens of contemporary fashion. The exhibition will also take place in the Observatory of the BHV Marais as part of the Australian takeover of the store (January 29 –February 27).

Related Links

• Check out our new Marketplace!
• Dine at these eco-friendly and zero-waste restaurants.
• Check out Solo Sophie’s guide of things to do in January in Paris.

Written by Ali Postma for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.