What to do in Paris This January

Last Updated:

1/2/2025

After the holiday season and December festivities, January can be a tough act to follow. To begin with, New Year’s Day is a national holiday in France. So expect most businesses and stores to be closed. But don’t be fooled by the slow start to this month! If you are looking for ideas for things to do and see in Paris in January, there are more than enough activities lined up in the city this month.

Paris in January ushers in a serene ambiance after the glitter and fireworks of the end of the year. There is a contemplative vibe in the city of light. There are also fewer tourists since it is low season.

This means even tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower or Mona Lisa at the Louvre have fewer crowds, compared to the long lines during the summer months. If you’re looking for a bite to eat and want to avoid tourist traps on your visit make sure to check out our top rated places for where to eat near the Eiffel Tower and restaurants near the Louvre.

The view of Eiffel Tower from a cafe in Paris — Mathias Reding
Top: Maris Orlova

Weather and how to pack

Winter in France starts from the end of December and continues until mid-March. Average temperatures in Paris in January oscillates between 3°C – 7°C (37°F to 45°F), making this the coldest month of the year.

There are quite a few rainy days, with fewer sunny days than any other winter months. Snow is not usual but, if you are lucky, there might be 1 or 2 days of moderate snowfall between end of January and the beginning of February.

If you are planning a trip to Paris in January, and wondering how to pack, I would advise you to follow the locals. Embrace the balance between style and warmth, by dressing in versatile layers. To make the most of this month, two most important things to pack, are waterproof shoes and warm socks.

Carry scarves, hats and gloves to ward off the chill. Add in your most fabulous winter coat and elegant boots to the ensemble, and you’ll be all sorted to have a wonderful time in Paris, despite the cold/rainy weather.

Things to do in Paris in January

Embrace the coziness of the winter months indoors by immersing yourself in the French capital’s thriving cultural scene. Warm up with a visit to the Louvre, or Musée d’Orsay, or spend time exploring some of the city’s beautiful covered passages, like Galerie Vivienne.

On sunny days, head out for a walk along the Seine river or sunbath in one of the many gardens of Paris. The major gardens in the city, like Jardin des Tuileries or Luxembourg Gardens look especially spectacular with winter foliage and flora. If you want both nature and warmth in an offbeat setting, visit one of these winter gardens in Paris.

Left: an image of the Eiffel Tower with the bouquinistes of Paris in the foreground, Right; Paris flower shop Flamant, Paris in January — Pronoti Baglary

Come rain or shine, its always a great time to go restaurant hopping, and trying out new addresses in Paris. Enjoy some leisurely hot chocolate and melty cheese at a cute café. Or try out a cooking class like this one by Ferrandi Paris. We wrote about our experience at Ferrandi’s Tarte Tatin class if you want to find out more.

Speaking of food, one thing that you should not miss in Paris in January, is trying some delectable galettes des rois (or king’s cake). These start flooding patisseries from early January. Here are some of our favorite galettes des rois in Paris.

This pastry is traditionally associated with the day of Epiphany (January 06). The delicious flakey pastry is filled with frangipane, a sweet almond based custard. Be sure to be on the lookout for the tiny figurine hidden inside.

Events Happening in Paris, January 2025

Winter Sales in France, January 8-February 4, 2025

This is best time to indulge in some retail therapy in Paris. Almost every major brand and department store (including the popular ones like Galeries Lafayette & Printemps) participates in the sales, called les soldes in French. Get your fill of French fashion and lifestyle, with a side of deep discounts.

Paris Fashion Week 2025, January 21-26 (Men’s) – January 27-30, 2025 (Women’s)

One of the most prestigious fashion events in the world is returning again this January. Experiencing Fashion Week in Paris is an unparalleled extravaganza of fashion and design. If you are a fashion-lover, there is no better time that this to be visiting the French capital.

Left: two girls sending flying kisses at the camera with the Eiffel Tower in Paris in the background, Right: a woman in a pink coat walking in the streets of Paris in January — Left: Diana Titenko; Right: Kelly

Maison & Objet, Parc des Expositions de Paris Nord Villepinte, 16-20 January 2025

One of the events of the year for those interested in art de vivre, home décor, and interior design. The theme this year at Maison & Objet is Surrealism in interior decoration trends.

Playtime Paris, Events Space at the Parc Floral de Paris, 25-27 January 2025

Looking for inspiration for your tiny one’s wardrobe? Playtime Paris, a major trade show is the place to be where international designers and avant-garde brands show case their designs twice a year.

Festival Dragons et Lanternes, Bois de Boulogne, until 2 March

The winter months sees several festival of lights held across France. One of them, is the Festival Dragons et Lanternes, which promises a magical journey alongside fantastic creaturesfrom classic of Chinese literature. The lanterns were all manufactured by the craftsmen of the Shanghai Yuyuan Garden.

left: a vintage car in front of a facade in Paris, Right: a vintage car in the streets of Paris with the Eiffel Tower in the background. — Left: Behzad Ghaffarian; Right: Earth

Exhibitions

From The Heart To The Hands: Dolce & Gabbana, Grand Palais, 10 January – 31 March, 2025

This immersive exposition focuses on craftsmanship and the timeless aesthetic of Dolce and Gabbana.

Suzanne Valadon, Centre Pompidou, 15 January -26 May 2025

As one of the greatest artists in the early 20^th century, Suzanne Valadon at Centre Pompidou examines her young years modeling as well as well as her epic works as a painter on the fringe of major movements of the time. She was particularly known for re-imagining the genre of nudes.

**Revoir Cimabue, Aux origines de la peinture italienne, Musée de Louvre, 22 January-12 May 2025**

The work of Tuscan painter Cenni di pepo who was also known as Cimabue is the focus of Revoir Cimabue. This examination explores one of the significant painters of the 13^th century.

Stage Jewellry of the Paris Opera, Bibliothèque nationale de France – Bibliothèque-musée de l’Opéra, Angle des rues Scribe et Auber – 75009 Paris , until 28 March 2025

At the Paris Opera, the stage jewellery is a big part of its glamour. The Paris Opera’s stage jewellry is housed at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France and the jewellery on display in this exhibition offers a glimpse of the 4000 piece collection.

Louvre Couture – Art and Fashion: Statement Pieces , Musée du Louvre, 24 January until 21 July 2025

The Louvre examines the relationship between the museum’s vast collections and modern day fashion. Around 65 designs are on display.Art and Fashion reveals the deep historical connections between art, fashion, and decorative arts, showcasing the influence of the museum’s artifacts on the evolution of style from Byzantium to the Second Empire.

left museum dorsay, paris; right: museum of arts decoratifs paris — Left: Musée D’Orsay by Pixabay; Right: Musée des Arts Decoratifs by Ethan Tien

Music & Dance in Paris this January

Anniversary Series – Philharmonie de Paris and La Cité de la Musique, 6-12 January 2025

Alain Souchon, Casino de Paris, 7-8 January 2025

Gigenis with choreography by Akram Khan, Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, 11-14 January 2025

London Symphony Orchestra with Simon Rattle and Krystian Zimmerman, Philharmonie de Paris 13-14 January 2025

La Petite Renarde rusée by Leoš Janáček, Opera de Bastille, 15 January-1 February 2025

Faits d’Hiver Dance Festival – Various Venues 20 January – 15 February 2025

Castor et Pollux by Jean-Philippe Rameau, Opéra Garnier, 20 January – 23 February 2025

Hommage à Oum Kalthoum, Philharmonie de Paris, 30 January – 2 February 2025

For Kids

Jurassic Illuminated, Jardins des Plantes, until 19 January 2025

Take a 200 million year journey back in time and discover more about the Jurassic species at the beloeved Jardins des Plantes.

Odyssée Lumineuse, Parc Floral de Paris, until 19 January 2025

Take a walk through the Parc Floral de Paris at night and discover giant illuminated sculptures which depict treasures from Thailand, India, Mexico along with a world of sweet treats at the Odyssée Lumineuse..

Left: Paris metro approaching the station with the Parisian cityline the background. Right: A window in Paris with a view of a building in Paris — Left: Bastien Nvs ; Right: Leah Kelly

Last chance to view these exhibitions

Masterpieces from the Borghese Gallery – Musée Jacquemart-André, until 5 January 2025

Barbara Crane – Centre Pompidou, until January 6 January 2025

Harriet Backer: The Music of Colors – Musée d’Orsay until 12 January 2025

Surrealism – Centre Pompidou, 13 January 2025

Gustave Caillebotte: Painting Men – Musée d’Orsay Until 19 January 2025

Science/Fiction – Maison Européenne de la Photographie until 19 January 2025

Arte Povera – Bourse de Commerce, until 20 January 2025

Tarsila do Amaral , Musée du Luxembourg, until 2 February 2025

For more resources on France, refer to our recommendations of our top French-inspired books.
For Paris museums off the beaten path, read about the best non-touristy museums in the city.
Find out what to do in Paris in February, another great month for avoiding crowds and enjoying the City of Light.

Written by Pronoti Baglary. 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.

WRITTEN BY

Pronoti Baglary

Pronoti is a freelance writer and photographer based between Paris and Toulouse. She is also the founder of a slow travel blog Détours. Having had an academic training in Sociology, she is interested in everything related to culture & society: languages, arts, literature and technologies. She writes about food, lifestyle, travel, architecture, as well as musings about her life as an expat in Paris. Her work has been published on platforms like Urbansider, Bonjour Paris and Fodors.