5 Things to do in Paris this Winter!

Living in a city like Paris has its advantages, especially in November and December when it transforms into a winter wonderland. Winter has officially arrived in our beautiful city and personally I can’t wait to enjoy it! The frosty weather has descended on us and in my current festive spirit, I have decided to write this blog to help all the people who are new to Paris find their way around the sparkly city this winter.

So here are 4 things you shouldn’t miss this year:

If you haven’t lived here for very long or you’re a tourist visiting the city you have most certainly been to Angelina’s. Their hot chocolate is delicious, I’m not disputing that fact, but us locals have found other places to enjoy this hot beverage and La Jacobine is one of them. Le Jacobine is a tiny cafe tucked away in the Passage des Arts. Their Aztec hot chocolate is by far the best I have ever tasted; it’s unbelievably smooth and not too rich. My advice: don’t eat before you go there and even though their cakes are delicious and very tempting (especially as they stare at you from the glass cupboard they are displayed in), don’t order one. You won’t need to eat anything, the chocolate will fill you up!

Where: La Jacobine, 59 Rue Saint-André des Arts, Odeon 6e   How much: 5.80€ or 6.30€ with whipped cream

To see this restaurant on tripadvisor click here

2. EAT at Chez Papa

Chez Papa is a chain of restaurants that serve whole-hearted and very filling French food. They are located all around Paris and are perfect for a meal on a cold night. Everything is delicious and everything comes on oversized plates or in oversized bowls accompanied with a pile of potatoes; it’s carb addict’s heaven. The staff are warm, welcoming and friendly so if you haven’t been there before I highly recommend trying it this winter.

What I recommend: L’escalope de veau à la campagnarde (Veal escalope in a big pot covered in ham, cheese and mushrooms) and a glass of sangria or a good bottle of red!

Where: Paris 13eme (Tolbiac)  and many other locations see here

How much: between 15-20€ for main meals

3. VISIT the Christmas Markets in Paris

Okay, so this is slightly touristy but even the Parisians do it. From the end of November to the beginning of January Paris hosts a number of Christmas markets. The markets are based on traditional German markets so Gluhwein is available (a kind of mulled wine) as well as lots of traditional Christmas goodies from Alsace. Food and drink wise there are a large variety of choices: Gingerbread houses and christmas trees, cheese, charcuterie, churros, tartiflette and crepes are all available at the market. Shopping wise you can buy anything from scarves and hats to Russian dolls. The stalls sell jewellery, keepsakes, toys, and Christmas decorations so there is a huge amount of choice!

The Champs Elysees is also lit up from top to bottom with Christmas lights which is, in my opinion, one of the prettiest things you will see all year.

Here are some markets you can visit, click on the links below for more info:

Click here for the full list of Christmas markets in Paris this year.

4. CHECK OUT the decorations at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.

While walking past Galeires Lafayette and Printemps the first thing you will see are the lights. The huge display of lights on the front of the stores are so eye-catching and so dazzling that you just have to stop and look. Every year the window themes have a different theme and the displays are often animated. For children and adults alike it’s a great experience. Last but not least, the Christmas tree inside Galeries Lafayette is also a must see. It’s also different every year and it’s always beautiful! It is totally free to see and one of the best things to see this Christmas in the city of lights.

I’ll let you discover the tree yourself and won’t spoil the surprise with a photo!

Where: Boulevard Haussman 75009

When: End of November to January

How much: FREE!

5. Visit Bercy Village for a spot of Shopping

Bercy Village always has a fun installation at Christmas as well as some really cute shops where you can get unique gifts for your loved ones. I recommend checking out Nin & Laur for clothes, Zing for your Geeky friends and Victoria Magdalena for something different. You can also have a spot of lunch or a hot coffee while you shop!

I hope this post helps you make the most of winter in this gorgeous city!