5 Reasons to Visit Paris in the Winter
Fellow Travelers,
For those who know me, it’s no secret that my love of travel began with a study abroad program in Paris and my love for the city has only grown since then. It’s a place I return to time and again. My time studying in Paris lit a spark—a deep passion for exploring the world. As I toast the one-year anniversary of Katie Bratton Travel, and we step into the month of romance, it feels only fitting to celebrate my first great love: Paris.
Truth be told, there’s no wrong time to visit what I consider to be the greatest city on earth. Every season in Paris offers its own magic. But if I had to choose a favorite, winter— just after the holiday season—might top the list. Here’s why:
1. Excellent Value
Winter ushers in Paris’s quieter season—and with it, more favorable rates on flights and luxury accommodations. Flights from my home town of Raleigh to CDG have dipped as low as $600 roundtrip in January and February, a fraction of the fare you’ll find come spring. One of my favorite boutique properties in Saint-Germain drops by nearly $300 per night in the winter months. That’s meaningful savings without compromising on style or comfort—freeing up room in your travel budget for something far more enjoyable. Which brings me to reason #2...
2. Les Soldes
Les Soldes d’Hiver—France’s famed winter sales—run from early January to early February. Discounts begin around 20–30% and can climb to 50-70% as the season progresses. In a city celebrated for its fashion, beauty, and design, this is the ideal time to shop. With the added bonus of VAT refunds, you’re essentially getting paid to indulge (that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it). From timeless designer pieces to vintage finds, winter in Paris offers the luxury of elevated shopping at an fantastic value.
3. Room to Breathe
January and February bring a noticeable calm to the city. With fewer visitors, you’ll enjoy shorter lines, quieter streets, and easier access to everything—from world-class museums to coveted dinner reservations. The difference in energy from peak travel months is striking. You can wander through the Marais or linger at your favorite museum at your own pace, without the usual crowds. It’s as if the city lets out a collective sigh and opens the door for travelers to experience it more authentically.
4. The Cozy Side of Paris
Spring picnics and rooftop apéritifs certainly have their place, but winter invites you into a more intimate kind of Parisian charm. Picture candlelit jazz bars, quiet dinners of oysters and champagne, leisurely afternoons tucked into galleries or wandering storied bookshops. One of my favorite winter rituals? Ducking into a cozy neighborhood bistro after a chilly stroll—warming up with cheese, charcuterie, and a glass of wine as the city drifts by outside. Winter draws you inward—to glowing windows, softly lit corners, and lingering conversation where time seems to stretch. It’s a season that reminds us there is luxury in slowing down and savoring each moment.
5. Paris, Unvarnished
Paris has long stirred the hearts of artists, designers, and writers—and in winter, it feels especially poetic. Often romanticized as the picture perfect city (I’m looking at you, Emily in Paris), the real Paris quietly emerges this time of year. Stripped of the postcard gloss, the city reveals something more layered and quietly cinematic. There’s beauty in the glint of rain on cobblestones, in the gray skies and brisk air on your cheeks, in the glow of a café window. It’s a Paris that’s less polished, more soulful—and wonderfully real. Winter is the perfect season to not just see Paris, but to feel it.
If you're curious about discovering this side of Paris—or dreaming of your own winter escape—I’d love to help you imagine what’s possible. After all, sometimes the most meaningful journeys happen in the most unexpected seasons.