12 things to see and do in Paris in January
Visiting Paris in January can be a memorable experience. During this month the city of light unfolds in a variety of activities including: fashion, literature, circus art and tradition. Let's discover how to enjoy it!
View of Paris from the Air | ©Luca Micheli
Paris is a city that shines, figuratively and literally, 365 days a year, but winter is a time that tints the streets of the French capital with a very special color. Although you will have to face inconveniences such as the cold, the truth is that the advantages of visiting Paris in January may well outweigh the inconveniences. It's the favorite season to see and do in Paris everything you couldn't do on other trips.
1. Haute Couture with Paris Fashion Week - Men's Edition
In the French capital, fashion is not just for women. The world's most important and iconic gathering of designers, models and celebrities has its own men's edition every year in Paris.
Some of the designers who take part every year in the Men's Edition are: Louis Vuitton, Balmain, Hermès, Lanvin, Valentino, Dior, Kenzo and more.
Where Paris Fashion Week takes place
Paris Fashion Week aims to keep the public's interest through novelty, which is one of the main reasons why the event does not have a fixed location. However, Paris is a city with a lot to offer so this event has in the past taken as its setting museums, libraries, cultural centers and places of historical relevance for Parisians.
How to buy tickets
Paris Fashion Week is an invitation-only event. Some people purchase tickets through online resale. A detailed schedule of activities can be found on the official website.
2. Join the Grand Prix d'Amérique celebration
Horse lovers may want to attend this unique event that takes place every year at the end of January in Paris and brings together beautiful horses and their riders.
Grand Prix d'Amérique is the World Harness Trotting Championship created in 1920 in honor of the United States as a token of appreciation for its participation in the armed conflict of the First World War. It is attended by the best trotters and drivers in the world, to run a distance of 2,700 meters and take first place.
Harness trotting, also known as harness trotting, is a very particular style of racing in which the horse must pull a small cart on which the rider is mounted.
Where it takes place
This event takes place at the Hippodrome de Vincennes, located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris on the right bank of the Seine.
How to buy tickets
On the official website of the Hippodrome de Vincennes you can access the invitation request form, fill in the details and follow the instructions.
3. Take an excursion to Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is a beautiful and special village located on a small island. In 1979 it was declared, along with its bay, a World Heritage Site and although many people recommend seeing it in summer because of the better weather, these are the positive aspects of making an excursion to Mont Saint-Michel from Paris in January:
- The enclave acquires a very special mystical atmosphere due to the fog.
- There are far fewer tourists and you can enjoy the place much more.
However, keep in mind that on January 1 the abbey is closed to visitors and that in winter you may find some restaurants and shops closed, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
4. Take shelter from the cold in the Parisian museums
Yes, it's cold in Paris in January, but that doesn't stop you from exploring the city in depth, especially its many museums. In fact, the winter season is perfect to visit these places full of art, because you don't feel like being outdoors. In summer or spring you may not feel like this plan because you prefer to enjoy the outdoors, so this is your chance to discover the great works that houses the French capital.
There are many museums in Paris and then I want to recommend some of the most interesting and iconic:
- Louvre Museum: also known as the National Museum of France, it houses such popular paintings as the Monna Lisa, as well as the Code of Hammurabi, The Consecration of Napoleon or Liberty Leading the People.
- Marmottan Monet Museum: this museum created in the nineteenth century houses works by artists as important as Monet, Manet, Renoir and Degas, among others. His most valuable work is "Impression, rising sun", which gave birth to the impressionist style.
- Picasso Museum: if you want to know in depth the work of the author from Malaga, here you will find creations from all periods of the artist. In addition, you will also find a large number of his sculptures.
- Rodin Museum: here you will find the work of the author Auguste Rodin and the museum was a former hotel where the painter himself lived.
- Orsay Museum: next to the Louvre, the Orsay Museum is one of the most important museums in France. It is located in a former railway station and contains the largest collection of impressionist works in the world.
5. Take advantage of the Winter Sales
If you love fashion and you are visiting Paris during the month of January, you can't miss the great winter sales for a day of shopping in true Parisian style. The start date varies, but they usually begin on the first or second Wednesday of January and continue for 4 full weeks.
Parisians have a talent for creating impeccable fashion style in a simple and fabulous way. Even with modest budgets they know what to combine and how to create enviable looks. It's no surprise that Paris is the capital of style and its stores are the best place to shop, and if it's during the sales season even better.
Where to go
The simple answer is: all over Paris. The French capital is full of fabulous boutiques and stores. However the best places to shop in Paris are:
- Louvre and Tuileries district: perfect for those looking for designer fashion and quality cosmetics.
- Boulevard Haussmann: to lose yourself for hours in the prestigious and dizzying Parisian department stores.
- Le Marais: you will find top quality haute couture, vintage stores, handcrafted jewelry, antiques, cosmetics and perfumery.
- Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées: a fusion of world-class designer fashion and chain stores.
- St-Germain-des-Prés: ideal for those looking for classic and elegant designs.
6. Celebrate Epiphany or La Fete des Rois like a Parisian
In the Catholic tradition, during the Epiphany, the moment of the presentation of the Child Jesus to the Magi and the respective gifts they brought with them is celebrated. This event was joined to the feast of Saturnalia, whose origin dates back to ancient Rome. During this pagan celebration the roles of masters and slaves are reversed; and to designate the "Prince of Saturnales" the Romans used a cake in which a Jewess was hidden.
In France, the tradition of the Galette des Roi began; so, if you are in Paris for these dates, do not miss the opportunity to eat a rich puff pastry cake. Additionally, both the day of the Fete des Rois Celebration and the days before, you will see Parisian restaurants and pastry shops reinvent themselves to offer their customers special activities.
Where to eat the best Galette des Rois in Paris
- Aleph House: 20 rue de la Verrerie, 4th arrondissement.
- Sano: 15 rue Marie et Louise, 10th arrondissement.
- Mamiche: 45 rue Condorcet, 9th arrondissement
- Benoît Castel: 150 rue de Ménilmontant, 20th arrondissement
- Tapiz: 65 rue de Charonne, 11th arrondissement
- Yann Roofer: 137 Ave Parmentier, 10th arrondissement
7. Attend the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain
This unique show was founded in 1977 by Isabelle and Dominique Mauclair to pay tribute to young artists from around the world. The event takes place at the end of January and brings together dozens of acrobats, tightrope walkers, clowns, jugglers and trapeze artists from all over the world.
As in the Olympics, the talents who come to perform their feats in front of an international jury are awarded gold, silver and bronze medals.
The World Circus of Tomorrow Festival is an international reference, all circus fans, artists, past winners and producers of circus arts gather under the tents of Cirque Phénix to be part of the party.
Where it takes place
This event takes place at the Cirque Phénix facilities. The nearest Metro station is Liberté.
How to buy tickets
You can find tickets for this event on sites such as TicketSwap.
8. Join La Notte de la Lecture
This is an event created by the French Ministry of Culture in 2017 focused on promoting and celebrating the lovefor books. Since its creation, it takes place every year in January and, during the days of the celebration, libraries, media libraries, bookstores, and other cultural actors offer various activities to anyone who wishes to participate.
Following a structure similar to that of the European Night of Museums, participating libraries and centers throughout France open their doors during extended hours to offer the public various activities such as: pajama readings, music, meetings with authors, debates, shows and games for all ages.
Where it takes place
Nuits de la lecture is an open call event that takes place during three days in all libraries, bookstores and cultural actors who want to participate. You can visit the official website of the event for more details about the program.
Almost all French libraries join this celebration. Paris is a city with approximately 57 libraries; here is an indicative list of some Parisian libraries that every year join the Nuits de la lecture and offer all kinds of interesting activities.
- Bibliothèque Faidherbe
- Robert Sabatier Library
- Fessart Library
- Drouot Library
- Bibliothèque Lancry
- Bibliothèque Forney
- Bibliothèque Amélie
- Benoîte Groult Library
How to purchase tickets
Tickets are not necessary. Most of the activities are free, although some, such as the meetings with authors, may have limited seating.
9. Join the Hip-hop party
Suresnes cités danse is a dance festival that pursues the union of the hip-hop movement with the more institutionalized contemporary dance. It was created in 1993 and since then has been held every year during the month of January, usually extending into the first days of February.
The idea behind the creation of the festival is to support more informal and less structured dance movements, so it offers choreographers who have not followed a classical training in modern or contemporary dance the opportunity to perform on stage with other renowned performers.
Where it is held
This event takes place every year at the Théâtre Suresnes on the outskirts of Paris. Suresnes is a commune in the suburbs of Paris located in the Hauts-de-Seine. The fastest way to get to Suresnes is to take the RER A trainline in the center of Paris and get off at La Défense station.
How to buy tickets
The official website of the Théâtre Suresnes has all the information you need to purchase tickets online.
10. Ice skating in the heart of Paris
The arrival of winter in Paris gives way to one of those unique activities that can only be done in the winter cold: ice skating. In the French capital, ephemeral skating rinks take over the city's most important squares and grand palaces to take this fun activity to the next level.
If you love ice skating, bring your gear ready for the adventure! While it's true that some rinks close for the first few days of January, many others will be open well into February in Paris.
Where to ice skate in Paris
- Place du Trocadero: free admission.
- Stade Sébastien Charléty: free admission.
- Grande Arche de la Défense: about 10 ¤ adults and 5 ¤ children
- Marché de Noël du Jardin des Tuileries: about 10€ adults and 65€ children
- Grand Palais des Glaces: between 20-29 € adults and 12 € children
- Place Athénée: about 60€ with tea time
- Espace sportif Pailleron: indoor track open most of the year. Prices and schedules can be found on their website.
11. Take a ride on La Grande Roue de Paris
If you visit Paris during the winter season, you must make an appointment at one of Parisians' favorite attractions placed at the Place de la Concorde. La Grande Roue de Paris is a Parisian institution in itself. It was once the largest Ferris wheel in the world built in a 100 meters high structure for the Exposition Universelle in Paris, year 1900.
Today the attraction is considered the largest moving wheel in the world with 70 meters high; it rides in the Parisian capital from the month of November in Paris to February or March in Paris. The calendar changes every year.
Where it takes place
La Grande Roue de Paris is installed every year at Place de la Concorde; from here it offers a 360-degree panorama that allows you to admire the most important monuments of Paris.
How much does this activity cost?
You can visit the official website to have information about the updated rates. However, the average to pay is: adults 10 € and children under 10 years 5 €.
12. Attend the design and decoration fair Maison&Objet
Maison & Objet is the largest design and decoration fair in Paris that takes place every year usually in the penultimate week of the month. This celebration of art and interior design brings together the most prominent names in the industry and for five days showcases their work and the trends in design and decoration that will set the tone for the year. In addition, each year a "designer of the year'' is chosen and his or her career and contributions to the industry are recognized.
Where it is held
The event is held every year at Paris Nord Villepinte, a large convention center located in Villepinte, near Charles de Gaulle Airport.
How much does it cost?
To attend the event you pay an access badge which costs around 50€. With this badge you can attend the 5 days of the event. You can buy your ticket directly on the Maison&Objet website.
The weather in Paris in January
Paris is a cold and wet city throughout the winter, additionally January is the coldest of the year in the City of Light, with an average daily temperature of around 7 to 5 degrees.
The most important tip for visiting Paris in January is to make sure you are prepared for the cold. Pack a winter coat, warm socks, gloves, gloves, scarves, hats and a waterproof jacket to wear under your coat (it's also a good idea to bring snow or rain boots).
Tourist crowds in Paris in January.
January is possibly the quietest time to visit Paris due to the scarcity of tourists. This means that you can visit your favorite exhibits without rushing, tables in cafes are once again available, and sidewalks are not clogged with human traffic. If you like it quiet and want to enjoy Paris at your leisure, you will love January!
It is also the cheapest time of the year. For this month it will not be very difficult to find plane or train tickets at discounted prices, plus many hotels place special seasonal offers looking to attract tourists in the months with less demand.