Best Things To Do In Paris In December

Paris is one of the most romantic and fascinating cities in the world. It’s a city of culture, art, fashion, and history, and it’s a great place to visit any time of year. December may not be the most popular time to visit Paris, but it has its own unique charm and there are plenty of things to do in this captivating city. Whether you’re looking for romantic winter activities or festive holiday experiences, here are the best things to do in Paris in December.

A Brief Introduction To Paris

Paris is the capital of France and the most populated city in the country. It is located on the banks of the River Seine and is home to iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe. The city is also known for its incredible art galleries, world-class museums, and renowned fashion houses. Paris is a city steeped in history, culture, and beauty, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

The history of Paris goes back over 2,000 years when it was founded by a Celtic people known as the Parisii. In the Middle Ages, it became an important political and cultural center, and during the Renaissance period it was one of the most important cities in Europe. Today, Paris is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant culture and a unique atmosphere.

Paris is home to over 2.2 million people and is one of the most densely populated cities in Europe. It is also one of the most visited cities in the world, with over 45 million visitors each year. People come from all over the world to experience its beauty, culture, and cuisine.

Festive Attractions

December is a great time to visit Paris because of all the festive attractions and events in the city. One of the most popular attractions is the Christmas market at Champs-Elysees, which offers an array of gifts, decorations, food, and drinks. There are also several ice rinks in the city where visitors can skate with friends and family. The most famous ice rink is at the Eiffel Tower, which offers spectacular views of the city while skating.

The Champs-Elysees is also home to several Christmas lights displays which are lit up during December and make for a beautiful evening stroll. There are also several markets around the city that sell traditional Christmas goods and decorations such as nativity scenes and nutcrackers.

People looking for a festive experience should also check out the famed Galeries Lafayette department store which offers special Christmas decorations and gifts. During December, the store holds a festive evening event with carollers and live music, which makes for a magical atmosphere.

Winter Activities

Paris may be known for its romantic winter activities, but there are plenty of other things to do during this time of year as well. One popular activity is to go on a boat tour along the River Seine, where visitors can enjoy views of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.

The Christmas markets are also great places to pick up souvenirs or unique gifts for friends and family. From handmade ornaments to traditional crafts and jewelry, there are plenty of items to choose from.

There are also several art galleries and museums to explore during this time of year, such as the Centre Pompidou or Musée d’Orsay. These institutions offer visitors a chance to explore some of the city’s best art collections during a quiet winter day.

Sample The Local Cuisine

No visit to Paris would be complete without sampling some of its famed cuisine. During wintertime, many restaurants offer traditional French dishes such as coq au vin (chicken cooked in red wine) or cassoulet (a white bean and sausage casserole). For a sweet treat, try some traditional cakes such as the Paris-Brest (a choux pastry filled with praline cream) or macarons (almond meringue cookies filled with buttercream).

Paris is also home to some of the best restaurants in the world. From fine dining establishments to casual eateries, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Some popular restaurants include Le Cinq (Michelin-starred French cuisine), L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon (gastronomic French cuisine), or the vegetarian restaurant Sola (modern vegetarian cuisine).

Famous Shopping Areas

Paris is renowned for its shopping opportunities and December is no exception. The city’s most famous shopping area is Le Marais, which offers everything from vintage stores to designer boutiques. This area is also home to some of the city’s best antiques stores and flea markets where visitors can find unique items for their homes or as souvenirs for friends and family.

For more luxury shopping, head to Champs-Elysees which is home to designer stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. This area is also great for window shopping as it offers some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower from its wide boulevards lined with trees.

Book A Tour Of Paris At Night

One of the best ways to experience Paris in December is by booking a tour of Paris at night. This tour takes visitors around some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral and Place de la Concorde while they are illuminated in all their glory after dark. This is a great way to get an unique perspective on Paris while seeing its famous sights in a new light. Book a Paris night tour here.

Go Ice Skating At La Patinoire de la Petite Ceinture

La Patinoire de la Petite Ceinture is one of Paris’s best ice skating rinks. This charming outdoor ice rink is situated in an old train station and offers visitors a chance to glide around on the ice surrounded by nature in this beautiful spot. This ice rink has been open since 1867 and it has been renovated several times over the years but still retains its original charm. Book an ice skating session here.

Visit The Louvre Museum

No visit to Paris would be complete without stopping by the Louvre Museum, one of the world’s oldest and largest art galleries. This museum houses some of history’s greatest works such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Vermeer’s The Lacemaker, and Michelangelo’s Slaves sculpture series. The Louvre is open until 9 pm every day during December so visitors can explore its vast collections after dark when it’s less crowded. Book a Louvre tour here.

Conclusion

Paris in December offers visitors plenty of exciting activities from festive attractions and winter sports to sampling some of France’s iconic cuisine and visiting some of its world-class museums and galleries. Whether you’re looking for romantic winter activities or festive holiday experiences, there’s something for everyone in this captivating city. So if you’re planning a trip to Paris this December, make sure you make time to experience all that this beautiful city has to offer!