5x why you want to go to Paris this winter
I used to go at least twice a year (my grandfather lived on a beautiful French meadow two hours from the city), but I haven't been there for a while now. It's actually scandalous, I know. Three friends from my studies and I needed a break, and Paris seemed like a wonderful excuse for this. It's just around the corner, you can shop like no other, and now that November has started, Christmas lights are hanging on every square meter. Exactly what one needs to combat that winter dip. Are you also in need of a bit of coziness during these ultra-gray days? Here are a handful of reasons from me to you why you should spend a long weekend as a Parisian this winter. if you want to live your life as a Parisian.
1. The Christmas markets
Forget the Christmas markets of Düsseldorf. Paris is the place where you want to scour them all. No less than eleven. At places like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame (declared the most charming), you have one throughout December, but if you're like me and get there early this winter, Jardin des Tuileries is the place to be with a cup of glühwein in your hand. This Christmas market right next to the Louvre is also the most famous and beautiful Christmas market in Paris, so expect crowds. There's a Ferris wheel, plenty of fairground attractions, an abundance of calories, and for those interested: an ice rink. Totally fun.
2. All hotspots are lit up
Paris itself already has a fairy-tale quality, but with all 270 monuments being illuminated, there's an even more magical atmosphere. You can choose to walk to all of them (which will take some time) or book a ticket for the Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour. I know, I know, a bus tour sounds very touristy, but for this one, I make an exception with pleasure. For an hour and a half, you ride past all the illuminated hotspots with Christmas music in the background and a mug of hot chocolate in your hand. Want to?
3. The museums
Maybe I'm just the problem, but when the sun is shining, I'd rather sit with an Aperol on a terrace than stand in a museum. However, with snow or rain, you have little choice. Once you've exhausted the Galeries Lafayette, it's really time to gain some cultural knowledge. And in which city can you do that better than in Paris? Exactly: nowhere. Here's a checklist: the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, Musée Jacquemart-André, Le Grand Palais, Le Petit Palais, and Musée Rodin. That will keep you busy for a while.
4. The photos
You haven't been to Paris without at least a thousand extra photos in your gallery, right? With all the lights, you'll make your Instafeed envy-inducing for all your followers. The perfect photo spot is here on Avenue de Camoens, in the 16th arrondissement right in front of la Tour Eiffel. And a little tip: print all your photos and paste them into a book. Those photo books from the past can come back for my part.
@mia.in.france the best photo spot ! #france #miainfrance #paris ♬ Heaven Can Wait – Dean Martin
5. Less touristy
You wouldn't think it, but during the cold months (especially the first weeks of December), the streets of Paris are a lot less crowded than usual. Research has even shown that there are three times as many tourists in the summer as in the winter. No wonder my trip to Paris only cost 190 euros for four full days including transport and a cozy little apartment: it's just a lot cheaper in the winter. Bring a thick scarf and let's go.
