Paris is winter - activities

[Anonymous]

We are going to Paris for a week in February (husband and myself). We have the following things on our list: Notre Dame, Musee D'Orsay, Musee de Cluny, Palais Garnier tour, catacombs tour, champagne tasting, seine boat cruise, day trip to Versailles.

I also have things like walking through the Bouquinistes and the flower market by Notre Dame. Seeing Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe/Champs Elysees, Pantheon, Rodin sculpture garden, Luxembourg gardens (right by our hotel, so even though it's February, thought we'd walk through). I have a list of book stores I'd like to go to.

I'm wondering what else you'd add or take away? Are there neighborhoods you recommend visiting that we won't hit with those sites? Any creative or off-the-beaten-path things that you've done and loved? Shopping areas?

Thanks - just want to create a balanced itinerary.

[Anonymous]

The Sainte Chapelle is lovely-and the adjoining Conciergerie is a lot more interesting than I thought it would be. The chapel often has concerts. Plan some stops for hot chocolate or a pastry to warm up along the way-Laduree, Angelina, etc. I also love the food halls in the big department stores.

[Anonymous]

See the Notre Dame Eternelle virtual reality experience in front of the Cathedral.

For those who can wear a backpack that carries the VR receiver, have good vision/not 3D movie sensitive.

The bouquinistes and flower market might be a letdown in February weather.

All the major art museums were unpleasantly crowded in April 2023 when I last went. February should be okay but choose time slots carefully.

[Anonymous]

Saint chapel is great. See if Louvre is still doing late evening Wednesdays. When I was there they would open 5-8 on a Wednesday and it as great thibg to do on a cold dreary day.

[Anonymous]

Don't know if the flea markets are open, but a lot of fun.

[Anonymous]

Have you been to Paris before or is this your first time? The rooftop at Gallery Lafayette is a nice view, too, and other PPs have recommended Saint Chappell.

[Anonymous]

The coldest I’ve ever been in my life, none chilling, damp cold was during a January trip to Paris. We had big plans but mostly spent a lot of time at the hotel bar and the cafe down the street.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The coldest I’ve ever been in my life, none chilling, damp cold was during a January trip to Paris. We had big plans but mostly spent a lot of time at the hotel bar and the cafe down the street.

That should be “bone” chilling. We ended that trip in London which was balmy in comparison. There is a reason there are songs/movies about Springtime in Paris.

[Anonymous]

I've been before, but it's my husband's first trip.
Thanks for the Saint Chappelle and Gallery Lafayette rooftop suggestions. Those are just the sort of thing I'm looking for. They have some nice concert programs at Saint Chappelle the week we are there.

I'd love any other ideas in this vein.

[Anonymous]

Was in Paris once when it snowed and it was so beautiful, just pure magic. Don't let the cold stop you from enjoying.

[Anonymous]

love shakespeare & co
https://www.shakespeareandcompany.com/

love sacre coeur
https://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/en/

maison du chocolat
https://www.lamaisonduchocolat.com/en_us/our-boutiques-paris

buen viaje