The start of the year here in Paris is cold crisp but so refreshing. We are also in the middle of a national transportation strike – so many people are taking uber (way fewer metros are running) but then again Paris is a great city to walk around!
The weather is crisp and cold; Paris’ most wintry weather is in full swing. Don’t worry, though! I’ve got plenty of recommendations for a cozy January visit. To discover all the best spots, keep reading!
EAT:
Libertino
One of eight restaurants owned by the Big Mamma group, Libertino is the newest addition. Opened December 6, Libertino celebrates traditional Italian cuisine in a cozy setting over on rue de Paradis.
Address: 44 Rue de Paradis, 75010 Paris
L’Escargot
A staple of traditional French cuisine is l’escargot, or the snail. Inside this beautifully decorated restaurant located in Montorgueil, (with lots of mirrors!) you’ll find not only delicious escargot, but a fixed lunch menu at 17 euros, which includes a starter and a main dish. I went there for my birthday–you can find my video on IGTV!
Address: 38 Rue Montorgueil, 75001 Paris
Le Petit Boullion Pharamond
Set in the Les Halles area in the 2nd Arrondissement, Le Petit Boullion Pharamond offers traditional French cuisine, specifically focusing on tastes you’d find in the Normandy region of France. Head to my Instagram @myparisianlife to see the IGTV from there!
Address: 24 Rue de la Grande Truanderie, 75001 Paris
DRINK:
Little Red Door
Located in the 3rd Arrondissement, Little Red Door focuses on serving delicious cocktails in a modern setting that still adheres to the same standards as a traditional Parisian institution. If you’re interested in checking this place out, try leaving earlier than you plan–it’s a popular spot!
Address: 60 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris
Combat
Located in the Belleville area, this yummy cocktail spot is owned and operated completely by women. With a bistro-like vibe, this trendy spot is open to all and is sure to be a hit!
Address: 63 Rue de Belleville, 75019 Paris
Le Sunset
Sunset is all the things you want in a spot: a café, a bar, and a restaurant, so if you’re looking for a place in the Montmartre area, we’ve got you covered! Stop for a coffee or something to eat, or plan a night out here with friends!!
Dirty Lemon Bar
Located in the 11th Arrondissement, Dirty Lemon is an excellent choice for cocktails with the girls on a night out. This cool and trendy spot even serves mocktails if you’re wanting a non-alcohol option.
STAY:
Apartments du Louvre
If you’re looking for a place right in the heart of Paris, check out my post on Louvre apartments to rent! Click here to view.
citizenM Gare de Lyon
With a perfect view of La Defense, Paris’ business district, citizenM is both modern and luxurious. The rooms are spacious and it’s convenient to a lot of cool places to visit!
SEE & DO:
January 6: l’Epiphanie
France celebrates the end of Christmas with Ephiphanie on January 6! Try a galettes du roi, or “king cake,” the traditional dessert for this day, at the authentic Stohrer patisserie. For a quicker option, go to any Paul location to try one!
January 25: Chinese New Year
To celebrate the Chinese New Year in Paris, head to the Chinatown district in the 13th Arrondissement, where there will be parades and celebrations all day. To end your day, visit the Shangri-La hotel for a special menu. Click here for more information.
January 10 through February: Les Soldes
If you’re visiting Paris during this time period, you’ll want to take advantage of les soldes, or the sale season at the department stores! Stores to check out include Le Bon Marché, Printemps Haussmann, Galleries-Lafayette Haussmann, and BHV Marais.
Tea Time
If you’re looking for something to do on any given afternoon in Paris, warm up with a hot chocolate, coffee, or tea during tea time! For a fun wintry spot, head to Angelina near the Louvre or the Ritz.
Angelina: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
The Ritz Paris: 15 Place Vendôme 75001 Paris
Wander Around the Passages
Paris is famous for its covered passages (or walkways) filled with stores and cafés. Take an afternoon to explore Galerie Vivienne or Passage du Grand-Cerf.
Galerie Vivienne: 5 Rue de la Banque, 75002 Paris,
Passage du Grand-Cerf: 145 rue Saint-Denis, 75002 Paris
Men’s Fashion Week, January 14-19
If you’re a fashion fanatic, checking out Men’s Fashion Week is the perfect thing to do! For a complete schedule, click here. To shop collections you might see at Men’s Fashion Week, check out the below brands:
APC: 112 Rue du Vielle du Temple
RoyalCheese: 113 Rue du Turenne
Tom Greyhound Paris: 19 Rue de Saintonge
Broken Arm: 12 Rue Perée
Nous: 49 Rue Cambon
Rooftops
For a great nighttime activity, check out the many different Paris rooftops!
The Rooftop at Galeries-Lafayette: For a beautiful layout of the entire city, go to the top of Galeries-Lafayette Haussmann!
Le Perchoir: For a rooftop bar experience, Le Perchoir is one of the best in Paris. Perfect for a more casual rooftop with friends!
Centre Pompidou: Another breathtaking view can be found at the top of the Centre Pompidou, Paris’ museum of modern art! Take an afternoon to explore the museum and soak in the cityscape.
Activities:
Book a tour with me! Click here.
Tours currently offered:
⁃ pastry tour
⁃ Vintage shopping tour
⁃ Welcome to Paris tour (Marais + Montmartre)
Look out for our upcoming wellness weekends!! (More info coming soon…)
A QUICK NOTE: Strikes have been in full effect ( back to “almost regular service Jan 20, 2020 ) We are managing to get around mostly by bus, bicycle, and through Uber. There are designated times in the morning and evening for some metros, but stay up to date on these through RATP’s app or website. However, line 1 is automatic and runs all day and will get you along to many of the tourist locations (or close to it).
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