Do you have any plans to travel to Paris?
Did you know that in 2022, about 44 million visitors came to Paris? It is consistently ranked as one of the most visited cities in the world. Many travelers flock to the city of lights for the iconic monuments like the Eiffel Tower, the undeniably tasty French food and rich history that is visible at every corner and every street. We decided to share a few helpful tips with you to ensure a wonderful time in Paris, no matter what time of the year you go.
In our opinion, the best seasons to visit the capital of France, are in the fall and spring. Currently, as we are writing this, it is autumn. The weather is crisp and cool. The leaves are changing colors. Those with allergies will appreciate how much more breathable it is compared to the warm summers. Come prepared with an umbrella, raincoat, and waterproof shoes as the city gets its fair share of rainy days during the months of September through November. We would also recommend dressing in layers, as the mornings and even some afternoons tend to be much cooler. You can easily remove a layer or two as the day warms up.
Although it is impossible to completely avoid the crowds, there will certainly be significantly less tourists during this off season. You won’t have to wait hours in line to see the Shakespeare and Company book store. It may be easier to find a terrace table at the famous Les Deux Magots. There is a good chance you may be able to appreciate the artwork at the Louvre without feeling like a can of sardines. And if you are lucky enough, you might even score a reservation at that top restaurant that is normally booked out months in advance.
Spring in some ways is very similar to the fall except of course you have the blossoming flowers and blooming trees that really beautifies Paris. Head to Jardin des Plantes, Jardin du Luxembourg or the Tuileries Gardens to see those famous cherry blossoms. If you are looking for something off the beaten path, the Bois de Boulogne and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont are some of our favorite parks where many locals escape the concrete jungle. We also enjoy sampling the fresh fruit and veggies at one of the many open air outdoor markets scattered throughout the city.
If you decide to come to Paris in the winter, be forewarned that it can be very cold and sometimes dreary. With the shortness of daylight and a frequency of rainy/cloudy days, many Parisians experience the blues hivernal or winter blues. That shouldn’t dampen your mood as there are plenty of activities that are going in the city even when temperatures dip down. Paris is transformed into a winter wonderland with all the holiday decorations and lights adorning the streets and shop windows. Outdoor Christmas markets offer some of the best hot chocolate or chocolat chaud and mulled wine or vin chaud. Remember to look ahead early if you want to attend Christmas performances, concerts and shows. Tickets often sell out many weeks in advance. It might be worth considering an accommodations close to the attractions to minimize any unnecessary exposure to the cold. As always do your research and plan accordingly.
Summer in Paris, is saturated with crowds with an estimated 10 millions visiters between June and August. More sunlight and more daylight equates to more people spending their time outdoors. In the peak of summer, temperatures can shoot up well over 90 degrees °F . We experienced one of the hottest summers in July 2022 with an unusually high temperature of 105 degrees. Most places do not have air conditioning unless you are staying in a four star or five star hotel. We recommend to pay a little more for an accommodation with air conditioning and do the bulk of your exploring in the morning. The earlier the better.
Do you think you will be traveling to Paris in the near future? If so you can check out of guide and weekend guide: https://www.adreamersholiday.com/parisguide. Leave a comment on facebook or instagram with your suggestions and tips. Check out our Youtube channel for periodic videos on Paris.