Where to Stay in Paris in the Winter

Are you planning a trip to Paris in the winter and wondering about the best places to stay near iconic attractions in top neighborhoods, fantastic shopping (including the January sales), and cozy bistros where you can savor tasty cuisine and drinks?

Here are perhaps the two most important things to know as you wonder where to stay in Paris in the winter: 

1)  Because this is the low tourist season in Paris, you'll have much less competition for booking at the most desirable properties.

2)  Visiting Paris in winter means you will likely save a lot on your hotel bill - or you can afford to book posher accommodations.

Aside from about a 10-day period starting around a week before Christmas and continuing through New Year's Day, you'll find the lowest Paris hotel rates of the year during December, January, February, and even early March.  It's like almost every hotel in the city goes on sale!

How much can you save?  That depends - but typically about 20% to 50% or more. 

Our recommended hotels and apartments for winter months focus on five popular Paris neighborhoods most favored by visitors during these months:  the 1st District, the Marais, the 9th District, Saint-Germain, and Montmartre.

These five areas are ideal if you want to go to Christmas Markets, shop (don't forget, in addition to holiday gift shopping, winter sales start in early January!), visit cultural venues like the Louvre Museum, Paris Opera House, and Moulin Rouge, and stroll around iconic neighborhoods. 

Top photo: Luxembourg Garden, with Pantheon in the background, in February, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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1.  Paris's 1st Arrondissement: Where to Stay in Winter

Staying in Paris's 1st Arrondissement during winter months gives you convenient access to top cultural attractions, numerous shopping opportunities, two of the city's most popular Christmas markets, and wonderful places to walk.

The 1st District is on Paris's Right Bank on the north side of the Seine River, and also includes part of Île de la Cité, the small island in the Seine that's home to Notre Dame Cathedral and other Medieval masterpieces.

Find out more top attractions in each of Paris's 20 arrondissements

Top Cultural Indoor Attractions

Stay in Paris's 1st arrondissement in winter for easy access to the giant Tuileries Garden Christmas Market and the magical Hotel de Ville Christmas Market, top cultural attractions such as Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa in the Louvre Museum, Monet's giant Water Lilies in the Orangerie Museum, contemporary art in the Pinault Collection, and spectacular stained glass from the Middle Ages at Sainte-Chapelle on Île de la Cité.

Where to Shop in the 1st Arrondissement

If you want to do holiday shopping or hit the January sales, you'll also be close to superb stores and boutiques throughout the 1st district.  Here are top retail destinations:

• Place Vendôme - Paris's largest concentration of high-end jewelers such as Cartier, Bulgari, and Boucheron around the square and along Rue de la Paix
• Rue Saint-Honoré - Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Guerlain, Saint Laurent, and numerous other designer boutiques and showrooms
• Rue de l'Opéra and nearby side streets - Fashion and home decor, fancy chocolate shops
• Place des Victoires and surrounding streets - Numerous upscale stores and boutiques 
• Historical covered galleries and arcades - Galerie Véro Dodat, Galerie Vivienne, and the Palais Royal Garden Arcades, with exclusive boutiques and unique treasures
• Dehillerin (18 Rue Coquillière) - Favorite emporium for knifes, copper pots, madeleine molds, and everything else you might want in your kitchen
• Carrousel du Louvre (next the the Louvre at 99 Rue de Rivoli) - Small underground shopping mall with boutiques for French brands such as Fragonard, Maje, L'Occitane, Caudalie, and Pylones
• La Samaritaine - Paris's newest luxury department store

Perfect Spots for Winter Walks in Paris 1

• Tuileries Garden - Go to the Christmas Market in December; in January and February, admire the many statues
• Palais Royal Garden - A hidden treasure; admire the rows of stately (bare) trees, and the Burren "columns" in the adjacent courtyard
• Right Bank of the Seine River - Check out the bouquinistes (book sellers) as you stroll along the river banks

Where to Stay in Paris in Winter in Paris 1

• Hotel Mansart - Located at the corner of Place Vendôme/Rue de la Paix, and close to Palais Garnier, Place de la Madeleine, and even Galleries Lafayette
• Hotel Royal Saint Honoré Paris Louvre - Excellent location on Rue Saint-Honoré near Place Vendôme and Tuileries Garden; also close to the Louvre and Palais Royal Garden
• Hotel Regina Louvre - Classic 5-star hotel close to the Louvre, Palais Royal Garden, Rue Saint Honoré; book a guestroom overlooking Tuileries Garden
• Hotel du Louvre (Hyatt) - Steps from the Louvre, Rue Saint-Honoré, and Palais Royal Garden
• Hotel Molière - Close to Palais Royal Garden, the Louvre, Palais Garnier Opera House in the 9th, Rue Saint-Honoré, and Asian bistros along Rue Sainte-Anne
• My Maison in Paris - Aparthotel offering studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom serviced apartments close to Pinault Collection, Dehillerin, and the Louvre

Find more hotels in Paris's 1st arrondissement

Find more to see & do in Paris's 1st arrondissement

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2.  Paris's Marais Neighborhood:  Best Places to Stay in in the Winter

Paris's uber-popular Marais neighborhood sports lovely late medieval (highly restored), 17th century, and 18th century architecture give you a glimpse of what the city looked like before Napoleon III's 19th century modernization (but without the open sewers). 

The Marais occupies large swaths of the 3rd and 4th districts on the city's Right Bank. 

Best Tours for Exploring Le Marais in the Winter

• Off-the-Beaten Track in Paris: 2-Hour Vintage 2CV Tour - Stay warm and cosy while your driver takes you to see interesting places in the Marais and other Paris neighborhoods
• Iconic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour - Join this professionally-guided walking tour (choose the Marais option) and learn about the neighborhood's history, art, architecture, fashion boutiques, cool cafe, and hidden treasures
• Le Marais Walking Food Tour - Explore the culinary scene in this chic neighborhood as you sample classic breads, taste wine and cheese at a covered market, indulge in French chocolates and macarons, and more

Top Indoor Cultural Attractions in the Marais

Choosing a hotel or apartment in Paris's Marais neighborhood for a winter stay gives you easy access to explore the Marais's many fascinating museums:  including Centre Pompidou, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (Museum of Hunting and Nature), the Picasso Museum, and Musée Carnavalet, just to name a few.

Where to Shop in the Marais

In recent years, so many famous international brands and designers, French retailers, indie boutiques, and discount stores from high-end to sell-by-the-kilo have flocked to the Marais that you'll find a dizzying array of shopping opportunities throughout the entire neighborhood.

Not sure where to begin?  Any of these streets make a good starting point:

• Rue de Rivoli - Larger stores, including many top French, European, and International brands, as well as some deep-discounters
• Rue de Francs Bourgeois - If you're into trendy fashion, this main street is on point; duck down side streets for more eclectic brands
• Rue de Vieille-du-Temple - A mix of everything, but especially leather goods and jewelry
• Rue des Coutures Saint-Gervais - Look for interesting art galleries and indie designer clothing
• Rue de Bretagne - Home to the historical Marché des Enfants Rouges covered food market, this is a fun street to explore; look for Ladurée and Pierre Hermé shops, ice cream vendors, and patisseries (pastry makers)
• Village Saint-Paul - Mostly hidden from the street, you can access this historical shopping village with boutiques, art galleries, and bistros from Rue Saint-Paul, Rue Charlemagne, and Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul - just look for the signs!

Perfect Spots for Winter Walks in Paris's Marais

• Place des Vosges - A lovely small park surrounded by stately 17th century buildings; look for #6, now the Victor Hugo Museum, where the famous author of Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Misérables once lived
• Small parks and almost-hidden gardens, such as these along Rue Payenne
• Seine River banks, where you'll be looking straight across the water at Ile de la Cité

Where to Stay in the Marais in the Winter

Quick tip about staying in the Marais:  Many/most hotels in this highly desirable area occupy 17th and 18th century buildings, and guest rooms can be tiny. 

If your budget permits, book one of the larger (and pricier) rooms to avoid tripping over your suitcase.

• Hotel Charles V - 4-star hotel near Village Saint Paul, Place des Vosges, and the Seine River
• Hotel Caron - A serene 3-star hotel on a quiet street in a central Marais location
• Hotel de JoBo - With luxury linens and jewel-box decor, this hotel's 24 guest rooms and suites give you the perfect spot to cocoon during winter months
• Grand Hotel Malher - Family-run for 4 generations, this hotel offers 28 guestrooms with contemporary furnishings
• Le Pavillon de la Reine - This 5-star family-owned hotel with 56 guestrooms and suites features lush decor, a fitness room, hammam, and spa

Find more hotels in the Marais

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3.  Best Places to Stay in Paris's 9th District in the Winter

Top Indoor Cultural Attractions in the 9th District

The top two cultural attractions in Paris 9 are Opera Garnier, which you can explore on your own or catch an opera, ballet, or other performance, and Musée Grevin, Paris's wax museum which is one of the oldest in Europe and among the best in the world. 

Where to Shop in the 9th

Two of Paris's biggest department stores, Galleries Lafayette and Printemps, occupy multiple buildings along several blocks of Boulevard Haussmann.  Serious shoppers can easily spend a day (or more) in each of them. 

Nearby are dozens, perhaps hundreds, of other stores - everything from large international brands, French favorites, smaller independent shops, and specialized boutiques.  Truly a shoppers' paradise!

Serious foodies flock to the 9th's Rue des Martyrs, one of the city's best food streets.  It runs north-south along the heart of the trendy SoPi (South of Pigalle) neighborhood, with a nice family vibe.  Be sure to explore all the cross streets, too.  You'll see lots of small independent boutiques, vintage clothing stores, stamp and old coin dealers, antique shops, and art galleries. 

One of the most interesting cross streets near the Pigalle metro station is Rue Victor Masse, lined with shops selling second hand and vintage musical instruments and amplifiers, plus a couple of dilapidated-looking sex clubs in this former red light (but now rapidly gentrifying) district.

Perfect Spots for Winter Walks in Paris 9

Paris's 9th district is not known for its parks or green  space, so the best walking routes are along commercial streets such as Rue des Martyrs. 

Window-shopping in the 9th is always fascinating - but if winter walks where you can see trees and grass are important to you, consider staying in a different part of Paris, such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Marais, or the 1st arrondissement, all of which have lovely parks and gardens. 

In fairness, the 9th does have a few very small hidden gardens which you may discover if you like to explore interesting-looking alleys, but they really don't compare with Paris's magnificent larger parks.

Where to Stay in Paris in Winter in Paris 9

• Maison Mère - New 4-star hotel with contemporary decor and an onsite restaurant/bar located on a tranquil side street next to leafy Square Montholon and close to the Rue des Martyrs food street
• Chouchou - Fun 4-star design hotel with 63 guestrooms plus onsite entertainment - a guinguette-style bar, performance space, and food market; plus you're just a 5-minute walk from Palais Garnier, Galeries Lafayette, and Printemps
• Hôtel Chopin - Budget-friendly 3-star hotel located in Passage Jouffroy, a 19th century glass-roofed shopping arcade which is also home to the Grevin Wax Museum
• Laz' Hôtel Spa Urbain - Gorgeous 4-star hotel with an indoor pool, fitness room, spa, and hammam close to Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, the Olympia concert hall, and the Paris Opera House
• Le Basile Hotel - This budget-friendly 3-star hotel - a rarity in its posh corner of the 9th - puts you within easy walking distance of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, Opéra Garnier (Paris Opera House), and Madeleine Church

Find more hotels in Paris's 9st arrondissement

Find more to see & do in Paris's 9th arrondissement

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4.  Where to Stay in Saint-Germain-des-Prés during the Winter

Along with the Marais neighborhood, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the favorite of many English-speaking visitors Paris visitors. 

Perhaps more than any other spot in the city, its mix of 17th - 19th century architecture, cute boutiques, pedestrian-only streets, and cozy bistros look like the romantic and charming Paris you've seen in movies and paintings. 

Officially, the Saint-Germain neighborhood includes less than half of the 6th arrondissement.  But for practical purposes, many visitors see it as covering the entire 6th, (plus a chunk of the 5th), we're going to do the same in this article.

Top Indoor Cultural Attractions in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

The Orsay Museum, home to Paris's most famous collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, ranks as by far the biggest cultural attraction in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area - even though it's actually in the 7th arrondissement. 

Other top neighborhood gems are three magnificent churches, all perfect for exploring on winter days:  Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Église Saint-Sulpice, and Église Saint Severin.  (French language tip:  église = church.)

Where to Shop in Saint Germain

All kinds of stores pack Saint-Germain's narrow streets.  

Look for antique dealers, home decor stores, and art galleries between the Seine River and Rue de l'Université. 

Stop by the Saint-Germain Paris Christmas Market in December, where you can shop for fine artisan products, specialty foods and wines, and cute souvenirs as well as holiday decor.

To see the latest, greatest, and most beautiful furniture, bathroom fixtures, and kitchen designs, walk the length of Boulevard Saint-Germain.  Of course you'll also see plenty of other stores as well as some famous cafes and bistros (Les Deux Magots, Cafe de Flore, Brasserie Lipp, all favorite hang-outs of early 20th century writers and artists such as Hemingway, Sartre, de Beauvoir, Picasso, just to name a few).

Other main shopping (and dining) streets are Rue du Bac, Rue Jacob, Rue de Rennes, Rue Saint-Sulpice, Rue de Buci, and Rue de Seine, although turn down almost any other street and you're almost sure to discover more fashion boutiques. 

Since we've expanded Saint-Germain's boundaries for this article, now is the time to mention that the Left Bank's famous Bon Marché luxury department store (24 Rue de Sevres) is also nearby.

Perfect Spot for Winter Walks in Saint Germain

• Luxembourg Garden - One of Paris's largest city parks - spectacular year-round.

Where to Stay in Paris in Winter in Saint Germain

• Hotel Montalembert - Posh 5-star hotel with contemporary decor and 50 luxurious guest rooms and suites
• Hotel Madison - Lovely 4-star boutique hotel in a conveniently central location across from Saint Germain des Prés church
• Hotel Bel Ami - 5-star boutique hotel with gorgeous decor, a spa and fitness center, and an onsite café; views of Église Saint Germain des Prés from some guest rooms
• Relais Christine - 5-star luxury boutique hotel featuring French country decor, a spa, and a private garden
• Hotel de Buci - Charming 24-room boutique hotel on the Rue Buci market street features furnishings with a romantic très-Parisian vibe
• Hotel Artus - Located on the lively Rue de Buci market street, this 4-star hotel features 25 guestrooms and two suites, art-inspired mid-century modern decor, and bright cheery colors
• "The Parisian Style" Apartment - Sophisticated charm defines this spacious 3-bedroom/3 bathrooms apartment for up to 6 guests in the heart of Saint-Germain
• Hotel de Seine - Popular 3-star boutique hotel in an excellent location near the Seine River

Find more Saint-Germain hotels & apartments

Find hotels & apartments in the nearby 7th arrondissement

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5.  Where to Stay in Montmartre in the Winter

Located in Paris's 18th district, Montmartre attracts visitors who love its village-like ambiance, narrow winding lanes, many appealing cafes and bistros, small museums, and Sacre Coeur Basilica, one of Paris's top attractions. 

The neighborhood is also the scene of sizzling nightlife, especially along Boulevard de Clichy where famous cabaret Moulin Rouge and concert hall La Cigale are located.

Montmartre is also a favorite of budget-conscious travelers.  During winter months, you'll find the best deals of the year. 

Best Tours for Exploring Montmartre in the Winter

• Montmartre Cheese, Wine, & Pastry Guided Walking Tour - Sample the best treats in Montmartre while you explore the neighborhood and view the Paris skyline from Sacre Coeur
• Hidden Gems of Montmartre with a Local Guide - Go off the beaten track and discover all the romantic spots, hidden places, and unique views
• Your Own Private Photoshoot at Montmartre - Book an exclusive photoshoot with a photographer to get high-quality digital images of your visit to iconic sights in this scenic neighborhood

Top Indoor Cultural Attractions in Montmartre

Moulin Rouge is, by far, Montmartre's most famous cultural attraction, although the gleaming white Sacre Coeur Basilica on top of a hill runs a close second. 

For many Paris visitors, a Moulin Rouge show with Champagne and perhaps dinner rank near the top of their bucket lists.  Getting tickets and reservations during summer months can be a challenge, so if you're visiting during the winter, you should have a much easier time.

Winter is also an ideal time to visit one or more of these small museums tucked away in the hilly Montmartre neighborhood:

• Dalí Paris (11 Rue Poulbot, 75018) - View around 300 paintings, furniture, and other works by surrealist artist Salvidore Dalí
• Halle Saint Pierre (2 Rue Ronsard) - Relax over a cappuccino and fresh-baked pastry in the light-filled exhibition space/cafe where you can see contemporary, "outsider," and pop art
• Musée de Montmartre (12 Rue Cortot) - Admire works by artists such as Modigliani and Utrillo who gathered in the back garden.  Also, don't miss the vineyard (one of the very few remaining in Paris) on the slope behind the museum - even though the vines are bare during winter months, they're still cool to see

Where to Shop in Montmartre

Small boutiques and numerous produce, cheese, meat, and other markets along Rue des Abbesses make this one of the neighborhood's most appealing shopping areas. 

Be sure to explore the numerous side streets branching off from Rue des Abbesses, as that's where you'll find smaller indie boutiques and makers' studios.

If you like to sew, you won't want to miss Montmartre's mini Textile District.  Start at the biggest and the best, Marché Saint-Pierre (2 Rue Charles Nodier) where you can explore five floors of fabulous fabrics.  Then walk down Rue Livingston, where you'll more fabric and trim stores, for one short block and turn right onto Rue d'Orsel, lined with even more shops, including some with costumes and wigs.

If you're in Montmartre in December, visit the lovely Christmas Market at Place des Abbesses near Sacre Coeur and shop for artisan products for everyone on your holiday gift list.

Perfect Spot for Winter Walks in Montmartre

Stroll around Montmartre Cemetery, where you'll find picturesque monuments and graves of French writers, musicians, entertainers, and movie directors. 

Where to Stay in Paris in Winter in Montmartre

• Hotel Particulier Montmartre - One of Paris's smallest boutique hotels, with only 5 large-to-huge luxury suites,a renowned onsite restaurant, and a gorgeous private garden
• Terrass' Hotel - Enjoy spectacular views of the city and Eiffel Tower from the rooftop terrace bar, or for a special treat, book a guestroom with an Eiffel Tower view like the one above
• Montmartre Residence - Enjoy your own well-equipped apartment in the lovely Abbesses area of Montmartre
• Hotel des Arts Montmartre - This highly-rated 4-star hotel features a wonderful location and vibrant yet soothing decor in its 50 guest rooms

Find more top hotels in Montmartre

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