5-Day Magical Christmas Holiday Experience in Paris
Paris, France
5 days
About Paris, France
Experience the magic of Paris, France, the City of Light. Marvel at iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Stroll along the Seine River or through the charming Montmartre district. Indulge in world-class cuisine, from croissants to escargot, and shop in chic boutiques along the Champs-Élysées. Explore the rich history and culture of Paris through its many museums, galleries, and historic sites. At night, enjoy a show at the Moulin Rouge or gaze at the city's twinkling lights from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Paris is not just a city, it's a world of its own waiting to be discovered.
5-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Champs-Élysées Christmas Market
Morning
Visit the Louvre Museum, the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local café near the Louvre Museum.
Afternoon
Explore the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture.
Dinner
Dine at a nearby restaurant offering a variety of French dishes.
Evening
Experience the Christmas market at Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world.
Day 3
Palace of Versailles, Montmartre and Moulin Rouge
Morning
Visit the Palace of Versailles, a royal château in Versailles in the Île-de-France region of France.
Lunch
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Gardens of Versailles.
Afternoon
Explore the Montmartre district, known for its bohemian past and the beautiful Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Dinner
Have dinner at a local restaurant in Montmartre.
Evening
Watch a cabaret show at the famous Moulin Rouge.
Day 4
Centre Pompidou, Marais and La Défense Christmas Market
Morning
Visit the Centre Pompidou, a complex building in the Beaubourg area of the 4th arrondissement of Paris.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local café near the Centre Pompidou.
Afternoon
Explore the Marais district, one of the oldest and most historic parts of Paris.
Dinner
Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant in the Marais district.
Evening
Visit the Christmas market at La Défense, the major business district of Paris.
Day 5
Sainte-Chapelle, Panthéon and Farewell Stroll along the Seine River
Morning
Visit the Sainte-Chapelle, a royal chapel in the Gothic style.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local café near the Sainte-Chapelle.
Afternoon
Visit the Panthéon, a building in the Latin Quarter in Paris.
Dinner
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant near the Panthéon.
Evening
Take a final stroll along the Seine River and enjoy the beautifully lit cityscape.
Attractions in Itinerary (15)
1Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is a wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower.
2Musée d'Orsay
A museum housed in a former railway station, known for its extensive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces.
3Louvre Museum
The Louvre, or the Louvre Museum, is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, France. A central landmark of the city, it is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city's 1st arrondissement.
4Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame de Paris, referred to simply as Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. The cathedral is consecrated to the Virgin Mary and considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.
5Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a royal château in Versailles, now a wealthy suburb of Paris. The palace is an architectural masterpiece and includes countless works of art. It is surrounded by equally impressive gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre.
6Gardens of Versailles
The Gardens of Versailles are a key part of the Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are renowned for their geometrically aligned terraces, fountains, and groves.
7Montmartre
A historic and artistic neighborhood known for its bohemian past and the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur.
8Sacré-Cœur Basilica
A Roman Catholic church and minor basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located at the highest point in the city.
9Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is a cabaret in Paris, France. The original house, which burned down in 1915, was co-founded in 1889 by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller, who also owned the Paris Olympia. Close to Montmartre in the Paris district of Pigalle on Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement, it is marked by the red windmill on its roof.
10Centre Pompidou
A complex building in the Beaubourg area of the 4th arrondissement of Paris, near Les Halles, rue Montorgueil, and the Marais. It houses the Public Information Library and the Museum of Modern Art.
11Marais
A historic district in Paris, home to many old, aristocratic style buildings, trendy boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.
12Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic chapel in Paris, famous for its stunning stained glass windows. It's a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and a significant religious site.
13Panthéon
The Panthéon is a prominent monument in Paris, serving as a mausoleum for distinguished French citizens. Its architecture and history make it a significant cultural site.
14Champs-Élysées Christmas Market
The Champs-Élysées Christmas Market is a beloved annual event in Paris. It transforms the famous avenue into a winter wonderland, offering a variety of stalls selling crafts, food, and holiday gifts.
15La Défense Christmas Market
La Défense Christmas Market is a popular holiday event in Paris. It features a wide range of stalls selling festive goods and is known for its modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Croissant
A buttery, flaky, viennoiserie pastry of Austrian origin, named for its historical crescent shape. It's a staple in French bakeries and a must-try for any visitor to Paris.
Escargot
A dish of cooked land snails, usually served as an appetizer in France. It's a classic French delicacy that's popular in Paris.
Coq au Vin
A traditional French dish of chicken slow-cooked with wine, lardons, mushrooms, and optionally garlic. It's a hearty dish that's a favorite in Paris.
Ratatouille
A traditional French Provençal stewed vegetable dish, originating in Nice. It's a popular dish in Paris, especially in the summer months.
Crème Brûlée
A dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a contrasting layer of hard caramel. It's a classic French dessert that's a must-try in Paris.
Baguette
A long, thin loaf of French bread that is commonly made from basic lean dough. It's a staple in French cuisine and a must-try for any visitor to Paris.
Quiche Lorraine
A kind of pie with a savory filling consisting of eggs, milk or cream, and cheese, meat, seafood or vegetables. Quiche Lorraine is a variant that includes bacon. It's a popular dish in Paris.
Soupe à l'oignon
A type of soup usually based on meat stock and onions, and often served gratinéed with croutons and cheese on top. It's a traditional French soup served at any time of day in Paris.
Tarte Tatin
An upside-down tart in which the fruit (usually apples) are caramelized in butter and sugar before the tart is baked. It's a classic French dessert that's a must-try in Paris.
Champagne
A French sparkling wine. The term Champagne can be used as a generic term for sparkling wine, but in the EU and some countries it is legally reserved for sparkling wines made in the Champagne region of France. It's a popular drink in Paris.
Pastis
An anise-flavoured spirit and apéritif from France, typically containing 40–45% alcohol by volume, although there exist alcohol-free varieties. It's a popular drink in Paris, especially in the summer months.
Café au lait
A French coffee drink. In the most popular variant found in French cafés, equal parts steamed milk and strong hot coffee are combined. It's a staple in French cafés and a must-try for any visitor to Paris.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Paris, France as a tourist is typically during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. However, if you don't mind the crowds, summer (July and August) is when the city is most vibrant with numerous festivals and events. Winter, especially December, can also be a magical time to visit with Christmas markets and festive lights, although the weather can be quite cold.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
April 1 | Mon | Easter Monday |
May 1 | Wed | Labor Day / May Day |
May 8 | Wed | WWII Victory Day |
May 9 | Thu | Ascension Day |
May 20 | Mon | Whit Monday |
July 14 | Sun | Bastille Day |
August 15 | Thu | Assumption of Mary |
November 1 | Fri | All Saints' Day |
November 11 | Mon | Armistice Day |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
How to get around
Metro
The Paris Metro is a convenient and efficient way to travel around the city. It has 16 lines and stops at more than 300 stations, covering most of the city's main attractions. Metro services usually run from 5:30 am to 12:40 am (until 1:40 am on Fridays and Saturdays).
Bus
Paris has an extensive bus network that can take you to many parts of the city that are not served by the Metro. Buses usually run from 7 am to 8:30 pm, with some lines operating until midnight. The Noctilien night bus service operates from 12:30 am to 5:30 am.
RER (Regional Express Network)
The RER is a commuter train system that connects Paris with the surrounding suburbs and popular destinations such as Disneyland Paris and the Palace of Versailles. There are five RER lines (A to E) that intersect with various Metro lines.
Tram
Paris has eight tram lines that mainly serve the city's outskirts. Trams are a good option if you're staying outside the city center or want to visit attractions located in the suburbs.
Bicycle
Paris has a public bicycle sharing system called Velib'. You can rent a bike from one of the many Velib' stations scattered throughout the city. Cycling is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore Paris, especially with its many bike lanes and paths.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Paris, whether hailed on the street, at taxi stands, or booked in advance. All taxis are equipped with a meter, and the fare is based on the distance traveled and the time of day.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber, Bolt, and Kapten are available in Paris. These services can be a convenient and often cheaper alternative to taxis. You'll need to download the respective app and have an internet connection to book a ride.
Boat
The Batobus is a boat service that operates on the Seine River. It stops at nine locations close to Paris's main attractions. The boats run every 20-25 minutes from 10 am to 7 pm (later during the summer months).
Walk
Paris is a very walkable city, with many of its major attractions located close to each other. Walking is not only a free mode of transport but also a great way to soak up the city's atmosphere and discover hidden gems.
Car Rental
Renting a car in Paris is an option, but it's not recommended due to heavy traffic, expensive parking, and the excellent public transportation system. If you do decide to rent a car, remember that you'll need an international driving permit if you're from outside the EU.
Important information
Currency€ EUR
Time zoneUTC+1
Driving sideRight
Emergency phoneAmbulance: 112, 15; Fire: 112, 18; Police: 112, 17
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
Voltage230 V
Things to know about Paris, France as a first time visitor
1
Parisians are known for their fashion sense. Dressing more formally than in other cities can help you blend in.
2
The French appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language. Even just a few basic phrases can go a long way.
3
Tipping is not mandatory in Paris, as a service charge is already included in your bill. However, it's common to leave small change.
4
Paris is a walkable city, but it also has an extensive Metro system. Familiarize yourself with the routes to easily navigate the city.
5
Pickpocketing can be a problem in Paris, especially in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
6
Most museums and monuments in Paris are closed on either Monday or Tuesday. Check the opening days and hours before you visit.
7
Parisians take their food seriously. Take time to enjoy your meals, and remember that dinner is typically served from 7:30 pm.
8
Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places, including bars and restaurants.
9
Paris can be very busy during the peak tourist season (June-August). Consider visiting in the shoulder seasons for a more relaxed experience.
10
Many shops in Paris close on Sundays, and some also close for a few hours in the afternoon.
11
Paris has a temperate climate. Summers (June-August) can be warm, with temperatures ranging from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), while winters (December-February) can be cold, with temperatures ranging from 35°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
12
Public restrooms can be hard to find in Paris. Cafes and restaurants usually have restrooms for customers.
13
Paris is divided into 20 districts, known as 'arrondissements'. Each has its own character and attractions.
14
The tap water in Paris is safe to drink and is subject to strict health controls.
15
Paris is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).
16
The standard voltage in Paris is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You may need a power plug adapter or voltage converter.
17
In Paris, the emergency number for police is 17, for medical is 15, and for fire is 18.
18
Many Parisians take vacation in August, so some shops and restaurants may be closed.
19
Paris is generally safe, but like any big city, it's wise to avoid less crowded areas late at night.
20
If you're driving, be aware that Paris has a high volume of traffic and parking can be difficult and expensive.
Basic French to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Bonjour | bon-zhoor | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | Au revoir | oh reh-vwar | Saying goodbye |
Please | S'il vous plaît | see voo play | Making a request |
Thank you | Merci | mehr-see | Expressing gratitude |
Yes | Oui | wee | Agreeing or confirming |
No | Non | non | Disagreeing or denying |
Excuse me | Excusez-moi | ex-koo-zay mwah | Getting attention or apologizing |
I'm sorry | Je suis désolé | juh swee day-zo-lay | Apologizing |
Do you speak English? | Parlez-vous anglais? | par-lay voo an-glay | Asking if someone speaks English |
I don't understand | Je ne comprends pas | juh nuh kom-prahn pah | Expressing confusion |
Where is...? | Où est...? | oo eh | Asking for directions |
Bathroom | Toilettes | twah-let | Asking for the restroom |
Help | Aidez-moi | ed-ay mwah | In case of emergency |
Can I have...? | Puis-je avoir...? | pwee-jeuh ah-vwar | Making a request |
How much does it cost? | Combien ça coûte? | kom-byen sah koot | Asking for the price |
I would like... | Je voudrais... | juh voo-dray | Making a request |
Good morning | Bonjour | bon-zhoor | Greeting someone in the morning |
Good night | Bonne nuit | bon nwee | Saying goodnight |
Food | Nourriture | noo-ree-toor | Talking about food |
Water | Eau | oh | Asking for water |
Packing List
Clothing
Underwear (5 pairs)
Socks (5 pairs)
T-shirts (5)
Long-sleeve shirts (2)
Jeans or trousers (2 pairs)
Comfortable walking shoes
Dress shoes
Lightweight jacket
Formal outfit for dining out
Pajamas
Scarf, gloves and hat (if winter)
Swimsuit (if summer)
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Razor and shaving cream
Makeup and makeup remover
Sunscreen (if summer)
Travel-size first aid kit
Prescription medications
Hand sanitizer
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or ID card
Credit and debit cards
Cash in Euros
Travel insurance documents
Hotel and tour reservations
Emergency contacts and addresses
Maps and guidebooks
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Universal power adapter
Camera
Charger for camera
Headphones
Portable power bank
Miscellaneous items
Travel pillow
Earplugs and eye mask
Snacks
Water bottle
Umbrella
Books or e-reader for entertainment
French phrasebook
Travel-sized laundry detergent
Reusable shopping bag
Weather Conditions
Paris, France, is known for its temperate climate, which can vary throughout the year. It's crucial to pack accordingly to enjoy your trip to the fullest. Spring (March to May) is a beautiful time to visit Paris, with temperatures ranging from 46°F to 64°F (8°C to 18°C). It's a great time for outdoor activities, but remember to carry a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. Summer (June to August) in Paris can be warm and sometimes hot, with temperatures ranging from 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C). It's the perfect time for picnics in parks or boat rides on the Seine. However, heatwaves can occur, so pack light clothing, sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Autumn (September to November) sees temperatures drop to between 46°F and 64°F (8°C to 18°C). It's a great time to visit museums and galleries. Pack a mix of light and warm clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable. Winter (December to February) in Paris can be cold, with temperatures ranging from 33°F to 46°F (1°C to 8°C). Snow is rare but possible. Pack warm clothing, including a coat, scarf, gloves, and hat. Regardless of the season, Paris can be rainy. An umbrella or a raincoat is always a good idea. Also, remember that the weather can change quickly, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before you head out for the day. Lastly, don't let the weather deter you from enjoying the city's charm. Paris is beautiful in all seasons, and there's always something to do, come rain or shine.
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 8° / 3° | January is the coldest month in Paris, with occasional snowfall. Dress warmly and enjoy the winter sales. |
February | 9° / 3° | February is still chilly, but the days are getting longer. It's a great time to visit museums and cafes. |
March | 14° / 5° | March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures gradually warming up. The city starts to bloom, making it a picturesque time to visit. |
April | 17° / 7° | April is generally mild and rainy. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, adding a touch of magic to the city. |
May | 20° / 10° | May brings warmer temperatures and longer days. It's a perfect time for outdoor activities and picnics in the park. |
June | 24° / 13° | June is the start of summer, with plenty of sunshine. Enjoy the music festivals and open-air events. |
July | 26° / 15° | July is the hottest month in Paris, with long, sunny days. It's a great time to visit landmarks and enjoy the summer festivities. |
August | 26° / 15° | August is still hot, but less crowded as many locals go on vacation. Enjoy the open-air cinemas and music festivals. |
September | 23° / 12° | September sees the start of autumn, with mild temperatures and beautiful fall colors. It's a great time for sightseeing and wine tasting. |
October | 18° / 9° | October is cooler and can be rainy. Enjoy the fall foliage in the parks and the Nuit Blanche, a night-time arts festival. |
November | 12° / 6° | November is chilly with shorter days. It's a good time to visit museums and enjoy the Christmas lights. |
December | 9° / 4° | December is cold and often rainy, but the city is beautifully lit up for Christmas. Enjoy the holiday markets and ice skating rinks. |
Did you know?
Places near by Paris, France
Château de Versailles
A grand palace and former seat of power, known for its opulent design and Hall of Mirrors.
Monet's Garden in Giverny
The beautiful gardens and home of impressionist painter Claude Monet.
Château de Fontainebleau
A former royal residence, known for its Renaissance and classical architecture.
Reims
A city in northeastern France, known for its cathedral and Champagne production.
Château de Chantilly
A historic château with an extensive art collection and park.
Rouen
A city on the River Seine, known for its Gothic cathedral and medieval old town.
Loire Valley Castles
A region known for its historic castles, such as Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau.
Mont Saint-Michel
A small rocky island commune, known for its abbey.
Strasbourg
A city in eastern France, known for its medieval cityscape and cathedral.
Bruges
A city in Belgium, known for its canals and medieval buildings.
