Paris doesn't slow down after the holidays, in fact it starts gearing up for new events. Known as the City of Celebration (to us, at least!), January in Paris kicks off with the famous soldes (winter sales), Paris Fashion Week, as well as a special van Gogh exhibition at Musée d'Orsay. The weather may be chilly but you can stay warm and cozy in a luxurious eurovan for a day trip to the Champagne Region or the royal estate at Versailles.

Esprit de Paris – The Top Experiences

Things to Do in Paris January 2024

Bateaux Parisiens VIP Dinner Cruise

Paris looks even better from a dinner boat cruising down the Seine. Climb aboard the glass-walled bateau for a relaxing ride along the river & view the city from a different perspective. Iconic landmarks pass by as you enjoy a multi-course French meal. Choose the Service Premier option for the best seating, best meal, and the ultimate experience.

Dinner Cruise by Maxim's of Paris

We love this dinnertime cruise that joins the Seine River with Maxim's of Paris, the Belle Époque bistro that debuted at the 1900 Paris Exposition.. On this evening cruise you'll dine on specialties made famous at the historic bistro as you admire the lights of the city. With VIP treatment including guaranteed window seating for the best views, you'll be immersed in an unforgettable romantic atmosphere.

Masterpieces of the Louvre Tour

You probably know that the Louvre is the world's most popular museum, which means it's also the busiest. Do you want to wait in line to see the best art in the world, or would you rather zip ahead of the long line with fast access tickets and join a fascinating walking tour where your expert guide will personally take you right to the highlights — Venus, Mona, Nike, and other influential pieces? That's what we thought.

Eiffel Tower Priority-Access Tours

Our top tip to avoid the long lines at the Eiffel Tower is to sign up for a skip-the-line-tour. Meet your guide at the base of the tower and follow her past the long lineups. You get priority access while your guide fills you in on history and fun facts. Since availability at the Tower is limited, you should book your tour as early as you can.

Indulge your inner romantic on a magical evening cruise along the Seine, viewing the City of Light at its most magical. You dine on a decadent 4-course classic French dinner, accompanied by live music on-board, as you float past illuminated landmarks like the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower.

Dine on the Eiffel Tower at Madame Brasserie

To our way of thinking dining on the Eiffel Tower is the ultimate Paris experience. And it's easy to book at table at Madame Brasserie, the newest culinary star on the Eiffel Tower. Instead of waiting in lines, you zip up the elevator to the restaurant and then enjoy the menu created by Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx. Choose the Grande Dame – Paris View option for the best views and the best meal.

Hear Classical Music in Paris

Attending a classical music concert at one of the iconic churches or cathedrals of Paris will create a lasting memory of your trip to the City of Music. Listen to favorites by Mozart, Pachelbel, Schubert, Vivaldi, Bach, or Beethoven. Or attend a performance at Palais Garnier, just to marvel at the stunning architecture. Find out what's playing during your time in Paris.

Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker on New Years Day

Rudolf Nureyev's famous interpretation of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker ballet is being staged at Opera Bastille through the holiday season, with a special finale performance on New Year's Day 2024. There's really no more magnificent spectacle than this grand ballet performance at Opera Bastille. Tickets will be gone soon!

Champagne Cruise Along the Seine

We're adamant — there's no better way to celebrate your stay Paris than a champagne-fueled cruise down the Seine, the most romantic river in the world. You'll also discover it's the very best way to see the sights of the city as you glide past the monuments on a bateau sipping bubbly! Thursday, Friday, Saturday in January.

Dinner + Cabaret at the Moulin Rouge

One of the most iconic evening experiences in Paris is dinner and the cabaret show at Moulin Rouge. Take your seat to dine on the classic Belle Époque Menu (our recommendation), complete with champagne. Afterwards you can marvel at the cabaret that features 100 performers and flamboyant costumes of feathers, rhinestones, and sequins. Truly a night to remember.

Musée d'Orsay Impressionism Tour

Skip the lines at Musée d'Orsay to marvel at stunning Impressionist works by the likes of Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, and Renoir on this tour led by an Impressionism expert guide. D'Orsay holds the world's most important collection of Impressionist art. Since the lines are always long, the best way to get to see the art is on a skip-the-line tour. Once the tour finishes, you're free to spend as much time as you want perusing the masterpieces.

Paris in One Day: Eiffel Tower Lunch + Cruise + Louvre

This action-packed tour takes you to the best of Paris with skip-the-line access bypassing the crowds. You have priority-access at the Eiffel Tower for lunch overlooking the sights of Paris. Then, hop on a boat at the banks of the Seine River to see the best of Paris landmarks, riverside. It's not over yet! Visit the Louvre for a guided tour of the world's most famous museum. Whew!

Arrange Your Airport Transfer

One of our most appreciated pieces of advice is to arrange your transportation from the airport into Paris before you leave home. It's comforting to be prepared when you arrive. Its easy and affordable way to book a luxurious shuttle service right to your hotel.

The Best Latin Quarter Hotels

The historic and charming Latin Quarter is one of the best places to stay in Paris. Luckily, it's also home to some of our favourite hotels in the city. Here, you are in the center of things, with easy access to Saint-Germain, the Marais, the Seine, the Paris Islands and Notre Dame Cathedral. Let's take a look at the new 2024 list of the best hotels in the Latin Quarter, with current prices.

The Wonders of Versailles

Things to Do in Paris January 2024

You'll feel like royalty on this full day in Versailles. You're driven from Paris to the royal estate where priority access gets you ahead of the lines and directly into the grand chateau for a guided tour. This activity includes everything — transportation, tickets, a guided tour, the gardens, plus a visit to Marie's fantasy estate at Versailles.

Half-Day, Priority-Access Tour of Versailles

If you want to spend only half a day at Versailles, this tour is a great way to visit the royal estate and skip the lines. Led by an expert guide this activity includes transportation right from your hotel. It's available in the morning and in the afternoon.

Go Deeper Into France On Day Trips

Things to Do in Paris January 2024

Spend a Day in the Champagne Region

Your car winds through the celebrated vineyards and villages where champagne has been made for centuries. On this small-group tour, your driver will take you along the picturesque Route de Champagne with plenty of tours and tasting at top producers. Sample all you want — someone else does the driving. It's a delicious, bubbly adventure you'll not soon forget!

The D-Day Landing Beaches

The landing beaches of Normandy are undoubtedly the most famous battle sites of World War II. Sign up for this popular small-group tour that takes you to the most important locations — the beaches, the monuments, the museums, and the dedicated cemeteries. This all-inclusive day trip also includes lunch and a tasting of the region's famous ciders.

Three Magnificent Loire Valley Chateaux

The Loire Vally is known as the Land of 1000 Castles and it's easy to get from Paris to the splendid chateaux on a day trip. Take a leisurely tour of three of the most spectacular castles in the valley. It's like stepping back in time as you wander the gardens and mazes and traverse the moats of the Renaissance castles. Includes hotel pick-up and return.

Delectable Food & Wine Experiences

Things to Do in Paris January 2024

Cheese & Wine Tasting in a Paris Cheese Cellar

In this small-group food activity you learn all about the proper way to age the cheeses of France. In a fromagerie in the Marais you meet the affineur (expert in aging cheeses) and descend into the private cheese cellar where you taste seven classic French cheeses, along with wines. Discover how cheese became one of the most important food groups of France, along with baguettes and chocolate! The group size is limited to 10 to ensure there's more cheese for you.

A Taste of Montmartre Food & Wine Tour

Located on a hill above the rest of the city, the former village of Montmartre is home to cobblestone streets, café terraces, and some of the best food shops in Paris. Take a guided walking tour to visit 8 of them as you taste delicious French cuisine, sampling fresh cheeses, charcuterie, wine, pastries, and chocolate paired with French wine.

Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Lunch

Take a break from sightseeing for a fun, casual, and affordable lunch cruise along the Seine. Getting out on the river is something you must do in Paris, so why not have lunch at the same time? Look out the window at the monuments of Paris passing by. Combine great dining with a tour of Paris… riverside. Available everyday. This lunch cruise is very popular, so book early.

Wine Tasting in the Heart of Paris

The weather outside may be chilly but you'll be warm inside a charming wine cellar smack in the center of Paris. The professional sommeliers on these fun tastings cover a lot of French wine territory and deliver an extensive tasting of wines — from Champagne to Sancerre, from Bordeaux to Burgundy, from Alsace to the Rhône. It all takes place in a wine bar steps away from the Louvre.

The Food & Wine of the Marais

This very popular food tour takes you back to the Marais to visit the top food & wine shops in the historic quartier. You learn about and taste the best of French foods like baguettes, chocolate, cheese, charcuterie, and wine. Start off at the oldest food market in the city. This one is garnering high praise from hungry travelers.

Chocolate & Pastry Walking Tour of Saint-Germain

Now we're getting to the good stuff! On this tour you wander between Saint-Germain's iconic chocolate & pastry shops to learn the secrets and techniques of each, while you sample all along the route. It's a small-group tour with hands-on attention, and it goes at a relaxed pace. With only 8 people you get to sample a lot!

Learn to Make Croissants with a Pastry Chef

Sure — you can just eat croissants and pains au chocolat during your trip to Paris. But you can, instead, learn how to bake them yourself during this hands-on, small-group pastry class. Head to the professional kitchen (located in central Paris), to meet your chef instructor, then roll up your sleeves to learn the step-by-step secrets to making theses iconic French pastries.

What's On At The Museums

Things to Do in Paris January 2024

Louvre + Orsay Museums Skip-the-Line Tour

Yes, you can! You'll cover a lot of art history in a few short hours — the only thing you have to do is relax and enjoy the masterpieces. No need to worry about buying tickets or standing in line. This combination museum tour takes you to the best at the Louvre and the d'Orsay museum with a knowledgeable guide. Group size is limited to 8.

Modigliani – A Painter and His Dealer

Amedeo Clemente Modigliani (1884-1920) lived hard, died young, and has since become one of the most forged artists of all time. In 1914, Modigliani met Paul Guillaume; the famous art dealer who became his representative. This exhibition explores the relationship between the two men in the context of the Parisian artistic circle of the 1910s.
• Musée de l'Orangerie
• Ends January 15, 2024
• Information…

Claude Gillot

Though Claude Gillot was a painter, engraver metal worker, and theatre designer it was his whimsical rococo drawings that brought him the greatest attention and popularity amongst the Paris bourgeoisie.
• Louvre
• Ends February 12, 2024
• Information…

Naples in Paris: Masterpieces from the Museo di Capodimonte

See masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael, never before seen outside of Naples. Sixty masterpieces from the Capodimonte Museum will be exhibited in the glamorous Grande Galerie, the Salle de la Chapelle, and the Salle de l'Horloge.

• Louvre Grande Galerie
• Ends January 8, 2024

Gertrude Stein & Pablo Picasso – The Invention of Language

The friendship between Picasso and Gertrude Stein was built around their respective work. This exhibition examines the far-reaching consequences of their intellectual collaboration.

• Musée du Luxembourg
• September 13 to January 28, 2024
• Information…

Louis Janmot – The Poem of the Soul

46 years in the making, The Poem of the Soul is the crowning achievement of French artist Louis Janmot (1814-1892). The ambitious work includes eighteen large-scale paintings and drawings along with a long poem to illustrate the soul's painful and joyful journey on earth and in heaven.

• Musée d'Orsay
• Ends January 7, 202
• Information…

Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise – The Final Months

This is the first exhibition devoted to van Gogh's final and important stage of his artistic career. During the last two months of his life, van Gogh produced a vast number of paintings while living in the small village of Auvers-sur-Oise. Many would become masterpieces. Don't miss this exhibition!

• Musée d'Orsay
• End February 4, 2024
• Information…

Chagall – Drawings, Ceramics And Sculptures, 1945-1970

The colorful exhibition brings together dazzling drawings, ceramics and sculptures by Marc Chagall including costume drawings for Igor Stravinsky's ballet, The Firebird.

• Centre Pompidou
• Ends February 26, 2024
• Information…

Treasures in Black & White

See the most beautiful pieces from the collection of the Petit Palais featuring a panorama of prints from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Dürer to Rembrandt, Callot to Goya, hundreds of prints by the great masters will be on display.

• Petit Palais
• Ends January 14, 2024
• Information…

The Paris of Modernity

The Modern Age (1905 to 1925) was a period when Paris exploded with an artistic and cultural energy that continues to dazzle us today. This exhibition explores fashion, cinema, photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, design, and architecture from this pivotal era in the history of Paris.

• Petit Palais
• Ends April 14, 2024
• Information…

The Top Events In Paris

Things to Do in Paris January 2024

Jour de l'An

New Year's Day is a French National Holiday and most shops, services, museums & restaurants will be closed. But just being in Paris at the start of the year is a pleasure. We've assembled a list of some of the things you can do on le jour de l'An.

January Sales

On your mark, get ready, shop! In January one thousand Paris boutiques and grands magasins commence the annual beginning-of-the-year sales. France being France, even store sales must be authorized by the préfectures of each département (local government). It's hard to describe the shopping frenzy that the January sales inspire. Here are a few of our favorite department stores:
• Printemps…
• Le Bon Marché…
• Galeries Lafayette…

Paris Fashion Week January 2024

It's Paris Fashion Week again. This month in Paris the designers and models will be unveiling menswear for Fall/Winter 2024-2025. Although you can't buy tickets to the fashion shows, if you hang out in the trendy bars around the Carrousel du Louvre you might have a celebrity sighting. Be on the lookout for a collection of tall, thin models. (Or is that a mirror you're looking in?!) Men's Fashion Week precedes Feminine, which starts in late February.
• Information…

Maison & Objet

Discover the latest trends in decoration, design, furniture, accessories and textiles. The live, on-site version is back — at Paris Nord Villepinte in January!
• Paris Nord Villepinte
• Information…

Grand Prix d'Amérique Harness Racing World Championship

The hottest trot race in France, and one of the richest events in the world in this sport. In January 2024 qualifying races are being run, and it looks as if the finalé will take place at the end of January, with other races running to the end of February.

• Hippodrome, Boise de Vincennes
• January & February 2024
• Information…

Pinder Circus

A fairytale, holiday setting and a wonderful show for the whole family. Check the website for updates.

• Pelouse de Reuilly, 12th Arrondissement
• Information…