sean.blunk Are you planning to visit Paris during the Christmas season but worried about the crowds? Don’t worry, we have some insider tips to help you beat the masses and enjoy everything this magical city has to offer. Here’s how to enjoy Paris during Christmas without the crowds.
Paris Christmas Markets
First up, the Christmas market on the Champs-Elysées. To avoid the crowds, visit during the week and early afternoon or late evening. There is still enough hustle & bustle during these times that it’s not a complete ghost town. Like any good Christmas market, you’ll find great food/drink, shopping, & entertainment (both family-friendly & date appropriate). It’s best to go earlier in the month when it’s less hectic. If you can, avoid the weekends leading up to Christmas Day.
There is also a Christmas market near the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries. This is a bit smaller but can still be congested during peak hours. There are several metro stations near this site, but it does butt up to a park so definitely space to take a break from the crowds if needed!
Notre Dame Cathedral
Next on our list is the Notre Dame Cathedral. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Check out one of the Christmas concerts held at the cathedral for a less crowded experience. I must say, however, visiting the cathedral during the day is one of the coolest sites in the city, but Notre Dame really comes alive at night. I would highly recommend circling back in the evening to see it lit up in all its glory!
The Louvre
Now, let’s talk Louvre Museum. To avoid crowds, visit during the week and arrive early or later in the day. Check out the less popular exhibits for a less crowded experience. In order to see the entire museum you would really need all day with very little time in each exhibit, so I wouldn’t recommend that. The Egyptian exhibit was my favorite, plus they actually had a mummy on display.
If you are going just to see the infamous Mona Lisa, the earlier the better. They have constructed a line so tourists can see the painting and take pictures. But you can get an equally great view from the side of the line, not super close but if you are looking to just say you saw her then skip the line and stay close to the sides of the hall.
Quick tips
- Enter at one of the less public metro entrances: Palais Royal Musee de Louvre
- The Christmas market outside will draw more people to the area than normal
Ice Skating
For ice skating enthusiasts, visit the rinks set up around the city during Christmas. To avoid the crowds, visit during the week in the late afternoon or early evening. Try one of the lesser-known rinks for a unique experience.
- La Grande Arche de la Defense
- Le Plaza Athenee
- Galeries Lafayette Rooftop
Paris Christmas Lights
To see the Christmas lights and decorations without the crowds, take a walking tour early in the morning or late at night. Alternatively, take a bus tour to enjoy the sights without the masses.
I would recommend utilizing the Batobus, Paris’ river transportation bus line/river taxi. You can purchase tickets for a hop-on hop-off experience good for several days.
If you are looking for a more romantic experience (and who isn’t if you’re in Paris), I would HIGHLY recommend a La Marina Dinner Cruise. This was a no-kid event and we got to see all the lights of Paris, including the famous lights of the Eiffel Tower while sipping champagne and indulging in decadent Parisian cuisine!
The Palace of Versaille
Last but not least, the Palace of Versailles. To avoid the masses, visit during the week and arrive early or later in the afternoon. Check out the gardens for a less crowded and equally stunning experience. It’s only 45 minutes by train from Paris, and well worth the trip!
If you need help getting to Versaille check out this post.
There you have it, our insider tips on how to enjoy Paris during the Christmas season without the crowds. Happy travels and happy holidays!
