Winter in France
Updated: Dec 6, 2021
How cold is France in winter ? What to do in France in winter ?
There's something you should know : France can be visited in any season!
With so many different identities depending on the region, it makes sense to make a list of places to visit during the winter.
In terms of schedule, winter takes place from December 21 to March 21.
Honestly, in terms of weather, winter is considered from the beginning of November to the end of March.
Rank of temperatures in December :
Courchevel, in the Alps : between -8°c and 0°c (17°F to 32°F )
Paris : between 3°c and 8°c (37°F to 46°F), average of 9 rainy days
Rouen, in Normandy : between 2°c and 8°c (35°F to 46°F), average of 12 rainy days
Strasbourg, in Alsace : between 0°c and 5°c (32°F to 41°F), average of 8 rainy days
Aix en Provence : between 0°c and 11°c (32°F to 51°F), average of 4 rainy days
Nice : between 9°c and 13°c (48°F to 55°F), average of 5 rainy days
Lucky we are living in France since this country offers a multitude of places to visit at any time of the year.
To make it easy, I propose a list of places that make you dream if you visit France in winter.
PARIS
The capital remains the place to visit. I recommend Paris especially in December.
To do in Paris in December:
Enjoy hot chocolate in a Parisian café
Go to Galeries Lafayette and find your child’s soul in front of the Christmas windows and the huge tree
Admire the snowy roofs of Paris
Stroll through the covered passages to experience a moment out of time, such as the Passage des Panoramas or the Vivienne Gallery
Enjoy winter sales starting in January
Admire the Belle Epoque houses in the park of Maisons, in Maisons-Laffitte in a carriage (with a glass of champagne!)
2. STRASBOURG
Alsace is a region so beautiful ! With its own identity, its half-timbered houses and its innumerable traditions and flavours, you will be captivated!
To do in Alsace in winter:
Enjoy the famous Christmas markets in Alsace
Warm up with a sauerkraut and a delicious glass of white wine
Smell the good smell of roasted chestnuts in the streets and feast with a cone
Enjoy a beer chopper in a real Alsatian tavern
Dog sledding in the Vosges
3. ANNECY / AIX LES BAINS / CHAMONIX
France is rich in mountains. The Alps form the most important massif of the country with the highest point of Mont Blanc at 4,808 meters.
Things to do in the Alps in winter
Enjoy winter sports activities with cross-country skiing or downhill skiing
Snowshoeing
Discover the pretty town of Annecy and its lake
Enjoy gastronomic delights with a raclette (a dish that consists of melting raclette cheese under a grill, to be enjoyed with potatoes and charcuterie) or a tartiflette (gratin of potatoes and bacon, covered with reblochon)
4. AIX EN PROVENCE / PROVENCE
Discovering Provence in winter is a treat! Fewer people than in summer, villages to discover, and especially, the Provençal tradition for Christmas. The Provençal crèches are among the most beautiful in the country. They are made with santons and trace the life in a Provençal village.
To do in Provence in winter
Discover the santon markets and learn who is "Le Ravi"
Taste the nougats and calissons
Enjoy the mild climate of southern France
Enjoy the road of the painters and leave in the footsteps of Cézanne
5. NICE ET LA CÔTE D'AZUR
Summer and winter are very different on the French Riviera. The hustle and bustle of summer festivals give way to the softness and colors of winter.
Things to do on the French Riviera in winter
Admire the mimosa in bloom and participate in the mimosas corsos (mimosa festival)
Browse the biggest festivities such as the Carnival of Nice or the Lemon Festival in Menton
Going to the beach in winter
Feel like the British elite who came to the French Riviera to appreciate the climate and recharge with heliotropy
Travel planner specialized in the custom trips in France, I will be happy to discuss with you your next trip!
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