I am going to France for the sixth time, however, this is my first time in the winter (Dec 20-Jan6) and was wondering what I can expect in terms of weather and activities. We (three first timers and I) will be spending a few days with friends in Villeneuve-les-Avignon and then we will all be going to Abondance (in the Alps) for a few days and after that it is off to Paris for the last 4-5 days of the trip. We are getting Eurail passes for 4 days within one month in order to travel during our stay. I am wondering if the rail travel is limited during the winter and if the tourism in Paris is limited during this time. This past summer I took several family members to Paris for three days (we were very limited on time) and we used one of the Hop-on Hop-off tours and it worked out quite well. Does anyone know if these tours are an option during this time of year? Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.
Nicki
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3 Comments On Winter in France
Hi Nicki
Your friends near Avignon can probably tell you more about their local conditions in winter, but at that time of year it tends to be sunnier near the Med than in the rest of France, and colder the higher the altitude and further inland you are. But even near the Med it is cold in winter (frosts are common) and you can a get strong northerly winds called Mistrals which are supposed to drive the people there mad! Obviously you can expect snow in the Alps. Paris will probably be cold (low single figures by day, frosts at night) but no guarantee of wet or dry. The weather is not that predictable.
We are in Normandy and here it was cold and grey this year, while last year winter it was sunny and mild.
The hop-on Paris tour buses (including the open top ones) run all year round, though there are not so many in winter. Most of the major attractions will be open – just beware Tuesdays when many are shut.
Last time we went to Paris in January it was clear skies and frosty – quite lovely, though our eyes watered on top of the open buses! The time before it was mild and rainy. I don’t think global warming will have made much of a difference yet!
Phil
Thank you so much. Your posting has eased my mind about taking new people to France. We are from Michigan where it has been known to get down to -30 degrees farenheit during the winter…a frost would be nice. We will not have much time in Paris so I am very happy the tour buses run year round. Also, I assume there will not be many tourists this time of year. Again thank you for your comment.
Nicki
Sounds like Paris in winter is sunbathing weather for someone used to Michigan winters!
Phil