Paris in January – what’s on?
As the holiday season ends Parisians and visitors alike continue to endure the winter weather, albeit milder so far this year. From fashion sales to art exhibitions, we’ve rounded up the best activities to chase out the cold while you continue your love affair with la Ville Lumière.
Here’s our list of the not-to-be-missed activities for Paris in January 2016.
Indulge in some post-Christmas shopping at the winter sales
What is it?
From early January, sales of up to 80% reductions occur throughout all shops in France, so forget the budget – the time for lèche-vitrine is over! Why not pamper yourself and buy that coat you had been eyeing off before Christmas? Best to do your homework before you get there, and turn up early, as the les soldes are always extremely popular!
Where: All shopping areas of ParisWhen: 6 January – 16 February 2016
Experience the Eiffel tower in a new way
What is it?
Christmas may be finished but in Paris in January there are still a few winter festivities we can enjoy, like ice-skating. Forget the cold while you carve up the ice and enjoy the splendour of la Tour Eiffel. The rink underneath the Eiffel tower is open until the end of January.
Also while you’re there, don’t forget to check out the level one new attractions: the glass floor, the new museographic circuit, the immersive film, and more. It’s fabulous!
Where: Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars,5 Avenue Anatole, Paris 75007
When: Until 31 January 2016
Métro: Bir-Hakeim
Get your fill of pop art at the Museum of Modern Art
What is it?
Bright colours can really help to ward off the winter blues of Paris in January and if tins of Campbell’s soup and Marilyn Monroe tickle your fancy, then you’re in luck.
The Museum of Modern Art is showcasing over 200 Andy Warhol works until the end of January, including his largest installation ‘Shadows’.
Where: Musée d’Art moderne de la Ville de Paris,11 Avenue du Président Wilson, Paris 75116
When: Until 7 February 2016
Métro: Alma – Marceau
Be inspired by the Paris Déco Off
What is it?
Showrooms of over 90 brands showcasing the best of interior design are open throughout Paris, during the Paris Déco Off. Volkswagen cars are available to chauffeur visitors between the show rooms, and a not-to-be-missed party on 21 January is open to all. With names like Hermès, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Christian Lacroix you are bound to pick up some tips on how to make your home Parisian chic.
Where: Various show rooms around ParisWhen: 21 – 25 January 2016
Explore the world of graphic design in Paris
What is it?
The Fête du Graphisme is a celebration of all things graphic design in France, with workshops, exhibitions, films and conferences.
The five week long affair, in Paris in January, provides some great opportunities to expand your knowledge of one of the most influential and least celebrated creative art forms.
Where: Various throughout Paris –especially Cité Internationale des Arts,
18, rue de l’hôtel de Ville, Paris 75004
When: 6 January – 7 February 2016
Métro: Pont Marie, Saint Paul
Expand your cooking repertoire beyond Christmas leftovers
What is it?
The Fédération Française de Cuisine has released its January schedule of free cooking classes. Hosted in Parisian markets in conjunction with the Mairie de Paris it aims to promote cooking as leisure rather than a chore. These cooking classes have been hugely popular over the past six years. The classes are themed around the seasonal produce. Why not test your culinary capabilities? Sign up online in advance as places fill up fast.
Where: Markets throughout ParisWhen: January right through to December 2016
What are some of your favourite things to do in Paris in January? Let us know below if we’ve missed any!
Image credits:
1. Paris, January 2012 by Ros K, via wikimedia
2. Ice Skating Rink, Eiffel Tower by ErasmusofParis, via wikimedia
3. Che Guevara, 1962 by Andy Warhol, via Wapster (flickr)
4. Fête du graphisme poster, via Fête du graphisme official site
About the Contributor
Judy MacMahon
