January is a great time to visit Paris when the tourists are away and it is just locals. You get a better feel for the vibe of the city and you don’t have to fight the crowds. I have been to Paris several times in January and one of my best selling images was shot in the dead of winter. I bet you would never have guessed!

If you find yourself in Paris this January, you will deal with the transit strike. I wrote this post to help you navigate during the strike and some resources to get around the city.

Shopping

Don’t miss the Sales (soldes) which officially starts on January 8th and runs for 4 weeks. Each week, an additional discount will be taken. The first week is the best if you are looking for variety. I will say, I got into a fight over a pillow at BHV when I lived there in 2013. Once you put something back in the bin it is fair game and someone else can grab it.

Exhibition

Leonardo DiVinci at the Louvre I would recommend pre-booking tickets online for this one

Degas at the Opera Musée D’Orsay until January 19th

Toulouse- Lautrec at Grand Palais until January 27th

Paris Cocktail Week

From January 24th – February 1st. 9 Days, 50 Bars, You can check the website for more details and locate bars in Paris who are participating

Check out the vintage cars on January 12th for the Traversée de Paris. 700 old cars on the streets of Paris.

Chinese New Year celebrations will happen around the city including Hôtel de Ville and a parade in the Marais on January 25th.

Paris Fashion Week

Ready to Wear Men (January 15-20)

Haute Couture (January 21 – 24)

For great people watching, check out The Tuileries, Grand Palais and Palais de Tokyo

Make sure to dress warmly in January. Don’t miss these key wardrobe essentials.

Long wool coats

Blanket scarves

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