15 Best Places To Visit In France In Winter (2024)
Many people avoid visiting France in winter, but let me tell you, you’ll miss out if you do!
I’ve lived in France for over 5 years, and winters in France can be as beautiful as summers!
Sure, the cold weather is not ideal, and the chance of seeing the sun is very low in most of the country. So, if you want to enjoy winter in France, you need to know where to go!
From the magical Christmas Markets of Strasbourg to the sunny seafront promenade of Nice, here are the best winter destinations in France!
Is France worth visiting in winter?
Yes, France is well worth visiting in winter.
It is the season when you can enjoy some of the most iconic events, like the Christmas Markets, the ski season, and the low tourism season for many destinations.
The French Christmas Markets are far from the low season, but November, January, and February are when you’ll have fewer crowds in most destinations.
Low season has some perks, like lower prices and fewer crowds, but some disadvantages too.
For example, I can’t promise sunny and dry weather; you’ll probably have to bundle up well for sightseeing.
Generally, the north is more likely to be rainy, but French Riviera can be a perfect winter sun destination!
Best places to visit in France in winter
1. Strasbourg
- Best for: Christmas Markets
Strasbourg is also known as the capital of Christmas, making it a must-stop town on every winter in France itinerary.
I lived in Strasbourg for 2 years, and I can tell you the city is magical at any time of the year.
The best time to visit Strasbourg in winter is during the Christmas Market season.
The historic center already looks like it belongs to a storybook with colorful half-timbered houses, but Christmas decorations take it to another level.
The main downside is that the city gets packed during December.
Also, you don’t have much wiggle room to avoid the crowds as the Christmas lights only light up when the sun goes down and turn off at night when the Market closes.
Visiting in November and January is a great alternative, as the decorations are still up but with fewer crowds.
It doesn’t often snow in Strasbourg, but we did have snow one year in February.
2. Paris
- Best for: Sightseeing
They say that Paris is always a good idea, and I agree!
Cold weather brings out a different side of the city, but you can still see people gathering on terraces to enjoy their drinks but this time covered with blankets.
There’s never a dull moment in Paris, and while there are fewer tourists during winter months (apart from December of course) the city is still busy all the time!
Paris is not the first place I’d go to for the Christmas Markets, but the city also has several fun Christmas markets that get decorated beautifully for Christmas too!
Paris is cold in the winter, so bundle up well for sightseeing. The last time I visited Paris in winter we had lovely sunny weather for 5 days, but it can often rain.
If you get too cold, hop into one of the boats offering river cruises. It’s a great way to stay warm while still admiring the city!
3. Colmar
- Best for: Christmas Markets
If you visit one town in France during the Christmas season, it should be Colmar.
It doesn’t get much more Christmassy than seeing Christmas decorations on the colorful half-timbered houses of Colmar. This small town in the Alsace region goes all out for Christmas!
Before you visit Colmar in December, know that France is crowded during the Christmas Market season and Colmar is one of the most popular places to visit at that time.
Colmar is also a great base to explore other Alsace villages. As they were the inspiration behind the village in Beauty and the Beast, you know they will be perfect for Christmas.
You don’t need a car in France as you can reach all Alsace villages by bus from Colmar.
One of my favorites is the medieval market in Ribeuville, but it’s only held on the first two weekends of December.
4. Annecy
- Best for: Sightseeing and nature
Annecy is one of the most beautiful small towns in France, especially in winter surrounded by snow-covered mountain tops.
The historic center and the Castle are perfect for sightseeing, but I also love how close to nature Annecy is.
Lake Annecy on the edge of the city center is absolutely stunning with rows of mountain tops in the distance.
If you want an easy activity in nature, you can stroll along the lake or even bike if it’s not too cold. For a more immersive experience, head to one of the nearby mountains!
5. Lille
- Best for: Christmas Markets
I visited Lille several times, and I’d argue that it is one of the most underrated places in France!
Not many tourists outside of France visit Lille, and that makes it one of the best places to visit in France this winter.
Lille has everything you’d need for a perfect winter city break – a picturesque city center, lots of quirky cafes and restaurants, and a great Christmas market.
I love the architecture in Lille, it’s like a mix of Belgian architecture and elegant Parisian style, with many walking streets and lively squares.
6. Pyrenees Hot Springs
- Best for: Nature getaway
Did you know France has several hot springs you can visit to enjoy the healing thermal waters?
Some of the most popular French hot springs are in the Pyrenees, the mountain chain on the border with Spain.
I didn’t know about these hot springs before moving to Bordeaux when I found out that’s where everybody goes in the winter!
So, rent a car and head to the mountains to warm up in natural hot springs while admiring the snow-covered mountain peaks around you.
Also, resorts in the Pyrenees are not as popular as the Alps, which means they are also much more affordable!
7. Nice
- Best for: Winter Sun
Nice is one of the most popular French coastal towns in the summer, but it is also worth visiting in the winter.
If you’re tired of the perpetual grey skies in the north of the country, take a train to the South!
The French Riviera is the sunniest region of France and a great destination for winter sun.
Nice is a beautiful town, with a charming old city center and a great base to explore the region.
If you rent a car, you can take a road trip along the Riviera and explore charming fishing villages and coastal towns without crowds.
8. Bordeaux
- Best for: Sightseeing
Bordeaux has been my French home for several years now, and I must admit I enjoy the mild winters we get here compared to Paris or Strasbourg.
Main tourist attractions in Bordeaux are not weather-dependent, and you can wander the cobblestone streets, stroll along the river, or visit the museums at any time of the year!
Winters in Bordeaux are quite mild but it can get rainy from time to time. I’ve spent 3 winters here and 2 have been rather dry and sunny, while one was quite wet.
Still, there are many things to do in Bordeaux when it rains if you’re not lucky with the weather. I love the museums we have here and the restaurants are top-class!
Unfortunately, the iconic Miroir d’Eau doesn’t work during winter, so don’t look for it like I did the first time I visited!
9. Chamonix
- Best for: Snow and nature
Winter sports and snow lovers have to add Chamonix to their France bucket list.
While most people traveling to the Alps in winter are skiing, it is not the only thing you can do!
This beautiful mountain town is a lovely place to visit even if you’re not skiing. I love the mountain houses, cozy restaurants, and lively bars filled with people for apres ski.
You can also take a cable car to Aiguille du Midi for a breathtaking view of the mountains or warm up in thermal baths.
Keep in mind that this area of France is pricey, especially since winter is its high season.
10. Lyon
- Best for: Sightseeing
Lyon is also known as the gastronomical capital of France, and what better time to discover the culinary scene of France than cold winter days!
With over 80 Michelin-starred restaurants, Lyon is the perfect destination for foodies!
This large city is lively year-round, with a historic Old Town and modern city center within walking distance. I also like the riverfront promenade and the fantastic viewpoint from the
A cool winter event in Lyon is the Festival of Lights, taking place on the first weekend of December.
11. Toulouse
- Best for: Sightseeing
Toulouse is one of my favorite French towns, and it’s a great destination year-round.
I spent New Year’s in Toulouse once, and it was the hottest NYE I’ve ever had at 17℃!
Toulouse is such a great destination at any time of the year because tourist attractions in the city are not weather-dependent.
You have a beautiful city center with red brick buildings specific to Toulouse. It’s why the city was nicknamed the Pink City!
I especially loved renting a bike to cycle along the river and look for hidden corners and beautiful architecture.
Also, Toulouse is a great destination for technology lovers, as you can visit the aeronautical museum and see full-sized French planes from different eras.
12. Saint-Malo
- Best for: Sightseeing
Going back to the north of France, Saint-Malo makes for a fantastic day trip from Paris or even a stand-alone destination.
This walled city is best known for its unique seafront Old Town. It looks like a real-life castle when looked at from the seaside!
While the city has some of the most beautiful beaches in France, it is way too cold to swim in the winter.
Instead, they make for a lovely seafront promenade and an impressive sight during the high tides. Also, you can enjoy the annual fun fair from mid-January to mid-February.
Saint-Malo is also a great winter destination if you want to escape the crowds and discover the castle and fortifications without crowds.
13. Loire Valley
- Best for: Road trip and fairytale vibe
Valentine’s Day is also in the winter, and touring the castles in Loire Valley is easily one of the most romantic destinations in France.
You can base yourself in Tours, rent a car, and drive to different castles every day!
Some of the must-see castles in the area are the Royal Château of Amboise, Château Gaillard, Chateau de Chenonceau, and many more.
While I’d say you can usually get around France by bus or train, this route might be the easiest by car or on tour. You can still visit most castles by public transport, but it will take longer to get from one to another.
14. Biarritz
- Best for: Sea breeze and thermal baths
Biarritz is one of the most charming French coastal towns, with a long tradition as a holiday destination for the French elite.
You can see that the city was built to accommodate the rich, as the architecture is quite grandiose and elegant compared to the other towns in the region.
While I love Biarritz in summer, it is a fantastic destination even in the winter!
The city center is charming and you can stroll the streets admiring the luxurious villas or walk along the coast enjoying fresh sea air.
You can also visit Cambo-les-Bains – a small town known for its thermal baths.
15. Nantes
- Best for: City break
Situated in the northwest of the country, the city of Nantes is a perfect winter city break destination!
I love how the city is not too touristy, so you can experience authentic French culture, and see the locals on the streets, and in the restaurants.
With 2 days in Nantes, you can discover the entire city at a leisurely pace. Stroll the streets of the historic center, visit the beautiful Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and explore many museums scattered around the city.
I loved cycling in Nantes, so if you’re lucky to pick a dry weekend to visit you can cycle around Ile de Nantes and discover a more urban side of the city with Les Machines de l’Île artistic parks.
If you’re traveling to France as a vegan, I’ve had one of the best vegan cakes in Délice Végétal!
FAQ: Winter in France
Does it snow in France?
Yes, it snows in France in winter. However, France is a large country and it doesn’t snow everywhere in France. For example, it rarely snows in the South of France, but the mountainous regions of France get a fair amount of snow. Big cities like Paris, Toulouse, and Bordeaux can get snow, but it doesn’t last long.
When is winter in France?
Officially French winter is from December 21 to March 21. However, winter conditions, with cold temperatures and first snow, start already in early December. Also, early March is already sunny and warm in the South of France.
Summary: France in winter
Winter season in France is a fantastic time to discover this beautiful country.
From Christmas market destinations like Strasbourg and Colmar to lively big cities like Paris and Lyon, France offers many diverse experiences during the winter months.
And that’s without talking about the overseas territories and paradise islands like Reunion or Guadalupe!
France has an excellent public transportation network, making it easy to visit several different cities if you travel in France by train!
Now that you know the best places to visit in France during winter, what is your perfect winter getaway? Escaping the cold in French coastal towns or skiing on snow-covered mountains in the Alps and Pyrenees?
Here are some France itinerary ideas to help you plan your winter adventure:
