❄️ Winter Holidays in Paris: What to Do During School Breaks
- frompariswithfun
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you’re planning a family trip to Paris during the winter holidays, you’re in for a treat. February might be cold, but the city is still bursting with life, laughter, and lights. While locals take their annual “vacances d’hiver,” many families from abroad discover that this is one of the best times to explore the French capital — fewer crowds, better prices, and a magical winter atmosphere.
Paris in winter feels different: cozier, calmer, and more authentic. From treasure hunts and museums to pastries and panoramic views, here’s how to make your winter holidays in Paris unforgettable for both kids and grown-ups.
1) Explore the City Through Play: Treasure Hunts for Families 🕵️♀️✨
When traveling with kids, sightseeing can quickly turn into a challenge — too many monuments, too much walking, not enough fun. That’s where treasure hunts come in!
With From Paris With Fun, families discover the city while solving riddles, spotting hidden details, and uncovering stories about Paris’s most iconic landmarks. It’s sightseeing, but with a twist — playful, interactive, and full of “aha!” moments.
👉 Two family favorites for the winter holidays in Paris:
Paris Through the Eyes of ArtistsMontmartre is a village within the city — all cobblestones, staircases, and colorful charm. Kids love its lively streets and the sense of adventure that comes from climbing the hill step by step.During this self-guided treasure hunt, families explore the neighborhood of Picasso, Van Gogh, and Dalí, learning fun stories about the artists, the windmills, and the famous Place du Tertre.
💡 Why it’s perfect for families:
It’s outdoors but compact — easy to manage with kids.
Every stop includes fun riddles and historical anecdotes.
Parents enjoy the culture while kids feel like little detectives.
The Paris Postcard RouteIf it’s your first family trip to Paris, this one’s a must. Starting near the Louvre and ending by the Eiffel Tower, this route follows the Seine through a series of clues and puzzles.You’ll pass by the Musée d’Orsay, Pont Alexandre III, Grand Palais, and Champs de Mars — all those postcard-perfect views your children have seen in books.
💡 Why families love it:
Flat and stroller-friendly.
Combines culture, adventure, and iconic sights.
Perfect for a crisp winter afternoon — less crowded, more authentic.
🎯 These two treasure hunts are available in self-guided format, meaning you can play at your own pace, stop for photos or snacks, and enjoy the freedom of discovering Paris like locals.
2) Discover Family-Friendly Museums 🎨
Parisian museums aren’t just for adults — many offer activities designed especially for children.
Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (Jardin des Plantes): dinosaurs, fossils, and sparkling minerals. A guaranteed hit for curious kids!
Musée Grévin: meet wax versions of your favorite celebrities and cartoon characters. Fun and a little surreal!
Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie (La Villette): hands-on experiments, a planetarium, and special exhibits for young explorers.
Musée d’Orsay: older kids will enjoy the grand building and colorful Impressionist paintings — and parents will love it even more.
💡 Pro tip: January and February are much quieter months in Paris museums, which means shorter lines and calmer visits.
3) Take a Sweet Break on the Left Bank: Parisian Hot Chocolate & Pastries 🍫☕
After a morning of exploring, nothing beats a good goûter — that sweet French afternoon ritual between sightseeing stops. And while the Right Bank is full of tempting pâtisseries, the Left Bank is where you’ll find the most elegant spots to warm up in winter.
Here are a few favorites for families and chocolate lovers alike:
Les Deux Magots (Saint-Germain-des-Prés) – An absolute classic. Sit inside surrounded by Art Deco mirrors or outside under the heaters and sip one of Paris’s richest hot chocolates. It’s creamy, intense, and served with a touch of old-world charm.
Café de l’Esplanade by Yannick Alléno – A palace-level experience near the Invalides, where the hot chocolate is as luxurious as the setting. It’s not cheap (around €15), but the view, the service, and the atmosphere make it well worth the splurge.
Pierre Hermé Café (Odéon) – Known worldwide for his macarons, Pierre Hermé also serves a deliciously refined hot chocolate at his café near Odéon. Pair it with a Tarte Infiniment Vanille or a 2000 Feuilles for a truly Parisian treat.
💡 Yes, it’s indulgent — but you’re in Paris! And these stops aren’t just about sugar; they’re part of the local art of living. Between museum visits and treasure hunts, a cozy café break on the Left Bank is the perfect family recharge moment.
4) See Paris From Above 🗼
Even in winter, the city views are breathtaking. Bundle up, and head to one of these family-friendly lookouts:
Eiffel Tower: the must-do, of course. Book tickets in advance to skip the line.
Montparnasse Tower: fewer crowds, same wow effect — and you actually see the Eiffel Tower from here!
Sacré-Cœur: free, panoramic, and worth every stair.
💡 Pro tip: Sunset comes early in winter, so plan your visit around 4–5 p.m. to catch the city glowing in golden light before it sparkles at night.
5) Indoor Fun on Chilly Days ☕🎭
If the weather gets too cold, there’s still plenty to do indoors:
Attend a kids’ theater performance: the Théâtre des Marionnettes in Luxembourg Gardens offers delightful puppet shows in French (easy to follow even if you don’t speak the language).
Take a family cooking class: bake croissants or make chocolate together — delicious memories guaranteed.
Visit an immersive exhibition: places like the Atelier des Lumières bring art to life through sound and light projections.
💡 Many indoor attractions offer family discounts or special February programs — check ahead online before your trip.
The winter holidays in Paris are full of surprises. With fewer crowds and cozy atmospheres, it’s the perfect time for families to explore, play, and enjoy the city without rushing.
From the artistic alleys of Montmartre to the sparkling bridges along the Seine, every walk feels like a postcard come to life. Add a hot chocolate stop, a museum visit, and a fun treasure hunt, and you’ll have a Paris family trip that your kids will talk about for years.
👉 Ready to turn sightseeing into an adventure?Download your family treasure hunt from Montmartre or along the Seine and discover Paris through play — the fun way to learn, laugh, and explore together.
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