Maybe it’s just us, but although we love spending time at home with family over the holidays, by the beginning of January, we’re itching to get out and about. Whether you’re like us and live in la ville lumière and are eager to get out of the house or are visiting the French capital to kick off the new year, here’s what you’ll want to do this month in Paris.
- Through late January | Eat a Galette des Rois
- Through February 11 | See the CAPITALE(S) Urban Art Exhibition
- Through February 27 | Discover the Monet – Mitchell Exhibition
- January 6 – February 5 | Celebrate the Lunar New Year
- January 7 – 30 | Watch a French Movie with English Subtitles
- January 11 – February 7 | Shop the Sales
- January 17 – 26 | People-Watch during Paris Fashion Week
Through late January | Eat a Galette des Rois
December may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean Christmas celebrations are over in France! The final fête comes on January 6 when Christians mark the arrival of the Three Wise Men (or the Three Kings), by eating La Galette des Rois, or King Cake. These tasty almond pastries pop up in boulangeries and supermarkets at the end of December, and the French eat them throughout the month of January, usually accompanied by cider. If you’re lucky, you might find la fève and become king or queen for the day!Learn more about the French tradition of the Galette des Rois.
Through February 11, 2023 | See the CAPITALE(S) Urban Art Exhibition at the Hôtel de Ville
Charming visitors since mid-October, the excellent street art exhibition currently on show in the Paris City Hall is coming to an end soon. Don’t miss your chance to see pieces from famous French street artists Invader MissTic as well as international stars like Swoon and Banksy. Not only is the expo free, but it’s also a wonderful way for street art lovers to stay warm while taking in loads of urban artwork.Salle Saint-Jean, Hôtel de Ville de Paris
5 Rue de Lobau, 75004 Paris
Metro Hôtel de Ville
Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat: 10:00–18:30
Thurs: 10:00–21:00
Tickets: Free, reservation required. Reserve your spot now (site in French).
Through February 27, 2023 | Discover the Monet – Mitchell Exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton
Fans of Impressionism and abstract art, the current exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton ought to be on your agenda. Monet – Mitchell creates a dialogue between the works of Claude Monet (1840-1926) and Joan Mitchell (1925-1992), exploring each artist’s reactions and interpretations of the beautiful landscapes along the banks of the Seine.
Learn more about the exhibition on the official website.
Details:
October 5, 2022 – February 27, 2023
Fondation Louis Vuitton
8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116 Paris
Metro Les Sablons, Neuilly – Porte Maillot
Tues-Wed: 11:00-20:00, Thurs: 11:00-21:00, Fri-Sun: 09:00-20:00. Closed Mondays.
Tickets: 16€ for adults on the Fondation Louis Vuitton Website
Fondation Louis VuittonJanuary 6 — February 5, 2023 | Celebrate the Lunar New Year
Issue in the Year of the Rabbit on January 22, 2023, with the city-wide celebrations taking place in Paris. Family-friendly events in the 13th Arrondissement begin January 6, with conferences, concerts, art exhibitions, and more leading up to the grand parade (the largest in Paris). The date and time of the 2023 défilé has not yet been announced on the neighborhood’s official website. Each year, the procession heads off from Avenue d’Ivry, turning down the Avenue de Choisy and finally going between the metro stations Porte de Choisy and Porte d’Ivry.
Le Marais also celebrates the Lunar New Year with a week of activities and events in the 3rd Arrondissement.
This is also a great time of year to explore Paris’s so-called Asian quarters, as there’s always a festive atmosphere. Head to the Place d’Italie or the Belleville neighborhood where you’ll find the streets decorated for the holiday and a lively buzz.
Details:
January 6 – February 5, 2023
3rd, 13th, and 20th Arrondissements
Metro Rambuteau, Porte d’Ivry, and Belleville
January 7 — 30, 2023 | Watch a French Movie with English Subtitles
After watching all those classic Christmas movies over the holidays, why not return to the cinema for something a little different this month? This January in Paris, Lost in Frenchlation is hosting five screenings of French films with English subtitles. It’s a great way to engage with current French culture even if you don’t parler français.
- Saturday, January 7: Couleurs de L’Incendie at the Club de l’Étoile
- Friday, January 13: St Omer + debate with the actress at l’Entrepôt:
- Thursday, January 19: Les Enfants des Autres (Télérama Film Festival) at the Luminor Hôtel de Ville
- Thursday, January 26: Mon Héroïne + debate with the director at L’Arlequin
- Monday, January 30: La Passagère + surprise debate at the Panthéon
Find a synopsis of each movie as well as ticketing information on the Lost in Frenchlation website.
Details:
January 7 – 30, 2023
Throughout Paris
Tickets: From 4€, available through the Lost in Frenchlation Website
January 11 —February 7, 2023 | Shop the Winter Sales
Now that the holiday season is behind us, it’s time for les soldes! This year, the winter sales season begins at 8am on Wednesday, January 11th with stores throughout Paris offering promotions and discounts for the following four weeks. Needless to say, be sure to leave room in your suitcase for shopping if you’ll be coming to Paris during this time! Here’s where to shop the sales in Paris.
Details:
January 11 – February 7, 2023
Throughout Paris
January 17 — 26, 2023 | People-Watch During Paris Fashion Week
Paris Fashion Week kicks off with the men’s shows January 17-22 and Haute-Couture catwalks January 23-26. Although the fashion shows are reserved for industry professionals and international celebrities, it’s still an exciting time to be in the city for anyone who loves fashion. Walking around central Paris, you’ll likely see style mavens and may even spot some models posing for pictures.
Stroll the streets around the Grand and Petit Palais and the Palais de Tokyo and keep your camera handy! Or, schmooze with the in-crowd at these Fashion-Week-favorite bars and restaurants. Be sure to brush up on your History of Paris Fashion Week before you go!
Details:
January 17 – 26, 2023
Throughout Paris
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Origins of Paris Historical TourEnjoy a small-group historical walking tour in the streets of the Montagne Sainte Genevieve down to the river. -
Pastry Tour of Le MaraisLe Marais is arguably the hippest neighborhood in Paris. While some may say that there are too many fashionistas, bobos, and tourists in the area, the charming cobblestone streets and vibrant atmosphere just can’t be beat. But Le Marais isn’t just about appearances. Local guides Nikki and Frederi…
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Discover the Goutte d’OrDiscover a side of Paris that most tourists never see. Frederic of TheWaysBeyond takes you on a walking tour you of his old neighborhood, La Goutte d’Or, one of Paris’s most authentic multi-cultural melting pots. Here, Parisians of dozens of different nationalities come together to share their tr…
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Explore the Bastille NeighborhoodFollow Frederic and Nikki of TheWaysBeyond down the small streets of the Quinze-Vingts, an often-overlooked part of the Bastille neighborhood that’s as interesting as its oddly arithmetic name—quinze-vingts translates to fifteen twenties, or 15 x 20.
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French Caviar TastingThe caviar you are about to discover is produced in the Dordogne region to the rhythms of the seasons and the life of sturgeons. This product of excellence, based on the valorization of a unique land and on innovative production techniques, is the reflection of impeccable standards. Research inno…
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Walk Through History in Le MaraisFollow local guides Frederic and Nikki of TheWaysBeyond through the city squares and alleyways of Le Marais as you retrace the history of this iconic Parisian neighborhood. If many today consider Le Marais a must-see on any trip to Paris, it wasn’t always that way. In fact, in the early 20th cent…
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Discover a Greener Side of ParisLet locals Frederic and Nikki of TheWaysBeyond guide you through the small streets off the Canal Saint-Martin and introduce you to some of the most exciting actors and addresses on Paris’s eco-conscious scene. The Canal Saint Martin neighborhood has always attracted an eclectic crowd, …
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Stroll Through 19th-Century ParisStep back in time and into the Paris of the 19th century. Learn how the architecture, innovations, and politics of the time shaped the city as you walk its charming streets, explore its covered passages, and shop in one of the world’s first department stores—just as Parisians did then! Abo…
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See the Sights Along the SeineSpend a leisurely morning like a true Parisian! Your local guide Sophie will meet you for a sightseeing stroll along the Seine, telling you tales of Paris past as you make your way east to explore a historic area before ending at a popular fresh food market just in time for lunch!
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Wine & Cheese PairingThis experience is an excellent opportunity for people who want to have a light introduction to French wines and discover how to pair them perfectly with French cheeses. You’ll get all the basic information you need to know about wine in France, including proper terminology, proper wine ta…
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