Things to Do in Paris in January

January can be a bit of a depressing month. Christmas is over, the new year celebrations have passed and the weather is still a bit dreary. But Paris is as beautiful as ever in January so plan a visit to the French capital to perk up the beginning of 2020. Here’s what’s happening in Paris in January.

Enjoy the Street Style at Paris Fashion Week

In January, the world’s most stylish people flock to Paris for Paris Fashion Week. While it’s unlikely you’ll be able to bag a front row ticket to the Chanel show, you can still hang out with the fashion pack, especially if you’ve nailed the art dressing like a Parisian. The men's ready-to-wear shows take place from 15 to 20 January and haute couture from 21 to 24 January, so both men and women can enjoy the street style you’ll see around the city. There is a calendar of events taking place that mere mortals might be able to attend, so keep an eye out for things popping up all over the city.

Source: CNN

 

Shop the Sales

Paris is one of the world’s shopping capitals, with shops of all budgets and tastes available. The city is full of amazing stores and lots of them have their biggest sales of the year right after Christmas. Sales are state-regulated in France so shops are only permitted to have two sales per year, which makes finding a bargain all the more sweet. Winter 2020 sales in Paris kick off on January 8th and end February 6th, 2020. So get your credit card ready and shop ’til you drop. From high-end designers like Hermes and Chanel to cooler, more trendy stores like Merci, they all have big discounts in January. For some more inspiration, take a look at the coolest concept stores in Paris to discover the best retail addresses in the capital. 

Stay Warm at an Exhibition 

Paris is cold in January, so walking around, admiring the view might get slightly chilly. So instead, warm up at an exhibition and also soak up some world-class culture while you’re at it. Perhaps Paris’s most famous museum, the Louvre, has exhibitions taking place throughout the month which are all well worth a visit, but you should book tickets in advance. The Pompidou and Musee de Luxembourg are two other favourites.

Attend the Europain Pastry Cup (yes, really) 

It’s hard to imagine anything more quintessentially Parisian than a pastry cup. On the 12th and 13th of January 2020, the Europain Bakery and Pastry trade show, will take place at the Porte de Versailles, in the heart of the city. Over the course of 2 days, 8 teams selected from all over Europe will be competing for their entry to the world final in 2021 in Lyon. This European round is one of the most challenging in the selection process and will be one to watch for foodies and gourmands. 

Celebrate Chinese New Year

On the 25th of January 2020, the world will celebrate Chinese New Year and Chinese New Year in Paris is a great way to see another side to the charming French capital. In the Belleville district, southern Paris near Gobelins, and the district near the Centre Georges Pompidou you’ll find a myriad of celebrations taking place over the Spring Festival. The main China Town parade in Gobelins is perhaps the most spectacular with dancers and performers everywhere you look. Also look out for the traditional firecrackers which leave a definite smoke smell in the air but are all part of the fun.