The prevailing notion is that Paris in the springtime is heaven on earth -- but those traveling to the "City of Lights" in the winter months will find fewer crowds, better hotel rates and relatively mild weather with little chance of snow.
Plan ahead if possible to fully explore your lodging and airfare options, and to ensure you lock in your top choices at the most affordable rates possible. Don't hesitate to negotiate with hotels, and be sure to ask about any industry, senior or other discounts that may apply. This is the time of year when travelers, and not the travel industry, have the bargaining power on a Parisian trip.
Try to find lodgings in a good central location. The Grand Hôtel L'Eveque, near the Eiffel Tower, is a reasonably affordable choice, but those able to splurge should consider the Four Seasons Hotel George V by the Champs-d'Elyse -- a simply magnificent lodging that is among the best in Europe.
Take advantage of the sparseness of tourists by scheduling a long visit to the world-famous Louvre, and winter is also a prime time to savor the lovely Chateau de Versailles. Both of these attractions swarm with visitors during much of the year, but they are refreshingly empty (at least relatively) in winter.
Visit the Eiffel Tower in December through January, when a medium-sized ice skating rink provides wonderful views from its vantage point nearly 200 feet above the city. Keep in mind that the famous landmark closes earlier than in summer, particularly if you're taking the steps.
Try to indulge in the national culture by feasting on the traditional soiree of oysters, crayfish and lobster, and truffles if you're visiting during the Christmas holidays. Foie gras is another staple of this spread, though some are opposed to the technique of creating the dish, which involves the force-feeding of a duck or goose.
Celebrate French heritage in early January by dropping by a Parisian bakery (patisserie) and nibbling on galette des rois -- delicious puff pastries with almond-flavored filling. Nibble tenderly, as lucky little charms are often baked into one piece per cake, with the fortunate recipient "king for a day" (this is the traditional dessert of the Epiphany, aka Twelfth Night).
Check the February schedule at the Carrousel du Louvre, host to the concurrent Bibliophile Fair and Great Wines Fair. The book fest is a massive gathering of rare book dealers from all over Europe, and the wine event brings together wines and winemakers from more than 100 French vineyards.
It would be a stretch to say you'll find "bargain" shopping in Paris, even in the cold season, but you will find discounts and savings unavailable any other time of year. The best time for this is right after the Christmas and New Year's holidays when shops are desperate to bring in new clientele; the Colette boutique on Rue du Saint Honore is a good choice, as is the Au Bon Marche fashion house.
