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January in France
Visiting France in January makes for an exciting and enchanting holiday. France in winter provides crisp air, snowy-covered mountains, and boutiques glowing with sparkling lights. Many of the most beautiful cities in France are also far quieter at this time of the year, allowing you to explore and enjoy them without the usual crowds, jostling, and raised cameras.
France is a true treasure trove for winter outdoor adventure. From some of Europe’s finest ski resorts to ice climbing near Mont Blanc, it is a premier destination for winter sports. Yet France isn’t only about cold-weather escapes – head to the French Caribbean and you’ll find the perfect dose of fun water sports.
In this post, I’ll explore the best places to visit in France in January and what to expect during the month. If you prefer to plan your next French getaway around fun festivals, be sure to check out this post about the major events in France instead.
Weather in France in January
Depending on where you travel, the weather in France in January can vary dramatically. In northern cities such as Paris, winter temperatures are brisk, with averages around 4–5°C (39–41°F). Head to the French Alps and conditions become much colder, with temperatures on the slopes dropping as low as −18°C (0°F). By contrast, destinations like the French Riviera on the Mediterranean coast enjoy much milder winter weather, with average January temperatures of about 13°C (55°F). The country experiences an average of around 15 days of rainfall in January, although precipitation levels can vary significantly depending on the region.
Looking for something warmer? In January, the French Caribbean Islands enjoy pleasant, dry-season weather that’s ideal for travel. Average temperatures are comfortably warm, with minimums around 22–23°C (72–73°F) at night and maximums near 27–28°C (81–82°F) during the day, helped by cooling trade winds. Rainfall is relatively low compared with later months, with about 7–10 days of rain on average (usually brief showers rather than long downpours), leaving plenty of sunshine throughout the month.
Where to Go in France in January
So, where to go in France in January? Below is a curated list of the best places to visit in France in January for every kind of traveler. Which places tempt you most to spend January in France?
1. Paris
The French capital is a year-round destination, but visiting Paris in January offers its own unique perks. Paris’ top tourist attractions, such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Château of Versailles, are less frequented in January. Even some of the city’s free museums, like the Musée Bourdelle and the Musée Cognacq-Jay, are much quieter.
You could decide to start the New Year in Paris! But if you are looking for a little post-Christmas treat, many Parisian art galleries and museums have some fascinating exhibits to visit in January.
January is also a great time to pick up some bargains in Paris’ retail stores. From mid-January to early February, Paris comes alive with fantastic sales, making it the perfect time for shopping enthusiasts. Head to the high-end Boulevard Haussmann, a 2.5km shopping street, and you’ll find discounts on high-end fashion brands.
2. Ski in the Alps
The French Alps are one of the best places to go in France in January, especially for any winter sports lover. Between January and February, the snow conditions are amazing, and skiers and snowboarders will be in an adrenaline-filled winter wonderland.
Whether you are a beginner just starting or a seasoned professional, there’s a ski resort in the French Alps for you. Courchevel-Les Trois Vallées is one of the largest resorts in the Alps, with more than 150km of alpine runs. Val d’Isère is another popular destination right on the Italian border.
With incredible scenery, top-class skiing, amazing dining, and many other fun winter activities, the French Alps are a great place to start the year in France!
3. Spa Retreat at Vichy, Auvergne
Vichy, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is a lovely place to visit in France in January and is renowned as one of the largest spas in France. Known to the Romans as Vicus Calidus, Vichy acquired fame for its alkaline springs in the 17th century.
In the 19th century, Napoleon III encouraged the building of a new spa town laid out with parks and boulevards, grand bath complexes, a casino and theatre, hotels, and villas. The aristocrats who followed the Emperor to Vichy, used to frequent this spa town, making it the most popular destination of its kind.
The town has been set up to give travelers ample opportunity for relaxation and pampering, especially for visitors seeking health benefits from its thermal baths.
Here, you can bathe in the Célestins Spring, which was originally founded by nuns in 1410. It’s believed that these naturally carbonated waters contain a variety of healthy minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, calcium, and lithium.
A spa holiday in Vichy is one of the best things to do in France in January. You can choose from a variety of services that focus on a plethora of mental and physical health objectives.
4. Martinique, French Caribbean
If you’re looking to escape winter weather, why not head to Martinique? Martinique is an island in the French Caribbean known for its seductive white sandy beaches and crystal blue seas. Whether you choose to relax on one of the Martinique beaches or hike up Mount Pelée, the island’s active volcano, the island is a fantastic destination for a winter getaway.
The island is brimming with landscapes, culture, and things to see and do. Nature lovers will revel in the flora at the Balata Botanical Garden. For epic views of Mount Pelée, head to the coastal town of Saint-Pierre.
If you love adventure, there’s a plethora of water sports in Martinique. Or you can rent a boat, with or without a skipper, for a leisurely day on the turquoise waters.
5. Sarlat and its Truffle Festival
The city of Sarlat is one of the most stunning places to visit in Dordogne, with an incredible heritage, charming architecture, and one of the best medieval historic centers in Europe.
There are many fun things to do in Sarlat, but one of the town’s most popular winter activities is the Fête de la Truffe (Truffle Festival). This festival happens annually around mid-January and is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the truffle.
There are also truffle workshops that help truffle enthusiasts identify authentic and top-quality truffles. For the kids, there are truffle-themed cookery workshops. Ever wondered how to search for a truffle? You can learn about that, too, at their truffle hunting demonstration.
If you can’t make it for that weekend, simply head to the local market, which sells the best regional truffles and an array of diverse truffle products.
6. Guadeloupe
What to do in France in January for a sunny beach holiday? Guadeloupe, in the French Antilles, offers visitors the chance to swap their winter vacation for a Caribbean summer atmosphere.
Active travelers will love this as a warm winter destination for its incredible hiking, swimming, and cycling opportunities, while nature lovers will enjoy diving at Jacques Cousteau’s Underwater Reserve, the mangroves, and the island’s fairytale waterfalls.
One of the best ways to explore the main island is by taking a road trip. You can check car rental options in Guadeloupe here.
And there you have it, the best places to visit in France in January and what to do. If you need more suggestions, check out our post on the best places to visit in France in February.