In January, explore the hidden side of Paris away from the crowds—featuring lesser-known historic landmarks and vibrant multicultural neighborhoods. Take advantage of affordable cultural events and intimate performances. It’s also the perfect time to savor local specialties, meet passionate producers, artisans, and creators, and support the craftsmanship of the Île-de-France region.
This guide is your go-to resource for discovering your upcoming cultural outings, creative workshops, and family-friendly activities, whether you're a local Parisian or just visiting Greater Paris.
Grand Paris at dusk:
- An evening architectural stroll through La Villette to uncover all its hidden gems.
- The musical evenings at Château de Santeny. Donizetti, Brahms, Strauss… renowned chamber music performances set in a stunning historic venue. Plus, enjoy free admission for young people.
- Enhanced by the lights, this nighttime stroll invites you to rediscover the architecture of central Paris. Between contemporary works and historic monuments, you will wander from Buren to Beaubourg, passing by Othoniel's installations and the Louvre Pyramid.
-Photo walk in the BNF neighborhood: the unusual architecture of this neighborhood makes it an ideal playground for discovering an unusual side of Paris and improving your technique alongside a professional.
- Enjoy a Happy Hour cruise on the Seine offering stunning views of Paris’s iconic landmarks: the Tuileries Gardens, Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame Cathedral, City Hall, and the Conciergerie...
Sweet Discoveries to Savor in January:
Explore Paris is launching its new tours dedicated to local expertise: cultural tours led by locals or passionate guides who take you to meet artisans to share their passions and taste for local products:
- A stroll through the flavors and traditions of Asnières to Levallois, discovering the culinary and creative expertise of the Hauts-de-Seine.
- The art of French fine dining: a gourmet stroll through the heart of Pré Saint-Gervais to rediscover the iconic flavors of French cuisine with a local twist, meeting bread, wine, and cheese producers and tableware professionals.
- An unusual walk in Asnières offering the chance to explore surprising sites, meet local artisans, watch demonstrations of fine woodworking, and enjoy a delicious break in a one-of-a-kind setting.
- A friendly walk with local flavors in Aubervilliers: from traditional brasseries to artisan bakeries, wine cellars to renowned cheese shops.
And for those with a sweet tooth, discover our chocolate-related activities: tours of artisan chocolateries, truffle and chocolate bar making workshops, behind-the-scenes tours of production sites, and tastings...
Perfect Winter Family Outings in Greater Paris:
Historic and heritage sites are opening their doors for family-friendly activities. Take the opportunity to enjoy a spectacular show or a magical tour at the Playing Card Museum, or experience an immersive game at the BnF Richelieu.
Uncover the lesser-known stories of history through the gossip of both famous and obscure Parisians with the guides of The Gossip of Paris. Free for children under 12.
Creative workshops for young and old:
- The MURALS organization invites you to join a series of workshops for adults. Come and explore your artistic side alongside watercolor artists, graffiti artists, and florists!
- The Paul Eluard Museum of Art and History offers themed tours followed by creative workshops on the themes of fairy tales, heroes, and winter magic. Discover the full workshop program here.
- From the Trocadéro lawn, children can give free rein to their creativity with this Eiffel Tower drawing workshop.
- Discover the art of cyanotype by hands-on, guiding you through every step — from preparing the paper to creating stunning images yourself.
- Discover creative workshops at the Garden of Crafts and Design.
Cultural Events in January in Paris and Greater Paris: Must-See Museums, Landmarks, and Neighborhood Tours
The Maison de la Culture in Seine-Saint-Denis (MC93) is offering a special combo ticket at a discounted rate, available exclusively through Explore Paris. This package grants exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas—costume rooms, stages, control rooms, and dressing rooms—before enjoying the performance. Discover the upcoming shows at MC93's schedule of performances and book your visit date now!
Exploring Cultures from Around the World
Discover India in Paris through sensory tours with Raphaëlle: stroll through vibrant, fragrant streets, explore traditional and quirky objects, visit local shops, enjoy tastings, and uncover Hindu temples...
Off to Asia with Donatien and his guided tours focused on Korea, China, and Vietnam in Paris: immersive walks through multicultural neighborhoods, meeting passionate local merchants, tasting Asian specialties, and participating in traditional pastry-making workshops.
Last days of the exhibition:
- Artisans and designers come together to explore themes of life and natural materials during Horizon - Experiences of Material at the Jardin des métiers d'Art et du Design.
- An immersive exhibition inside the walls of Fresnes Prison, followed by a virtual reality experience at the Grand Orly Seine Bièvre Ecomuseum: Les Murs Parlent – Graffiti as the Final Testament (1939-1945). Free entry.
Must-See Exhibition of 2026:
The Museum of Urban and Social History of Suresnes has dedicated its latest exhibition to the "father of haute couture" with Chez Worth: The Origins of Haute Couture. Visitors can explore the designer’s rise to prominence, his working methods, and his family estate.
Now is also the time to (re)discover iconic monuments:
The Saint-Denis Olympic Aquatic Center invites you to explore its cutting-edge architecture. This iconic venue, which hosted diving, water polo, and synchronized swimming during the Olympics, is now dedicated to making sports accessible to everyone.
- Discover the remarkable former residence of the Hôtel de Beauvais, now home to the Paris Court of Appeal, nestled in the historic Marais district.
-The Maison des Jardies in Sèvres, a17th-century residence where Balzac and then Gambetta lived.
- The Augmented Reality Tour of Saint Denis Cathedral offering free access to the ongoing project of the Arrow Spire, with artisans present on site.
- The Palais d’Iéna, home to the CESE, the third assembly of the Republic.
- The Grosbois estate with a tour of the château and the renowned trotting horse training center.
Or visit the lesser-known museums of Greater Paris for a unique cultural experience:
- New Tour: Discover 5,000 years of Paris history at the Carnavalet Museum, from the underground crypts to the upper floors of the museum, where exhibits include historic relics, maps, models, and artworks.
-The Musée de l'Histoire Vivante in Montreuil and its new exhibition "Couleurs, histoire du travail et des luttes" (Colors, history of work and struggles)
-The Museum of Art and History at Saint-Anne Hospital
-The Museum of Jewish History and Art located in the Marais district
-The Education Center of the Legion of Honor in Saint-Denis
Explore the great monuments in a different way
Discover iconic locations such as Hôtel Gaillard, a historic building that once housed the Bank of France, Château de Vincennes, or the La Défense district.
Discover exclusive sites: the headquarters of one of the world’s most renowned international organizations – UNESCO, Roland-Garros Stadium, Stade de France, the latter, the New Paris Courthouse designed by Renzo Piano, Palace of Justice, Commercial Court, Grand Mosque of Paris...
Discover the behind-the-scenes of iconic locations: marvel at the traditional French craftsmanship of the Gobelins National Tapestry Manufacture, enjoy an exclusive experience at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, visit famous filming sites with cine walks, or get lost exploring the charming Parisian passages.
Find all tours on Explore Paris
Looking for a gift idea?
Looking for a unique gift for a celebration, birthday, or any special occasion? Surprise your loved ones with unconventional tours through our Explore Paris gift cards, sure to delight the curious and adventurous alike.
Tip: don't forget thatthere are plenty of free tours on Explore Paris!
In English, please!
Discover Paris with us through our English-language shop. We offer guided tours in English of Saint-Denis Basilica, UNESCO headquarters, Roland-Garros stadium, or Montmartre in song. But what we really excel at is our extensive selection of private tours. Enjoy!
