What to do in Paris in winter for a long weekend ?

FRIDAY

10 h — Settle in at the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg

A few paces away from the famous Faubourg Saint-Honoré, this authentic 18th century establishment welcomes you into its unique and stylish Parisian atmosphere. In this 5-star hotel, you will find luxurious rooms, suites and even a penthouse apartment. The spa here is a must try, with its steam room with special lighting effects and massage jets as well as its massages and treatments, all using Cinq Mondes products.

11 h — Glide across the splendid ice rink at the Grand Palais

Head for the Grand Palais ice rink, just a few steps from the hotel. Here, no less than 3,000 square meters of ice awaits the lucky visitors for a timeless moment of ice-skating in an exceptional setting. Beneath the spectacular nave of this historic monument lies the capital's most popular ice rink. Closed for the last five years, it makes its grand return this winter to the delight of Parisians and tourists from all over the world.

13 h — Enjoy a comforting lunch at Lordy's Paris Club (Sofitel)

After returning to terra firma, why not opt for a Franco-English lunch at this restaurant in Paris 16, the Lordy's Paris Club. In a bourgeois mansion inspired by the finest British club houses, come and savour chef Yassine Riahi's simple yet creative cuisine. In a chic, intimate atmosphere, you can enjoy the chef's signature fish & chips or a delicious Black Angus rib steak. Special mention should be made of the chocolate hazelnut Saint-Honoré, which is best enjoyed on its own and should not be shared under any circumstances!

15 h — Go to Le Petit Palais to discover the exhibition on Swedish artist Bruno Liljefors

After this British-style lunch, head to the iconic quays of Paris for a magnificent stroll along the Seine. It's a unique opportunity to appreciate the winter light reflected on the water. Then, head over to the Petit Palais and open the doors of this architectural masterpiece by Charles Girault to discover, throughout the winter, Bruno Liljefors' magnificent exhibition, “La Suède Sauvage”: a true ode to the icy landscapes of his native country. Here, the painter captures the colours of the winter season with great realism and talent. Bruno Liljefors plays a central role in shaping the collective imagination of Swedish nature. An atypical exhibition that immerses visitors a little deeper into the season.

19 h — Warm up by the fireside at the Bar du Faubourg (Sofitel), feel like a local by ordering a “Croque-Monsieur” and end the night enjoying the barmen’s savoir-faire

Later in the afternoon, don't hesitate to stop at the Bar du Faubourg for a cocktail by the fire, accompanied by a braised turkey club sandwich, a real must-try. In true club spirit, the Bar du Faubourg is the ideal spot for a chic, relaxed break for two, family or friends. Whatever the time of day, the Bar du Faubourg offers chic snacking breaks with Caesar salads, avocado toasts or its famous « Croque-Monsieur », a must-try in Paris.

SATURDAY

9 h — Kick off the day with an energizing breakfast at the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg.

Start your day off with a gourmet breakfast at the hotel’s buffet. Organic seasonal products are carefully selected, like the fruit of the month, which inspires a wide variety of preparations. Home-cooked dishes and pastries sit alongside detox juices and the gluten-free corner.

11 h — Settle in at the Sofitel Paris Le Scribe

The Sofitel Paris Le Scribe is a true Parisian temple, rooted in Parisian life and history. It offers to its guests the experience of staying in a sumptuous apartment-like room. In the heart of the Right Bank, the hotel is ideally located, just a few steps away from the Opéra Garnier, Place Vendôme and all of the most luxurious department stores in the city.

12h30 — Enjoy the 5-course menu at Rivages

Enjoy the calm at Jardin des Tuileries and admire its winter-covered vegetation. Go back to Paris’ busy streets, right at its heart in Opera, and enjoy the 5-course menu at Rivages. For lunch, don't hesitate to try out the Rivages 5-course menu. This modern, creative restaurant has been designed by the talented chef Martin Simolka, who offers fresh, refined dishes based on seasonal produce. The chef's five-course menu includes Normandy oysters, crispy sweetbreads and a delicious chocolate soufflé. Special mention must go to the restaurant's incredible dining room. This space is bathed in natural light, thanks to its majestic glass roof, and features a simply spectacular fairy-tale tree with pink foliage at its centre.

15 h — Channel the Christmas spirit at Galeries Lafayette

Famous for its Christmas tree and its breathtaking illuminations, the Galeries Lafayette are also a perfect opportunity for some last-minute gift shopping. While having a stroll on the Boulevard Haussman, surrounded by the iconic department store Christmas windows, it's impossible to imagine a winter weekend in Paris without taking the time to discover the capital's most known Christmas tree at the Galeries Lafayette. Each year, it gets more grandiose. The prestigious conifer instantly immerses all those who see it in the atmosphere of Christmas and the poetry of winter. It's also the perfect opportunity to discover the seven floors of pure fashion, beauty and jewellery on offer, and to indulge in a few hours of shopping. Of course, when you leave the Galeries, keep on walking along boulevard Haussmann and take another glance at the lively department store windows. Poetic sketches in which magnificent hand-crafted puppets and enchanting settings evolve in symbiosis. This is certainly one of the must-see shows of any visit to Paris during the festive season.

20 h — Idle in your room with a platter of fine cheeses and a glass of Saint-Estèphe brought to you by room service, perhaps watching the first snowflakes fall.

After the stroll in the almost comforting Parisian cold, we head to our room at the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris to finish this long weekend curled up in a bathrobe. On this Sunday evening, there's no place like the hotel’s spa. To prolong the feeling of well-being and time for yourself, a platter of fine cheeses to share and a glass of Saint-Estèphe can be ordered directly from room service. It's the perfect opportunity to retrace the steps of this magnificent Parisian weekend and perhaps, with a bit of luck, to watch the first snowflakes fall over Paris from the room’s window.

SUNDAY

9 h — Start your last day with a Continental breakfast in the magnificent breakfast room at the Sofitel Paris Le Scribe

On the last morning of this long week-end in Paris, a red-carpet breakfast awaits. Welcome to the Sofitel Paris Le Scribe breakfast room, where the very first film projection took place back in 1895.

A selection of hot and cold beverages are offered, with a wise choice of teas, as well as fresh quality products to eat, such as pastries, homemade jam, artisanal yogurts, charcuterie and scrambled eggs. Gluten-free options are available on request.

10 h — Enjoy the splendid view over the city on the Ferris Wheel at Concorde

It would be a shame to leave Paris, especially in winter, without taking a ride on a Ferris wheel. And not just any Ferris wheel, but the one on Place de la Concorde, the famously named ‘Grande roue de Paris’. This iconic attraction is over 100 metres high and offers a breathtaking panorama of a frosty capital. The Louvre, the Jardin des Tuileries, but also the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower - you can never see enough of them - and that's the promise of a Ferris wheel ride. A magical activity, and in our opinion a must-do during your weekend.

13 h — Lunch at the Sofitel Paris Faubourg's Blossom to discover the innovative, gourmet cuisine of talented chef Anaïs Foray

Once you've kicked off your shoes, head back to the Blossom restaurant and its luxuriant, light-filled dining room. Here, talented chef Anaïs Foray serves up modern, gourmet cuisine every day, with seasonal dishes and ‘market-fresh’ platters. Let yourself be seduced by a ‘pintade fermière du Gâtinais’, an ‘octopus en persillade’ or simply be surprised by a ‘menu du jour’, depending on the chef's mood. Here, you're sure to fall in love.

15 h — Soak in some culture at Théâtre Libre with the play « Le Cercle des Poètes Disparus »

Then, head to the Théâtre Libre, in the heart of the 10th district, to discover the magnificent adaptation of the film Le Cercle des Poètes Disparus. Nominated six times at the 2024 Molières, the play of the same name celebrates friendship, emancipation and transmission in the snowy setting of a major university in Vermont, USA. A marvel of direction and acting not to be missed this winter.

17 h - Unwind in the Sorsi Bar at the Sofitel Paris Arc de Triomphe with a green or herbal tea, accompanied by a floating island with caramel and flaked almonds

Because you're sure to feel the chill once you're back on solid ground, there's nothing like a stop off at the Sorsi Bar. Take the time for a cup of green tea, an infusion or even a hot chocolate, accompanied, for those with a sweet tooth, by an « Île Flottante » with caramel and slivered almonds. The room, with its wooden walls and leather armchairs, is particularly cosy and makes you want to read a good book as much as watch Paris come alive through the particularly large windows.

20 h - Finish off the weekend with an authentic dinner at Les Cocottes Arc de Triomphe, before returning to your room for a well-deserved night's rest.

Finally, there's nothing quite as comforting as a delicious meal at Les Cocottes, chef Christian Constant's restaurant, to round off a day of walking and exploring, all wrapped up in a warm blanket. Generous and authentic, the bistronomic cuisine of the famous Occitan chef is served here in cassolettes. From ‘Filets de boeuf de nos régions’ to ‘Ravioles de langoustines’ and ‘Figs rôties’, each dish is a veritable ode to the French terroir, masterfully sublimated by the chef. Return to your room for a well-deserved rest and the prospect of a last day in sleepy Paris.