Paris and side trips in January

Everything in Paris will be open except for the regular closure days (does that make sense, lol??)

If you have an interest in Gothic cathedrals you could go to Chartres. If you have an interest in walking the labyrinth they remove the chairs in the nave which covers it on Fridays.

The Christmas Markets will be gone in Strasbourg and Colmar and it seems like they might be a bit dreary in January.

Are you interested in one of the other chateaux in the Paris area? Chantilly? Fountainbleu? Vaux-le-Vicomte?

We took the train to Reims for the day to see the champagne caves and really enjoyed it! While you are there, the Reins cathedral is also quite impressive.
We loved Chantilly, but I don't advise the show unless you have children along.
I have not yet had the chance to see Giverny, but it's definitely on my bucket list.
Have fun!

Giverny is excellent but Monet's home and the gardens are closed in the winter.

Had thought of Fountainbleu but will look at those others. Have done Versailles and Giverny. Reims and Chartres good suggestions. Thanks!

There is so much in Paris, a week will barely skim the surface but outside of Paris, there are wonderful places, as well. Many suggestions have already been made but here are a few more -

Malmaison - in a suburb, a short bus trip away, the home of Josephine,. (note - bring your passport to get the audioguide - never needed it before but I did here).

Auvers sur Oise - the 'Impressionist village' with a several museum (the Chateau, absinthe, etc). and lovely walks (note - this is where Van Gogh died)

Chantilly - gorgeous chateau, park and equestrian exhibits - can b e combined with Senlis - a lovely still-medieval town

Eqouen - Fairy tale castle in the woodlands

Fountainbleau - Napoleon!

@crooney55...been to Paris several times and of course there is always more to see...but would love to get out and about this time as well. Thanks for your suggestions!

If you like Gothic architecture, and since Notre Dame won't be open, you might want to take the Metro line 13 to Basilique de St-Denis and see the very first Gothic church in France, burial site of lots of kings (or at least their hearts). It's a easy trip for a morning or afternoon, not a full day.

I echo Dick - this last time I was in Paris I took the time to see Saint-Denis and WOW. What a gem. I took a tour (in French only) and the guide was splendid. All in all we spent about 4 hours there and we went to a great couscous restaurant in the square. Saint-Denis definitely isn't the Paris you dream about, but the basilica is as cultural as it gets!

Other than that, Chartres is great. Le Chateau de Maintenon is great...

Thanks for all these suggestions!

I loved Rouen for it's vibe and also exploring Normandy. Bayeux tapestry is a must see. Id recommend Champagne region if you like champagne or history of wine making. Some ideaas here: https://theparisshortlist.com/best-day-trips-from-paris/. Oh and Chartres if you love big beautiful cathedrals!

Check out if the château you want to visit is open in January. Chantilly for instance has it's annual closure from 3 to 20 January and Vaux-le-Vicomte from January to March.

L'Atelier des Lumières in Paris, https://www.atelier-lumieres.com/en, walking distance from Pierre Lachaise.