9 Reasons to Visit Paris This Winter That You Will Love ...

What could be more romantic than strolling around Montmartre in the snow whilst everyone else is indoors? It's easy to find quiet, cobbled streets during the winter months as the tourist scene slows down when the weather turns colder. Wrap up warm and enjoy a romantic walk with your partner, or take your camera and prepare to find something to take pictures of around every corner! This is one of the best reasons to visit Paris during the winter months.

It's been said that the best hot chocolate (chocolat chaud) in the world can be found in Paris, and rumour has it that Angelina's tea room is the place to find it. Decadently thick, melted chocolate is more like a dessert than a drink, and it's definitely a winter warmer for those cold, frosty days in Paris.

It's cheap to drink in Paris, and a glass of 'vin rouge' will soon warm you up - you could even try the local spirit 'Pastis,' an aniseed flavored liquor which is popular with Parisians. Cosying up in a wine bar is one of the best ways to spend a cold Parisian afternoon.

If you've always wanted to climb the Eiffel Tower or explore the catacombs, the winter is the perfect time to do so. Forget the hour long queues of the summer months; winter is quieter, and queues are generally shorter, although in bad weather you may find some attractions closed, so always check first. Winter is also a great time to check out the museums!

The museums of Paris are always bustling with tourists and locals on holiday during the summer months, and when it's hot and sunny outside, wandering around a crowded museum is often the last thing you want to do. When it turns colder, the museums are quieter, particularly if you avoid holiday seasons, and when the temperature plummets in Paris, you'll be glad of a warm afternoon exploring the sculptures of the Louvre or the renaissance art of the Musee d'Orsay.

If you're on a budget, you'll be glad to know that flights to Paris are generally cheaper during the winter months. There are often special deals available outside peak holiday times, leaving you more money to treat yourself once you arrive!

Why not come to Paris for Christmas or New Year? The city feels so festive at this time of year, with fairy lights strung across cobbled alleyways and giant trees in the major shopping malls. You'll find that Christmas is a bit busier than the other months of winter, but it's still a lot more peaceful than the summer months.

One thing you'll notice in Paris is that even when it's sub-zero outside, Parisian women are perfectly stylish and co-ordinated. No tatty hats and mismatched gloves to be found here - everyone looks great! Paris is a great place to shop, and you could invest in a chic wool cloche hat to channel your inner Parisian, or a pair of ladylike leather gloves.

French food is quite rich at the best of times, and some dishes can be a little too heavy for the summer months. During the winter, what could be better than an oozing cheesy Croque Monsieur or a bubbling pot of Coque au Vin? All washed down with a glass (or two) of red wine to leave you feeling warm and cosy.

I know I would love to go to Paris this winter, but what about you? Are you having Christmas at home or going abroad with friends or family?