When winter descends on France, there’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than by gliding across a sparkling rink. And where better to do it than in Paris, the beating heart of French winter magic? From the grandeur of the Grand Palais des Glaces to the charming rinks nestled among Christmas markets, ice skating in Paris is an unmissable experience for visitors and locals alike.

But the joy of skating doesn’t stop in the capital. Across France, you’ll find stunning indoor and open-air rinks with fun for all ages. Whether you’re visiting Paris for a Christmas city break or heading to the Alps for a ski holiday, these rinks add a touch of festive fun to your trip, this guide to the best places for ice skating in Paris and beyond will help you plan the perfect winter adventure for 2025.

Best place for ice skating in Paris in 2025

Ice skating in Paris is one of the most magical ways to experience the city in winter. From world-famous landmarks like the Grand Palais to charming open-air rinks at Christmas markets, here are the best places for ice skating in Paris in 2025, perfect for couples, families, and festive travellers alike.

1. Grand Palais des Glaces: Paris’s most iconic ice rink

People skating at the Paris Grand Palais, ice skating Paris

When it comes to ice skating in Paris, nothing compares to the Grand Palais des Glaces, the largest seasonal indoor ice rink in the world. Every winter, the historic Grand Palais transforms into a glittering ice paradise beneath its vast glass dome. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime setting where you can skate to music, admire dazzling light shows, and warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate between laps.

Whether you’re a confident skater or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this landmark offers an unforgettable festive experience for ice skating in Paris. The 2025 edition will once again feature themed nights, family sessions, and a special “midnight skate” event under the stars of the Palais’s roof.

Note: advance booking is recommended for this unique ice skating in Paris experience.

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2. La Défense ice rink: skating beneath the Arch

people skating at la defense ice rink, ice skating paris

Just outside central Paris, the La Défense business district hosts one of the most atmospheric places for ice skating in Paris. Nestled beneath the futuristic Grande Arche and hosted during the nighbourhood's icnomic Christmas market, this rink combines city views with festive cheer. It’s surrounded by Christmas stalls selling regional treats and artisanal gifts, so you can skate, shop, and snack all in one visit.

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3. Jardin des Tuileries ice rink, a festive classicice skating rink in paris

Located within the Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market, this rink offers perhaps the most photogenic skating experience in Paris. With the Louvre on one side and the Ferris wheel of Place de la Concorde on the other, it’s a postcard-perfect spot to glide under fairy lights.

Families will love the dedicated children’s area, while couples can enjoy a romantic skate before sampling seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts or vin chaud at the market stalls.

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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out our guide of the best Christmas markets in France for 2025.

4. Accor Arena: for year-round ice skating in Paris

groupe de personnes faisant du patin à glace, patinoire paris

Located in the 12th arrondissement, the Accor Arena is home to one of Paris’s top indoor skating venues. Open year-round, it boasts a professional-grade rink used for figure skating, ice hockey, and public skating sessions.

This rink offers the ideal blend of sport and fun: you can join beginner sessions, take lessons, or attend spectacular ice shows hosted throughout the winter. Skates and safety gear are available for rent, and the arena’s central location makes it easy to combine a skate with dinner or a concert nearby.

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Best place for ice skating outside of Paris in 2025

Looking for the best places for ice skating in France outside of Paris? Venture beyond the capital to discover stunning rinks in Strasbourg, Colmar, Annecy, and Chamonix. Whether you prefer a Christmas market setting or an alpine escape beneath the snow, these French destinations offer unforgettable ice skating experiences for 2025.

1. Ice skating in Strasbourg & Alsace

strasbourg at christmas next to one of the best ice skating rinks in france

Strasbourg, known as the Capital of Christmas, is home to one of the most enchanting ice skating experiences in France. Every winter, the city transforms into a glittering wonderland with its famous Christkindelsmärik Christmas market and festive outdoor rink beneath the shadow of the Strasbourg Christmas tree on the Place Kléber. Glide through this fairy-tale setting while surrounded by twinkling lights and the mulled wine, gingerbread, and candied nuts.

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Just a short train ride away, Colmar offers an equally magical holiday atmosphere. Its Christmas ice rink usually installed in Place Rapp is unfortunately not in operation for 2025-2026, but visitors can still enjoy skating at the Patinoire de Colmar, open from September to May, making it one of the best indoor options in eastern France.

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2. Ice skating in Annecy

ice skating with friends

Annecy, often nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps,” combines mountain air with old-town charm. Take advantage of your stay in this charming French town and discover the Jean Régis ice rink. Open nearly year-round, it offers public sessions, themed evenings during the holidays, and even a bar-restaurant for après-skate relaxation. Families will appreciate the warm, welcoming atmosphere and free entry for children under five.

Want more information? Take a look at our full article specially dedicated to the charming town of Annecy.

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3. Ice skating in Chamonix

chamonix at christmas has one of the best places for ice skating in france
In the heart of the Alps, Chamonix offers a convenient ice skating experience. The Richard Bozon Sports Centre features an indoor rink where you can skate knowing that you are surrounded by snow-covered peaks and the towering Mont Blanc. Whether you’re visiting with family or on a romantic winter escape, this is a great option to go ice skating in France.

There are also sometimes seasonal outdoor rinks open during the Christmas period in Chamonix - make sure to do you research to stay up to date.

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FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Ice Skating in Paris and France

Where can I go ice skating in Paris in 2025?

You’ll find several stunning rinks open for the festive season: the Grand Palais des Glaces, the Tuileries Garden rink, the La Défense Christmas rink, and the Accor Arena for year-round skating. Each offers a different atmosphere, from romantic to family-friendly.

When do Christmas ice rinks open in Paris?

Most open from mid-November to early January, depending on the location. The Grand Palais opens in mid-December, while the Tuileries and La Défense rinks usually launch a few weeks earlier.

What is the largest ice rink in France?

The Grand Palais des Glaces in Paris is the largest seasonal indoor rink in France — and one of the biggest in the world — making it a must-visit for anyone planning to go ice skating in Paris.

Where can I go ice skating outside Paris?

If you’re travelling beyond the capital, the best rinks are in Strasbourg, Annecy, and Chamonix. These cities combine skating with incredible winter scenery, Christmas markets, and mountain charm.

How much does it cost to go ice skating in France?

Expect to pay between €7–€12 including skate rental at most seasonal rinks. Skating at the Grand Palais des Glaces is more expensive due to its notoriety, specifically between 27€ and 39€ for adults, depending on the time of day. Entry to smaller or local venues is often free or discounted for children.

Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out our guide of the best places to celebrate Christmas in France in 2025.

Gift the magic of skating in Paris with a Flightgift voucher

Flightgift travel voucher to go to Paris
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Start planning your winter adventure today and make this Christmas one to remember. Give the gift of travel with our airline vouchers, and let the festive spirit of ice skating in Paris take you on an unforgettable journey.