The five best ice skating rinks in Paris

After hosting the Olympic fencing events and the Art Basel fair in October, the Grand Palais has announced the return of its flagship winter event: the Grand Palais des Glaces (or Grand Ice Palace), also known as the largest indoor ice rink in the world. To claim this title, the organisers are setting up a 3,000-square-metre ice rink under the restored atrium, or nave, which will be open every day until 2am. Tickets are on the expensive side, at €15 to €35 depending on the session. While details about the décor and programme are still to come, the last instalment of the Grand Palais des Glaces (in 2019) saw visitors skating around a giant strobed disco ball while DJs played – and as for food, expect a festive Christmas market vibe with waffles, crêpes, mulled wine and hot chocolate. We’re feeling festive already.

When? December 14 2024-January 5 2025
Where? Grand Palais, 3 avenue du Général Eisenhower, Paris 8th arrondissment

Fancy skating on 24-carat ice? From November 28 2024 to February 2 2025, the luxurious hotel on Avenue Montaigne is once again setting up an ice rink in its private courtyard. While it's primarily reserved for hotel guests, the 100-square-metre ice rink is also open to outsiders who are willing to splurge: access is included if you book in for a meal or snack at the rink-side chalet, with packages beginning at €80.

When? November 28 2024-February 2 2025
Where? 25 avenue Montaigne, Paris 8th arrondissement.

The Pailleron pool is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the capital, but this complex in the 19th arrondissement also hides the only public ice rink in Paris that’s designed purely for fun. The 800-metre rink sits beneath a large glass roof, allowing skating enthusiasts to enjoy it year-round (well, except in the summer, when it shuts from June-August). Old-timers might fondly recall the On Ice parties thrown for skating enthusiasts by the label Born Bad around ten years ago, which featured performances by La Femme, Justice, Chloé, and Acid Arab. Pailleron is the ultimate skating spot.

When? Check daily opening hours (closed June-August)
Where? 32 rue Edouard Pailleron, 75019

As the largest Christmas market in the region, the Christmas market in La Défense simply had to have an ice rink! Until January 5 2025, residents of Île-de-France can glide over the ice at La Défense, right at the foot of the Grande Arche, on a 450-metre-square natural ice rink – not exactly eco-friendly, but still. Open until 10pm on select days, it's a great way to burn some energy before or after exploring the market's 200 (!) stalls selling gifts, food, and endless mulled wine.

When? Until January 5 2025
Where? Parvis de l’Arche, 92800 Puteaux.

Having declared itself the ‘best ice rink in Île-de-France,’ the Sonja-Henie rink can be found in the depths of the Accor Arena. Open from September to the end of May, the rink is 1200 square metres and visitors can enjoy standard skating sessions or special evening events, with DJs playing while you skate. Hockey enthusiasts can also catch the Français Volants ice hockey club, with seating for up to 400 spectators.

When? Check daily opening hours
Where? 222 Quai de Bercy, 75012