Beat the midwinter blues with a sunny or snowy getaway!

Nestled between New Year’s celebrations and the onset of spring, the low season in February and March, is a great time to travel. It’s more affordable, less crowded, and a great way to avoid the doldrums of grey skies and cold temperatures. European capitals like Paris and Barcelona are bursting with activity, even in the off season. Sales have just opened for the period, so now’s the perfect time to book for the best deals.

See our picks for snowy and sunny getaways.

Snow: Romance in Paris

The cold season is upon us, but there’s no need to hide under the covers. The days may be shorter, but the nights shine even brighter in the City of Lights. Create a Valentine’s Day to remember with dinner for two at a gourmet restaurant or a midnight stroll by the Seine. Paris is synonymous with romance, so creating that perfect ambiance is a snap. Solo travellers and families can take advantage of the city’s world-famous museums: imagine the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay or the Grand Palais without the headache of long queues and the struggle to glimpse the Mona Lisa over the crowds.

Popular journeys:

• Lyon to Paris (1 hour 56 mins)
• Marseille to Paris (3 hours 2 mins)
• Bordeaux to Paris (2 hours 3 mins)

Sun: Beachy Barcelona

If you're ready to escape the chill of the season, head for Barcelona. The hip beachy regional capital is one of Europe’s great cities, and it boasts a mild climate, even in the dead of winter. With temperatures hovering around 8°C (and going as high as 17°C), you can explore the city comfortably with just a sweater or a light jacket and get that much-needed dose of vitamin D. While certain brave souls may be tempted to take a dip in the ocean, walks along the coast may be more adapted to the season. Tour Barcelona’s cultural offerings—from Gaudi’s quirky architectural edifices to the National Art Museum of Catalonia. Then, dig into a hearty plate of paella or snack on tortillas and tapas with unbeatable seaside views.

Popular journeys:

• Paris to Barcelona (6 hours 19 mins)
• Barcelona to Paris (6 hours 25 mins)

Snow: The slopes of Bourg-Saint-Maurice

The rush of Christmas and the New Year has come and gone, but there is still plenty of fresh powder on the slopes. Home to some of France's top ski resorts (Paradiski and Espace Killy), the village has its share of snow activities (sledding, snowboarding, snowshoeing), shops and restaurants all while maintaining that traditional Alpine charm. A regular shuttle service makes it easy to explore the downtown area. If you prefer to stay warm and cosy at the resort, grab mug of hot chocolate or a glass of spiced vin chaud and snuggle up by the fire. It's a surefire antidote to that winter slump. 

Direct trains depart from Paris during ski season, so accessibility is a breeze.

Popular journeys:

• Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice (4 hours 48 mins)
• Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Paris (4 hours 55 mins)

Terms and conditions:

Tickets go on sale on 15 November for travel on routes operated by SNCF from 10 February to 24 March.

Non-stop service on TGV INOUI or Intercités trains for routes in France and select routes between France and other European countries.

Tickets are available on certain trains on certain days of the week until they sell out.

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