More about: 12 Things to Do in Paris in February
If you're thinking about a trip to Paris at the end of winter, congratulations! Spring is just a few weeks away, and although the cold still dominates the scene, the carnivals, festivities and celebrations taking place throughout the city help to make it quite bearable.
So, if you're looking for things to do in Paris in February, I hope you enjoy these ideas I've put together for you.
1. Celebrate Valentine's Day in the capital of love
Being lucky enough to be in Paris for Valentine's Day and celebrating such a special day in the world-famous capital of love is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Join in the romantic and festive atmosphere that permeates the entire city and celebrate with that special someone at any of the many events and celebrations that take place every year on 14 February.
Where it takes place
There are many places to celebrate Valentine's Day in Paris. Here is a list of some of my favourite ideas.
- Valentine's Day dinner on the Bateaux Parisiens: Take one of the dinner cruises on the Seine, which also include champagne and live music.
- Valentine's Day at the Lido: The Lido is the most popular cabaret in Paris and every year for Valentine's Day it organises a special evening full of glamour, dinner and live music for lovers.
- Valentine's Day at the Moulin Rouge: The legendary Moulin Rouge also welcomes lovers with a show specially prepared for Valentine's Day. Be sure to book your tickets to the Moulin Rouge with dinner in advance.
- Dinner for two at the Eiffel Tower: One of the restaurants at the Eiffel Tower prepares a special menu every year for Valentine's Day. On 14 February, you can enjoy a romantic evening with one of the most perfect views of the city. If you don't want to have dinner, you can buy night tickets to the Eiffel Tower and go up to the top just to enjoy the view.
- Attend a musical: Musicals in Paris are becoming increasingly popular and are a fantastic option if you are in Paris around this time of year.
2. Enjoy Valentine's Day with a romantic evening at the Eiffel Tower
But my ultimate plan for Valentine's Day is to enjoy lunch at the Eiffel Tower. Madame Brasserie, one of the monument's restaurants, offers an unparalleled dining experience. The menu features elaborate classic French dishes, prepared using traditional culinary techniques and fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Located on the first floor of the building, this restaurant also offers the option of enjoying dinner at the Eiffel Tower. Please note that both options give you access to an exclusive queue for Madame Brasserie customers, allowing you to skip the long lines that are typical of this monument.
3. Take a trip to Giverny
Another ideal plan for Valentine's Day is to stroll through Monet's gardens. How does that sound? If you're up for it, don't hesitate to book an excursion to Giverny. It's the most convenient option and you'll be able to explore the painter's house with an expert guide and learn more about his source of inspiration.
You'll also have the opportunity to explore the historic centre of this pretty French village, located on the western bank of the River Seine in the Normandy region. The journey will be made by air-conditioned coach.
4. Learn how to make French pastries for Chandeleur
As in many other countries, 2 February is celebrated in France as Candlemas Day. In Christian tradition, this day marks the purification of the Virgin Mary after the birth of Jesus. Nowadays, La Chandeleur in Paris is better known as Crepe Day, a date when families and friends prepare and enjoy this delicious dessert together.
If your trip coincides with this date, visit one of the best creperies in Paris, which are sure to join in the festivities by preparing a special menu. You can also book a tour of Paris' patisseries.
Where it takes place
Personally, I find it difficult to choose just one option, so here is a list of my personal favourites. This is just a list, so feel free to explore new options on your own.
- La Cuiller en Bois: At 108 Rue des Entrepreneurs. 75015.
- Le Petit Morbihan: At 20 rue d'Odessa, 75014
- Le Breizh Café: At 109 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003
- Crêperie Suzette: At 24 rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75004
While you're there, why not sign up for a baking class where you can learn how to make your own French bread or delicious croissants with an authentic master baker? Is your mouth watering yet?
5. Take your children to the Louvre to celebrate the winter holidays
In Paris, winter holidays begin every year on 18 February and end on 7 March. If you are visiting Paris with children during February, be sure to check out the activities taking place throughout the city during this period, including hiking, free exhibitions, themed learning workshops, creative workshops, concerts, discounts on games and attractions, and much more. Here are a few examples.
- The masterpieces of the Louvre explained to children. Available for children aged 7 and over. You can also opt for a guided tour of the Louvre.
- Book your tickets for the Opéra Garnier in Paris and enjoy a fun visit. Children aged 5 and over can visit the Opéra Garnier.
- Visits to Versailles with children. Available for children aged 5 and over.
Where it takes place
You'll find them all over Paris: museums, bookshops, parks, entertainment and cultural centres of all kinds. If you want to stay up to date, visit the Parisinfo website and check the calendar available for your travel dates.
6. Celebrate Chinese New Year in Paris
Chinese New Year in Paris is traditionally a week of festivities open to the public. The New Year celebration is one of the most important events in Chinese tradition, taking place every year between 21 January and 20 February; it heralds renewal and the beginning of a new cycle. Chinese communities around the world join in this celebration, allowing the rest of us to learn a little more about their fascinating traditions.
In Paris, this festival is very special, attracting tourists from all over the world and including celebrations in different Parisian neighbourhoods:
- Philharmonic performances
- Costume parades in the 3rd and 4th districts. They start at the Place de la République.
- Traditional dance performances.
- Workshops
- Markets
7. Enjoy the Paris Carnival parade
Every year on the Sunday before Mardi Gras, the Carnival celebrations take place. Although the date varies each year, it is usually held during February or early March in Paris. The celebration includes a festive parade, known as the "Promenade du Bœuf Gras," and lots of costumes! The carnival mascot is a red-coated Limousin cow that leads the procession in style.
The tradition of the Paris Carnival was almost completely forgotten during most of the 20th century; however, in the 1990s, efforts were made to revive it, and it has been held every year since. Over time, the level of craftsmanship, colours and costumes have become increasingly impressive.
Where it takes place
The Promenade du Bœuf Gras parade begins at Place Gambetta and ends at Place de la République, covering a 2.8-kilometre route through the centre of Paris.
How to get tickets
No tickets are required, as the event is completely free and open to the public. Just arrive early to secure a good spot. The parade usually takes place in the afternoon and attracts more than 5,000 people. For more information, visit the official website.
8. Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy the Grand Slam in Paris
For approximately 50 years, the international judo competition, the Paris Grand Slam, has been held in February each year over two days. It usually takes place in the first few days of the month and brings together the best representatives from each nation in a competition to choose the world champion for both the women's and men's teams.
If you admire this sport or have practised it yourself in the past, this is a great opportunity to admire the most outstanding talent on the international stage.
Where it takes place
In its early days, the event was held at the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium; however, since 2000 it has been held at the Accor Arena, located on Boulevard de Bercy, very close to Bercy station, which connects to lines 6 and 14 of the Paris metro.
How to purchase tickets
Tickets to attend the competition can be purchased directly on the Grand Slam website. Prices range from £32 to £65 for one day and £50 to £107 for two days.
9. Join Les Front Runners in Paris
Since 2000, every February, Les Front Runners, an event organised by the city's LGBT Runners Association, has been held in Paris. Based on the fact that love is love, this celebration usually takes place on weekends as close as possible to 14 February. The race includes two events: a 5km individual circuit and a 10km circuit for pairs.
The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the needs of the community and to raise funds to enable them to continue their activism. In some years, raffles are held, with the proceeds going to the famous Grey Pride Association.
Where it takes place
This fun event takes place in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, usually at the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
How to purchase tickets
This is a free event open to anyone who wishes to support the cause. However, if you are interested in participating in the race as a runner, you can fill out the registration form on the official website
.
10. Attend a Dance Festival
Starting in January in Paris and continuing through the first few days of February, you can attend Suresnes cités dans, an event organised with the aim of showcasing the wide variety of styles and choreographic variations that characterise contemporary dance.
The festival began in 1993 as an initiative supported by the Suresnes Town Council. At that time, it sought to open up more structured dance schools to movements such as hip-hop and street dance, which dominated the scene during the 1980s.
Where it takes place
It takes place at the Jean-Vilar Theatre in Suresnes, a small community located just outside Paris. To get to Suresnes, take the RER A train line.
How to purchase tickets
Tickets for this event are available online on the official website of the Suresnes Theatre.
11. Enjoy the last ice rinks in Paris
During the first weeks of February, you can enjoy the last ice rinks of the winter in Paris. If you like this fun activity, don't miss out! Ice skating outdoors in the shadow of monumental works of architecture is not something you can do every day or anywhere in the world.
Where to go ice skating in Paris
- Place Athénée: Approximate cost of £60 with afternoon tea
- Espace sportif Pailleron: This is a covered rink that is open almost all year round. Prices and opening hours are published on its official website.
12. Warm up with a "chocolat chaud" in Paris
After exploring the streets of Paris and discovering the city's most important monuments, the best way to relax is with a delicious hot drink. Parisian cuisine offers many delicious drinks, but the favourite among tourists and locals is traditional Parisian hot chocolate.
When prepared properly, this popular drink is characterised by its sumptuous flavour, which is not too sweet and is enjoyed on the palate without ever becoming cloying. Made from milk and dark chocolate, many Parisian cafés and tea houses are known for creating this type of drink by adding their own special touch. The experience of enjoying the comforting taste of chocolate in a beautifully decorated establishment, alongside a delicious dessert or savoury snack, will make you feel like a Parisian local and fill you with energy to continue your adventure.
Where to drink the best hot chocolate in Paris
Some of the favourite establishments with the best ratings are:
- La Chocolaterie de Cyril Lignac: located at 25 Rue Chanzy.
- Ladurée: located at 21 rue Bonaparte Paris 6 and on the Champs-Élysées. Don't miss the delicious macarons.
- Café de Flore: located at 172 Boulevard Saint Germain.
- Mamie Gateaux: at 66 Rue du Cherche-Midi
- Jean-Paul Hévin: located at 108 rue Saint-Honoré
Tips for visiting Paris in February
As is typical in Paris during winter, temperatures remain cold during this month, so I recommend dressing appropriately. This means a good coat is essential, as are a hat, winter gloves and waterproof shoes. Snowfall in February is uncommon in Paris, but it can happen, as can a rainy afternoon.
The best thing about travelling to the French capital in February is that you can avoid the crowds at all the activities in Paris. Whether you want to visit the most popular attractions or explore the French capital off the beaten track, this is the quietest time of year to travel to Paris. Have an amazing trip!