February is usually the coldest month in France, but in a bustling city like Paris, the chill never stops people from enjoying life. Whether it’s locals sipping espresso on a café terrace, fashionistas scouring the final days of the winter sales, or art lovers immersing themselves in world-class exhibitions, Paris in February remains as vibrant and full of possibility as ever. There are thousands of things to do, from grand festivals to hidden gems, and this insider guide from Frenchly will help you navigate the very best experiences. Whether you’re indulging in gourmet delights, exploring cultural treasures, or seeking a romantic escape, February in Paris offers a perfect blend of charm, adventure, and elegance. Bundle up, step outside, and let the magic of the City of Light enchant you.
1. Shop Les Soldes (Through February 3)
Fashion enthusiasts, take note: the soldes d’hiver (winter sales) conclude on February 3, marking the final opportunity to find luxury goods at major discounts. Galeries Lafayette is a prime destination for designer deals, while Le Bon Marché offers an upscale, relaxed shopping experience. Those looking for a more eclectic selection can explore the boutiques of Le Marais or visit Westfield Forum des Halles, where contemporary fashion meets classic Parisian style. La Vallée Village is worth the short trip just outside the city for even more significant savings on high-end brands. Located 35 minutes from central Paris and 5 minutes from Disneyland Paris, this open-air outlet mall features over 110 boutiques, including Gucci, Prada, Burberry, and Balenciaga, with year-round discounts up to 60%. Reaching the outlet is convenient via the RER A train to Val d’Europe, or shopping shuttles from central Paris. And to make your purchases even sweeter, non-EU visitors can benefit from the détaxe (tax refund) program, making luxury purchases even more cost-effective. With limited time left, now is the moment to take advantage of Paris’s best seasonal discounts.
2. Treat Yourself to Emily in Paris Tea Time (Through March 30)
If there’s one afternoon tea everyone is talking about in Paris right now, it’s the Emily in Paris Tea Time at the Hôtel du Louvre. Inspired by the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris, this pop-culture-meets-pastry experience has quickly become one of the most popular tea times in the city, with social media buzzing and reservations filling up fast. Served Wednesday through Sunday from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, the tea time is available only until the end of March 2026, and just a few slots remain. It’s a limited-time experience that blends Parisian elegance with the show’s playful spirit, making it a must for fans and food lovers alike. Priced at €50 per person, the preset menu includes one dessert of your choice, an assortment of Emily-inspired treats, and a hot beverage. Guests can choose from refined desserts such as a Paris-Brest with hazelnut praline, a coconut and passion fruit duo, a lemon tart with yuzu and black sesame praline, or a seasonal fresh fruit creation infused with passion fruit and vanilla. The assortment of gâteaux de voyage includes a red fruit cookie with white chocolate and pistachio; the Gourmandise d’Emily, a seasonal creation by the pastry chef; an Emily haute-couture macaron with vanilla and raspberry; and even a savory club sandwich with cheddar, watercress, and egg. To complete the experience, guests can choose a tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, making it a polished yet approachable afternoon break just steps from the Louvre. With its limited run, elegant setting, and Instagram-ready menu, the Emily in Paris Tea Time is more than just a themed dessert; it’s a Paris moment everyone wants to experience before it disappears.
3. Party During Carnival in the City of Lights (February 1-15)
In February 2026, the Hippodrome de Vincennes takes on a festive mood. Every Sunday afternoon, the historic racecourse hosts Fêtes du Monde, a series of Carnival-inspired celebrations that mix horse racing with music, costumes, and traditions from around the world. From 12 pm to 6:30 pm, the venue turns into a lively, family-friendly spot, free to enter with a reservation. The season begins on Sunday, February 1, with Carnaval de Venise, bringing masked figures, elegant costumes, and theatrical performances that add a touch of mystery to the racecourse. On Sunday, February 8, the focus shifts to Carnavals de France, with colorful outfits, music, and characters inspired by regional traditions from across the country. The energy rises again on Sunday, February 15, with Carnaval de Rio de Janeiro, as samba dancers, batucada rhythms, capoeira, and vibrant parades bring a joyful Brazilian atmosphere to Vincennes, supported by Francophone and Lusophone cultural groups.
4. Celebrate Chinese New Year in Paris (February 1-March 1)
Each year, the Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year (Nouvel An Chinois), becomes more visible across Paris. What started decades ago in the 13th arrondissement, the city’s historic Chinatown, has grown into a city-wide celebration. Today, the Chinese New Year in Paris unfolds over several weeks, with parades, performances, food, and cultural events taking place from major landmarks to local neighborhoods. From the Champs-Élysées to Belleville, here’s where to celebrate the year of the Fire Horse:
- February 1, 2026 – Champs-Élysées Parade
The celebrations begin on the Champs-Élysées with a spectacular parade combining lion and dragon dances with modern touches like robotic performers and large visual displays. It’s the most high-profile event of the season. - February 17, 2026 – Lunar New Year Day (Year of the Horse)
The official start of the Year of the Horse, marked throughout Paris with cultural events, performances, and special menus. For a more traditional atmosphere, head to the 13th arrondissement of Paris or Belleville. - February 19, 2026 – Belleville Food Market & Lion Dance
In Belleville, one of Paris’s most diverse neighborhoods, expect lion dances, street performances, and festive dishes served in many local Asian restaurants, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. - February 22, 2026 – Hippodrome de Vincennes Celebration
The Hippodrome de Vincennes hosts a free, family-friendly event with cultural performances, food stalls, and Lunar New Year entertainment. The horse-racing setting makes it especially fitting during the Year of the Horse. - March 1, 2026 – Grand Parade in the 13th Arrondissement
The largest and most traditional parade takes place in the 13th arrondissement, featuring colorful floats, musicians, and dragon and lion dances. This procession remains the cultural heart of Chinese New Year celebrations in Paris.
5. Admire Vintage Cars (February 1)
Classic car enthusiasts will find themselves in heaven at the Rétromobile Show, held at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Imagine gleaming chrome, luxurious leather interiors, and a parade of the world’s most exquisite vintage vehicles. For those passionate about automotive artistry, this event also features an exclusive auction that could let you drive home in a classic Aston Martin or a Citroën 2CV.
6. Eat Crêpes During La Chandeleur (February 2)
Did you know the French have an official day dedicated to crêpes? It’s called La Chandeleur, celebrated every year on February 2, and it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy crêpes in all their forms. Whether you prefer them savory, sweet, or both, this is one tradition everyone can agree on. If you want to learn how to make crêpes yourself, some hotels and culinary venues offer special workshops for the occasion. But let’s be honest, it’s often much easier and just as satisfying to head straight to a crêperie, the French go-to spot for crêpes. On the menu, you’ll find galettes, savory crêpes made with buckwheat flour. They’re naturally gluten-free and usually filled with classics like ham, cheese, eggs, or smoked salmon. Sweet crêpes made with wheat flour are topped with sugar, chocolate, fruit, or caramel. One of the best-known names in Paris is Breizh Café, a favorite with several locations in the city and beyond. Known for its quality ingredients and refined approach, it’s a great place to try both signature creations and more traditional galettes, including excellent options with organic smoked salmon. For those who prefer to go all in, Le P’tit Breton is offering an all-you-can-eat crêpes menu for $30 at all locations for La Chandeleur. A perfect excuse to sample multiple galettes and sweet crêpes without having to choose just one.
7. Peruse the Art Capital Exhibition (February 13-15)
For those craving some culture, the Art Capital exhibition at the Grand Palais is an unmissable event in February. This annual exhibition brings together nearly 2,000 contemporary artists from diverse disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art, offering a comprehensive look at today’s most exciting artistic expressions. The event is structured around four major salons: Comparaisons, Dessin & Peinture à l’Eau, Artistes Indépendants, and Société des Artistes Français, each showcasing a wide range of styles, techniques, and artistic visions. Whether you’re an avid collector, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for inspiration, Art Capital offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with artists, and discover emerging talent alongside established names. Held in the historic Grand Palais, the exhibition provides a breathtaking setting for this dynamic and immersive celebration of contemporary art. Don’t miss the chance to explore cutting-edge works and gain insight into the creative minds shaping today’s artistic landscape.
8. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Paris (February 14)
You couldn’t be in a better place to celebrate Valentine’s Day than Paris, the City of Love. From elegant dinners to scenic strolls, the city offers countless ways to mark the occasion. For an intimate evening, Edmond Restaurant at the Terrass Hotel provides a refined setting with sweeping views over Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower, and a carefully curated menu highlighting seasonal flavors. Those looking to toast to love with a view can head to the Bar à Champagne at the Eiffel Tower, where Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut or Rosé is served alongside Kaviari caviar, offering a sophisticated way to enjoy the city’s skyline. For couples who prefer a more active celebration, the Course de la Saint-Valentin on February 14 at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont offers 5K and 10K races, giving participants the opportunity to get their blood pumping in one of Paris’s most picturesque settings. Beyond the planned experiences, the city’s charm makes it a romantic place to explore at any time of year, via a walk through Montmartre’s cobbled streets, a pause along the Seine, or an afternoon exploring Île Saint-Louis. Whether through fine dining, unique outings, or simply taking in the atmosphere, Paris remains the ultimate destination for a truly memorable Valentine’s Day.
9. Explore France’s Terroir (February 21-March 1)
France takes immense pride in its terroir, and nowhere is this more evident than at the Salon International de l’Agriculture (International Agricultural Show), taking place from February 21 to March 1, 2026, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. This prestigious agricultural fair showcases the best of France’s farming heritage, bringing together farmers, food producers, and agricultural experts from across the country and beyond. Visitors can expect to see over 4,000 animals, including prize-winning cows, horses, sheep, and goats, as well as sample an incredible variety of regional specialties, from artisanal cheeses and fine wines to charcuterie and fresh produce. The event also features interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and educational exhibits, offering a deep dive into the craftsmanship and passion behind French agriculture. More than just an exhibition, the Salon de l’Agriculture is a political tradition, with the French President making an obligatory annual visit to engage with farmers, address agricultural policies, and reaffirm the country’s commitment to its agricultural sector. Whether you’re a food lover, an aspiring farmer, or simply curious about the roots of France’s famed gastronomy, this event is a must-visit experience.
10. Cozy Up in Paris’s Best Cocktail Bars
Parisians know that the best way to fight off the winter chill is with a beautifully crafted cocktail in hand. From hidden speakeasies to chic rooftop lounges and historic institutions, we’ve curated a list of standout spots that locals love. These bars offer more than just drinks; they provide an experience, a moment of warmth, and a taste of Parisian nightlife at its finest.
- Windo Sky Bar: Located high above the city, Windo Sky Bar offers breathtaking panoramic views and a special Valentine’s Day cocktail menu designed to set hearts racing.
- Cravan: Recently expanded, Cravan has become the largest cocktail bar in Paris while maintaining its old-world charm. Housed in a 19th-century building, this sophisticated venue offers an impressive menu and an atmosphere that feels straight out of the Belle Époque.
- Bisou: A snug, pink-hued spot in the Marais, Bisou is known for its no-menu concept—simply tell the bartender what you like, and they’ll whip up a drink made just for you. Bisou is also taking a sustainable approach, working only with 100% organic, locally sourced products.
- Danico: Hidden behind the stylish Daroco trattoria, this bar offers a series of menus inspired by the international travels of its own globe-trotting mixologist, Nico de Soto. Danico features a velvet-clad ambiance and bold, imaginative cocktails, including the signature Monk-y See Monk-y Do, a mix of banana, walnut, and Chartreuse.
- Copper Bay: Copper Bay pushes the boundaries of mixology by focusing on texture as much as flavor. Drinks here are crafted to offer layers of sensation, think velvety foams, crisp bubbles, and smooth liqueurs that evolve as you sip. Their signature Mediterranean Mule, blending fig, ginger beer, and citrus, balances silkiness with a refreshing effervescence.
Paris in February, the City’s Intimate Secret
From shopping sprees and art exhibitions to gourmet delights and hidden gems, February in Paris is packed with experiences that make it a truly special time to visit, while avoiding peak-season crowds and high prices. Whether you’re indulging in haute cuisine, watching a dazzling parade, or scoring deals at the winter sales, the City of Light offers something for every traveler. So bundle up, embrace the winter charm, and make unforgettable memories in Paris this February, after all, there’s no better time to fall in love with the world’s most enchanting city.
Mariam, originally from Paris and now calls the Bay Area home. A seasoned traveler and writer, she’s always on the hunt for exciting new restaurants, trendy bars, and unique activities to try. By day, she works in tech in Silicon Valley and serves as a board member of the French Cultural Center of Silicon Valley. Mariam has a passion for writing about travel, food, people, and offbeat topics.
