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What to Do in Paris in February

Updated: November 1, 2023
 By Christina

This post lists several fun activities, tours, and events you can enjoy in Paris during the month of February, updated for 2024.


TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN FEBRUARY

This list will include a variety of different family-friendly, nighttime, and free activities for audiences of all ages. 

If you’re looking for even more ideas, check out the following posts:

Don’t forget to check out our what to do in Paris post for additional attractions.


1. Celebrate Carnival de Paris

On Sunday, February 11th, you can watch the Paris Carnival parade wind it's way through the city.

The long-standing parade goes back to the Middle Ages. Today, it's so large that it's estimated more than 50,000 spectators line the parade route.

In addition to the parade, there are live concerts and other entertainment shows taking place.

Tip: Due to its popularity, you'll need to show up early in the morning if you want a good view of the parade route.

Find more information here.


2. See a Cabaret Show

If you're looking for something that is a bit more stereotypically Parisian, why not see a cabaret?

The Moulin Rouge is known for its live music, extravagant costumes, and beautiful performers in a luxurious environment.

Performances run regularly year-round, and we recommend getting your tickets a few months in advance as they do tend to sell out.

Here are a few of the best cabaret venues hosting shows in Paris this month:

Crazy Horse also offers a combo package that includes a backstage experience.

If you’re looking for more evening activities or family-friendly entertainment, we have full posts with more ideas!


3. Celebrate Valentine's Day

What city could possibly be more romantic than Paris on Valentine's Day?

You could have a beautiful trip on the River Seine with a romantic Valentine's-themed dinner cruise.

Admire the lights on the shore while enjoying your meal.

Or you could do a special Valentine's Day Chocolate Tasting Tour where you sample your way through the chocolate shops of Saint-Germain.

We also suggest dinner with a wine selection or a chocolate and patisserie tour during the day.

Another romantic activity is to sip champagne on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Panoramic Tower.

There are many Valentine's choices in this city that inspires love!


4. Take a Sightseeing Tour

Take in the City of Lights with a tour guide and sightseeing tour.

There are several hop-on-hop-off bus tours available that feature recorded commentary in multiple languages and make stops at the most popular points of attraction in the city.

If you really want to see the lights, you can take a night bus tour.

These tours do not allow you to hop off in the middle, but you'll get a great overview of Paris.

Learn about the Parisian food scene and local markets with a grand Gourmet Food Tour with 10+ Tasting and Wine.

There aren't many ways to better get a glimpse at local life in a city than by exploring its markets.

Note that some discount passes include tours: All Inclusive - Paris Go City | Explorer - Paris Go City | Turbopass Paris


5. Visit an Orchid Festival

The Mille et une Orchidées Festival takes place each year at the Grades Serres of the Jardin des Plantes.

It is magical and colorful, bringing over 700 varieties of orchids to the crowds.

The festival includes trails through greenhouses, presentations, workshops, advice from experts, and inexpensive tickets.

Visit from February 8th through March 6th.

Find more information here.


6. Visit an Amusement Park

There are several popular amusement parks in and around Paris, and they tend to be less crowded during the winter months.

If you want to avoid the crowds, February is a great time to visit!

Here are a few of the best options this month:

If you're looking for other family-friendly locations to visit, you might also want to consider the Paris Zoo or Aquarium de Paris.

NOTE: Some of these attractions are included with various Paris tourist passes.


7. Admire Vintage Cars

If you love old automobiles, head over to the Salon Retromobile car show from January 31st to February 4th.

The car show has been running for almost 50 years and brings out the best exhibitors, collectors, and cars.

You can meet and hear from dealers, restoration specialists, artists, and constructors.

Find more details on the website.


8. Celebrate Lunar New Year

There are a few Chinese New Year events taking place this year, the Year of the Dragon.

The Lunar New Year falls on February 10th in 2024. Other celebratory activities will take place in the weeks following.

The largest parade in the city, which mixes the traditions of a number of heritages, takes place in Quartier Asiatique (the Asian Quarter) in the 13th arrondissement. There will be lion dances, costumes, art exhibits, and so much more.

There are also parades in the Marais and in Belleville.

You might also like to visit the Lantern Festival at Château de Thoiry which lights up their gardens with almost 500 Chinese lanterns.

And of course, you can check restaurants for menus that will hit the spot. You can find many of them in the 13th arrondissement as well.


9. Explore the Eiffel Tower

February is a great time to get tickets to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower since it is generally a quieter season, with the exception being Valentine's Day and that weekend.

Head up the tower for breathtaking views of Paris during the day, and a romantic atmosphere at night. 

Of course, if you'd rather admire the Eiffel Tower itself, you can always bring your own picnic to the park at the base of the tower. 

Find more information on how to get tickets here


10. Save Money with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass

No matter where you’re planning to go this February in Paris, you can save some euros using a tourist attraction discount pass.

They don’t just offer discounts - keep in mind that most of these passes offer skip-the-line access at several notable landmarks.

Here are a few of the more popular attractions included with various Paris tourist passes:

  • Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
  • River Seine Boat Cruise
  • The Eiffel Tower
  • Wine Tastings
  • The Louvre

Depending on which pass you choose and how you use it, you could save anywhere from 15% – 50% off general admission prices.

For more details, please read our post covering Paris tourist passes.

If you're already researched the discount passes and know which one best works for you, you can purchase one here:

All Inclusive - Paris Go City | Explorer - Paris Go City | Turbopass Paris | Paris Museum Pass


RELATED POSTS:

About The Author

Christina

Christina studied art history and French literature at the Sorbonne for a year in Paris as an undergrad. Now based in Washington, DC, she visits Paris as often as possible and loves introducing family and friends to her favorite places there. She has worked as a travel writer, museum professional, English tutor, and editor, and her favorite French cheese is Pont l'Eveque.
Updated: November 1st, 2023
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