Paris in February (2026 Guide): What to do, Events & What’s On

Last Updated on 2nd September 2025 by Charlotte Nadeau

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January has flown by much quicker than expected (as it seems to do each and every year!) and you’re headed to the French capital. What next? What’s on in the French capital this month? Well, here’s your complete guide to Paris in February, including where to go, what to see, and what to eat!

Visitors should note that there are no public holidays in Paris in February, meaning that there are no unexpected closures to be aware of. With this being said, while February is in the Paris low season, Valentine’s Day is ever popular in this, the City of Love.

On Valentine’s Day itself, as well as the weekend before and after, you can expect hotel and other accommodation prices to be elevated as people look to book romantic getaways. Those wishing to dine out for a meal would do well to book well in advance.

Why you should visit Paris in February

If you’re considering a trip to the city in the late winter, then you’ve come at the right time! Spring is just around the corner, and even though there’s still a chance of snow, the days are not nearly as dreary as those of January. The light lasts longer and the bustle of Christmas is well and truly over.

This month, the theme is love and, if you’re lucky, you may even get the first glimpses of the cherry blossoms on the trees! A visit to Paris in February is also still in the low season, meaning that the prices are undoubtedly lower than at other times of the year, as are plane tickets!

Paris weather in February

Cold with a chance of snow: if I could use just one word to sum up the weather in Paris come February it would be ‘chilly’. The temperatures range between 2 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius, with the average ranging between 5 and 6. All in all, not too chilly… But not all that warm either!

Does it snow in Paris in February?

Ice rain and snow are not all that common, though you’ll want to bring an umbrella and cute boots like these ones as showers are quite likely!

With this being said, in both 2018, 2019, and 2021 Paris saw several snow days in the late winter. During this time, I would highly recommend seeing areas of the city which are particularly beautiful during the snow, including Montmartre (i.e. the 18th)!

What to wear in Paris in February 

Much like Paris in January, the weather is cold and rain is pretty common. As such, you’ll want to wrap up warm with plenty of layers. What this essentially means is a light shirt/ dress, followed by several jumpers and topped up by a warm coat. I love the coats from this brand. 

This way, you won’t melt away in many of the museums or on the metro, and yet you’ll still remain nice and cosy when wandering around the city on foot. When it comes to packing essentials, you’ll likely need to pack a universal travel adapter like this one.

Otherwise, you should know that while people (especially those working in the tourism industry) tend to speak a good level of English, it’s only polite to learn a few words of the local language, which in this case is French. Bring along a simple French phrasebook like this one to help you get by.

What to do in Paris in February

Make the most of the end of winter sales

Sales are pretty regulated in France and there are only two periods of the year when sales are legally allowed to be held.

The first of these stretches from January through to mid-February, meaning that February is still a great time to pick up a bargain in the city. In fact, February in Paris for sales might be even better than January when you consider that this is when the final markdowns take place!

Enjoy Paris without the crowds

Whether you’re looking to enjoy the most sought after attractions in the city of you simply want to wander off the beaten path, the city is quieter than at most other times of the year.

What this means for you is the chance to see Paris without the crowds! Truth be told, visiting Paris in the low season (with the exception of Valentine’s Day Weekend) also means generally cheaper hotel prices and lower flight prices.

Seek out romantic experiences in the City of Love

Although Paris isn’t necessarily a city for romantics, the French capital still remains the ‘City of Love’ for a reason. This means that there are plenty of quirky date nights to be had in the city. From visiting small museums to eating fondue in a traditional French restaurant, there’s no shortage of activities to do with your loved one in Paris!

Experience Galentine’s Day in Paris

If you’re planning to spend Valentine’s day with your best friends, then consider searching for some ‘Galentine’s day’ experiences in the French capital. Rather than heading to the movies or for a romantic meal, go on a day trip from the city, or seek out one of the best rooftop views the city has to offer.

Enjoy some of the best hot chocolate in Paris

When the temperatures are in the single digits and rain and overcast days are pretty common, there is perhaps no better time, no excuse, than to cosy up in a cute café and sit in the warmth while watching the world go by.

Some of the most popular places to pick up a chocolat chaud are that of Angelina in Galeries Lafayette and Carette at Place des Vosges. Check out where to find the best hot chocolate in Paris here.

Date night restaurants in Paris

Le Bistrot d’Henri (16 Rue Princesse)

Truth be told, my all time favourite restaurant in Paris can be found in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres area of the city. Home to only around twenty covers, this teeny tiny restaurant serves authentic French food in a traditional setting. If you’re looking for the ultimate Parisian experience, it doesn’t get much better than this…

If you’re visiting on an evening or at the weekend, I recommend booking ahead of time to avoid disappointment!

Le Refuge des Fondus (17 Rue des Trois Frères)

Le Refuge des Fondus is located in the Montmartre area of the city. There are quite literally only four choices on the menu (red or white wine/ meat or cheese food option) and the wine even comes served in baby bottles! Date night sorted!

It’s not necessarily the best of food (you can find tastier fondue elsewhere in the city) but the ambiance and convivial atmosphere (there are literally two long tables that make up the restaurant seating) more than make up for the quality of the cuisine.

A Seine River Cruise

Hands down, one of the most romantic experiences you can hope to have in Paris would be to take a Seine River Dinner cruise. Imagine sitting with your partner on a boat floating alongside the glittering Eiffel Tower and soaking up the sights of the Haussmannian architecture that are so synonymous with the city. Book your Seine River Cruise here.

Romantic places to visit in Paris in February

Visit Place des Vosges

Truth be told, there is perhaps nowhere in the city quite as romantic, or as Parisian, as the Place des Vosges. This is the oldest public planned square in the city and while the green space in the centre provides the perfect place for picnics during the summertime, the eateries along the covered alleyways which line the square make for great places to people watch and enjoy a romantic dinner for two.

Take a self-guided tour of Montmartre

If you’re looking for a truly romantic thing to do in the city, then consider taking yourselves on a free and self-guided tour of Montmartre. This walk encompasses all of the typical tourist attractions, as well as venturing a little off the beaten path. En route, you’ll soon discover several cosy cafés to enjoy…

See the city via Citroën 2CV

There is perhaps no French car quite as iconic as the Citroën 2CV. You may well not know this, but the Citroën actually got its start on rue Lepic in the 18th arrondissement of the city (i.e. Montmartre).

Today, you can see the City of Light via iconic tours which will speed you along the Seine, around the Tour Eiffel, or in more off the beaten path parts of the city. Book your Citroën 2CV tour here.

Explore the lost villages of Paris

For those looking for romance off the beaten tourist track, the lost villages of Paris give the ultimate countryside feeling without ever having to leave the city limits.

Some of my favourite recommendations include Butte Bergeyre (a micro-arrondissement with its own vineyard) and Butte-aux-Cailles (a beautiful neighbourhood with plenty of independent shops). Discover the best of secret Paris villages here.

Take a day trip to Provins

While everyone has, of course, heard of Versailles, you may well not know of the medieval city of Provins. Less than an hour away from the city via train, this fairytale town provides the perfect escape from everyday life. Filled with many museums and plenty of cobbled lanes, there is hardly a more romantic town in the Ile de France region…

Where to stay in Paris

Mandarin Oriental: Located along rue Saint-Honoré, which is famous for its many shops, this five-star luxurious accommodation is home to highlights like a marble lobby and beautiful courtyard. Check availability and rates here!

Shangri-La: If you’re looking to seriously splurge on a romantic stay during your time in the city, then this hotel faces the Eiffel Tower, is home to a 2 Michelin star restaurant and spa facilities. Check availability and rates here!

Luxury experience: The Hoxton: For those who are looking for the ultimate luxury experience when staying in Paris, The Hoxton has it all. Charm and several beautiful communal guest spaces including a stunning bar and restaurant, other highlights of the hotel include breakfast options, WiFi, and room service. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range boutique stay: Hôtel Fabric: As you might gather from its name, Hôtel Fabric is set against the backdrop of a former textile factory and simply oozes charm. Beautiful and with friendly staff, this four-star hotel is welcoming and is located just a fifteen-minute walk away from Le Marais area of the city. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range: Hotel Petit Paris: Not far from the Luxembourg Gardens and close to the Latin Quarter of the city, this boutique hotel is in the perfect position for exploring Paris on foot. From here, it’s easy to explore top Parisian attractions such as the Paris Pantheon, as well as the Saint Germain des Prés area of the city. Check availability and rates here!

Affordable chic: Hôtel Chopin: Located within one of the covered passages of Paris, in the 9th arrondissement, and close to all the action (the nearby Grands Boulevards are full of bars and restaurants), Hôtel Chopin is a small hotel offering affordable rooms. Amenities include a restaurant and spa on site. Check prices and availability here.

Budget hostel: Generator Hostel: Those in search of an affordable option, Paris has a number of hostels which are fairly conveniently located. This hostel is situated close to the lively area of Canal Saint Martin and offers mixed-sex and female-only dorms. Check prices and availability here.

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