February in Paris may be cold and drizzly, but it can also be the most romantic of times with Valentine’s Day giving people a perfect opportunity for fabulous dinners, dancing, strolling. You will be able to visit the popular tourist sites such as Notre Dame and Versailles Castle with far fewer crowds and you will finally be able to take as much time as you want contemplating your favorite monuments or works of art. February is low season in Paris, so you should be able to get a good deal on flights in February.

Valentine’s day in Paris

With many romantic things to do on or around Valentine’s Day, Paris in February can really be a festive and warm time: An evening stroll in some of Paris’ most romantic spots is guaranteed to be a memorable experience. You can choose between a stroll around the Louvre and the Tuileries garden for a classic romantic walk, the narrow streets of the Marais neighborhood for a quaint romantic stroll not to forget the romantic area of Montmartre.

Do not hesitate to visit our suggestions for a romantic trip to Paris

Look for a hotel near the Louvre
Look for a hotel in the Marais area
Look for a hotel near Montmartre

Paris is filled with top-rated restaurants, many with a uniquely romantic ambiance. Assuming that you reserve ahead and avoid overly-noisy or crowded restaurants, dinner for two is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Paris. Being one of the culinary capitals of the world, Paris counts an honorable share of great chocolate shops. Here after a good selection of shops to choose from for Valentine’s day for example:

• Patrick Roger Address: 108, blvd. St. Germain Metro: St.-Germain-des-Près Tel.: +33 (0)1 43 29 38 42
• La Maison du Chocolat Address: 225, rue du Faubourg St. Honoré Metro: Place des Termes Tel.: +33 (0)1 42 27 39 44
• Pierre Hermé Address: 72 Rue Bonaparte Metro: St.-Germain-des-Près Tel.: +33 (0)1 43 54 47 77

Things to do in February :

1. Shopping
February also sees the frenzied end of Paris’ annual winter sales: a perfect time to take advantage of Paris best shopping districts.

2. Ice Skating
Every winter, ice-skating rinks are set up at several locations around the city and often last through February. The two best-known rinks are in front of the Paris City Hall (Hotel de Ville) and at Montparnasse

Hotel de Ville (Metro Hotel de Ville) Mon.-Fri: 12pm-10pm; Friday: 12pm-midnight; Saturday: 9am-midnight; Sunday: 9am-10pm. Look for an hotel near the Town Hall

Montparnasse (Metro Montparnasse Bienvenue): Place Raoul-Dautry  from December 18th, 2009 through March 6th, 2010. Mon-Fri: 12pm to 8pm; weekend: 9am-8pm. Look for a hotel near Montparnasse

3. Arts and Exhibits in February

Edvard Munch or The Anti-Scream
The Pinacotheque de Paris propose an exhibit highlighting 100 key works from Edvard Munch, a Norwegian artist who is credited as one of the pioneers of expressionist painting. When: February 19th through July 18th, 2010. Where: Pinacotheque de Paris 28, place de la Madeleine, 8th arrondissement Metro: Madeleine, Opera (Line 3 or 8) Tel: +33 (0)142 680 201
Look for a hotel near Place de la Madeleine

Pierre Soulages The retrospective on the work of contemporary French painter Pierre Soulages at the Georges Pompidou Centre, considered by many critics to be one of the more important contributors to abstractionist painting in the post World War II period is still running through February. Location: Centre Georges Pompidou Metro: Rambuteau
look for an hotel near the Centre Pompidou

Louis XIV: The Man and the King
The first-ever major exhibit dedicated to the life, times and personal tastes and idiosyncrasies of France’s “Sun King” will give visitors a chance to explore one of Europe’s most powerful monarchs within the confines of the palace he commissioned. Personal effects and treasures from the king’s royal collection make the exhibit especially intimate. Through February 7th, 2010 Location: Chateau de Versailles RER: Versailles Rive Gauche (Line C)

Fauvists and Expressionists from Van Dongen to Otto Dix
The Marmottan Monet museum is hosting a temporary exhibit showcasing 50 groundbreaking works from the fauvist and expressionist movements in painting. Through February 20, 2010. Location: Musée Marmottan-Monet 2, rue Louis-Boilly, 16th arrondissement Metro: Muette (line 9) Tél: +33 (0)1 44 96 50 33

Main events in February in Paris :

1. Chinese New Year
Unlike its Western counterpart, which always falls on the same day, Chinese New Year changes every year and each year corresponds to a Chinese animal sign and is believed to take on the flavor and “character” of that animal. 2010 is the year of the Tiger, an animal associated with the virtues of enthusiasm, passion, honesty and warmth. Chinese New Year parades in Paris are famed for their elaborate decorations (red lanterns, grinning dragons, bright orange fish) and for its noisy cheer, which usually includes firecrackers.

Chinese New Year Annual Street Parades:
When: Sunday, February 14th and Sunday, February 21st, 2010.
Where: The first parade falls on February 14th  and is scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm and starts at Hôtel de Ville (Paris City Hall); Metro Hotel de Ville or Rambuteau. The celebration on the following Sunday begin at 1:30 pm and starts at or around 44, Avenue Ivry in the 13th arrondissement (metro Tolbiac).

2. Carnaval

The Paris Carnival is a popular event bringing together local residents, street artists, visual artists and musicians. This year’s theme is “Unlikely Couples”. The carnival procession will start from Place Gambetta at 2.30pm and reach Belleville at 4pm and Place de la République at 5.15pm before winding up on the square in front of the Hôtel de Ville at 7pm.

Look for a hotel near Hotel de Ville
Look for a hotel near Metro Tolbiac

How to Pack  Tips for a trip to Paris in February:

February in Paris is usually chilly, and temperatures sometimes stubbornly linger at frozen or even below. Sudden showers and brief spells of slushy snow are not uncommon. It’s essential that you stock your suitcase with lots of warm sweaters and socks, coats, and scarves, as well as a hat. Although heavy rains are less common in February, Paris is well-known for its erratic and sudden downpours. So packing an umbrella is a must.  Make sure to pack a good pair of waterproof shoes. Shoes with good tread are important because the streets can be slick and icy in February. Avoid high heels and dress shoes when walking around the city in February. Bring a pair of good gloves.

Enjoy February in Paris and do not hesitate to leave your own tips for a perfect visit to Paris in February !!!

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