Exciting Paris events during February include final Winter Sales (look for the biggest bargains this month!), a lively roster of concerts and museum shows, a much-loved orchid show in the botanical garden's greenhouses, and believe it or not, the first signs of spring toward the end of the month.

Visiting Paris in February?

If you're coming to Paris this month, consider booking your "bucket list" tours and activities ASAP to make sure you get your top choices.

Top Paris attractions & experiences:

Most popular Paris destinations this month:


February gets off to a tasty start with La Chandeleur (a.k.a. "Pancake Day"), when everyone in France eats crepes, a huge Chinese New Year Parade up Champs Elysees followed by others throughout the month, and a popular jazz festival.

Valentine's Day means you'll see lovely displays in bakery windows, and special menus in the city's romantic bistros.  If you're visiting, don't miss the romantic dinners, shows, and cruises on this day.

With warmer temperature, noticeably longer days (especially toward the end of the month), and the first flowers appearing on early-blooming cherry trees, February is a wonderful time to explore Paris, visit museums, and enjoy hints of romance in the air.

Want to celebrate being in the "City of Love"?  Pose for a photo in front of the famous blue and white Wall of Love in Rictus Square in Montmartre where you'll see I Love You written 311 times and in 250 different languages.

Top photo: Le mur des je t'aime (the Wall of Love) in Rictus Square in Montmartre, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, PDG may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Merci for your support!

Valentine's Day in Paris:  Celebrate Your Love in the City of Love

Roses and peonies outside a Paris florist
Roses and peonies outside a Paris florist

It's hard to imagine a more romantic city in the world than Paris - so what better destination to celebrate your love on Valentine's Day, especially if you plan to propose? 

First, save by finding a cheap flight so that you can splurge once you get there by staying at a 5-star Palace hotel. 

Spend the day exploring the city and enjoying a leisure lunch in a cozy bistro.

As night falls, head out to one of these romantic destinations for the perfect place to propose:

And if a proposal might happen - or if you just want to commemorate the day, consider getting romantic photoshoot to capture your special day in Paris.

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February Concerts in Paris - 2026

Notre Dame Cathedral - Popular classic concert venue in Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral - Popular classic concert venue in Paris

Paris concerts during February include an exciting mix of opera and ballet, top contemporary artists in music halls and stadiums, and classical concerts in historical churches, where you can hear favorites such as Mozart, Bach, Chopin, Vivaldi, and more.

More Paris classical concerts, opera, & dance performances during February

More Paris rock, pop, jazz, rap, indie, & other concerts during February

Find Paris concerts for other months

More Paris Fashion Sales!

Drouot auction house in the 9th arrondissement
Vintage Chanel jackets waiting to be auctioned at Drouot - and yes, you can try them on (which several fashionably-dressed Parisian women started doing right after I took this photo)

Even though Paris's famous Winter Sales end on February 3, you'll still find some tempting ways to save on the newest trends and vintage.  Consider these interesting options:

  • Outlet Shopping Mall - Even though the official sales may be over, you can still find steep discounts as well as sales on top of the discounted prices at La Vallée Village outlet shopping mall just 35 minutes outside of Paris, where over 70 French and international (American, British, Italian, etc) brands offer signficant savings, typically on last-season fashions.
  • Drouot (9 Rue Drouot, 9th arr; free admission) - Paris's premier auction house, where 70 independent auction firms display items and host auctions (with as many as 16 occuring at once).  What's on offer changes daily, but vintage fashion is often in the mix so if you're in the neighborhood, take a few minutes and stop by!
  • Les Puces - Paris's (and the world's) largest flea market can be a treasure trove for vintage and fashion.
  • Aligre Flea Market - This popular flea market is hit or miss, but I've been seeing more recent and vintage fashion there lately.  It's always worth a look, if you're in the neighborhood.

Paris Experiences for Fashionistas

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La Chandeleur in Paris:  Crêpe Day!

Chinese New Year Parades in Paris - dates and locations
Au Lys d'Argent Creperie on Île Saint Louis in Paris

In case you've never heard of La Chandeleur, it takes place on February 2 and is the day in France when everyone eats crêpes.  (In English, it's called "Candlemas" - or just "pancake day.")  

Why?  The date is based on a rather obscure Roman Catholic holiday that celebrated the presentation of Baby Jesus at a temple 40 days after Christmas, which is the 2nd of February. 

La Chandeleur is also associated with superstitions about prosperity (you'll lose it if you drop a gold coin held in your left hand while holding a crepe pan in your right hand and flipping the crepe in the air) and the weather (rain on February 2nd predicts 40 more days of rain - similar to Groundhog Day in the U.S. and Canada).  How to prevent these mishaps?  Eat crepes.

Bottom line:  If you're in Paris on February 2nd, head to the nearest creperie to celebrate this tasty French tradition.


Fun Ways to Tour Paris in February

What to see Paris from a fun, slightly off-the-beaten-path perspective?  Take a look at these interesting ways to experience the city's culture:


Paris Museum and Attractions Passes

Get free admission and skip-the-line access to 60+ museums in and near Paris when you have a Paris Museum Pass for 2, 4, or 6 days.  More info

Candlelight Concerts during February 2026

Dragon & Lanterns Stroll at Jardin d'Acclimatation in Bois de Boulogne
Candlelight concert - photo courtesy of Fever

For a memorable musical evening in Paris, check out the Candlelight Concerts held in unique venues ranging from the historical Odeon Theatre to the Eiffel Tower, plus a few authentic Parisian performance spots you've probably never hear of (but are typically in the 5th or 6th arrondissements and easy to reach).

Musicians play by candlelight (the safe flameless type), and depending on which concert you choose, you'll hear everything from classical music to tribute concerts to groups such as ABBA and Queen,

This month, you'll even find a couple of special Valentine's Day concerts, including one at the Eiffel Tower.

Check them out!

Biggest Paris Sports Events during February

Parc des Princes, site of Paris Saint-Germain match in February - Photo credit: Unsplash/Gary Ruiz
Parc des Princes, site of Paris Saint-Germain match in February - Photo credit: Unsplash/Gary Ruiz

Catch Paris Saint-Germain in two exciting matches at Parc des Princes in the 16th arrondissement:

For a different sort of immersion into Paris sports, join a behind-the-scenes tour of Stade de France, Paris's largest stadium and home to many of France's top championship games such as Fifa World Cup.

Chinese New Year Parades in Paris - Dates & Locations 2026

Chinese New Year Parades in Paris - dates and locations

Dragon Dances - Chinese New Year Celebration

Although Chinese New Year starts on February 17 this year and features New Year parades, festivities, and other events during a two week period in several neighborhoods across Paris, home to Europe's largest Asian community, one of the biggest parades this year will take place on February 1.

Don't miss the chance to experience the big parades with Lion Dancers, colorful dragons, drums, firecrackers, food, and activities in celebration of the Year of the Horse.

Here are the biggest New Year parades and other celebrations taking place in Paris this year: 

  • Champs Elysees Chinese New Year Parade - Over 600 participants wearing traditional Han Chinese clothing with flags, 9 "dragons," 15 "lions," and many more performers (including robots) will march along the famous avenue starting at 99 Avenue des Champs Elysees and go up to the Arc de Triomphe.  This parade is always held on Car-Free Sunday (the first Sunday of the month) when it becomes pedestrianized for the day.  The parade will be much longer and more elaborate than usual this year, with about 200,000 spectators - check PDG's Chinese New Year Parade article for dates, the exact route, and details about performances.
  • Faubourg Saint-Honoré (where it intersects Rue Royal) - Festive red lanterns and a colorful parade along Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré with about 30 lion dancers, dragon dancers, and drummers. Check date & time
  • Belleville Chinese New Year Lantern Festival -  Both a parade, a lantern festival, and a giant weekend-long celebration of Asian culture featuring traditional Chinese lion and dragon dances, drummers, Chinese acrobats, music, dancing, a giant parade, continuous performances on the main stage at the corner of Rue de Belleville and Boulevard de la Villette, and a hugely popular street food festival.  Check date & time
  • 13th Arrondissement Spring Festival & Parade - The 13th arrondissement's Chinese New Year Parade is the city's largest with about 2,000 participants and 200,000+ spectators, and continues for several hours. Look for spectacular lion and dragon dances, and many marchers and even more watchers.  The 13th district reflects numerous Asian cultures: Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Tibetan, Mongolian.  Find Parade date, route, & more details
  • Marais Chinese New Year Parade - Parade starting from Place de la Republique - find out more

Find details for Paris Chinese New Year Parades including routes, other activities and things to do, and nearby places to stay

Future Chinese New Year dates:  February 6, 2027, January 26, 2028, February 13, 2029, February 3, 2030

Paris Exhibits - Must-See Shows during February 2026

Mark Rothko exhibition at Fondation Louis Vuitton
Past exhibition at Fondation Louis Vuitton

These are just a few of the top exhibitions you can see in Paris this month:

  • Alaïa Azzedine Gallery: Azzedine Alaîa & Christian Dior - Two Masters of Haute Couture - Alaia's work aligned with Dior's in many ways, and during his lifetime, he acquired more that 500 Christian Dior designs.  This exhibitions brings together almost 70 designs from the two couturiers 
    Dates:  Through May 24
    Tickets:  Book online or buy your ticket at the door; open Tuesday - Sunday
    Location:  18 Rue de la Verrerie, 4th arr; Metro:  Hotel de Ville
  • Fondation Louis Vuitton: Gerhard Richter - A major retrospective of about 270 works from 1962 to 2024 by this contemporary East German-born artist who currently lives and works in Cologne.
    Dates:  Now through March 2
    Tickets:  Book in advance
    Location: 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne, Paris 16;  Metro: Les Sablons, plus a 10-minute walk (or take the shuttle bus included with the ticket)

Find more Paris museum exhibitions

"One Thousand and One Orchids" Show at Jardin des Plantes

One of the greenhouses in Jardin des Plantes
One of the greenhouses in Jardin des Plantes

Chase away the final dregs of winter at the Botanical Garden's annual display of 1,001 rare and fabulous orchids (just a tiny fraction of the Garden's collection of 92,000 specimens) arranged in natural settings throughout the garden's enormous greenhouses. 

Dates:  It's not clear if this is happening in 2026 - the next dates appear to be February 6, 2027 - March 10, 2027.  I will post updates if they become available.  The Greenhouses are open daily except Tuesdays  
More information: website
Tickets:  Buy online or at the greenhouse entrance (admission to the Botanical Garden is free).  Please note:  It's best to buy online in advance because dates fill up quickly as this show is extremely popular.

Location: Greenhouses, Jardin des Plantes, 57 Rue Cuvier, Paris 5;  Metro:  Jussieu, Place Monge, Austerlitz, or Quai de la Rapée (walk across the Pont d'Austerlitz bridge to the garden)

Find fun things to do in Paris in February

Japan Lanterns Festival at Jardin d'Acclimatation

Dragon & Lanterns Stroll at Jardin d'Acclimatation in Bois de Boulogne
Jardin d'Acclimatation in Bois de Boulogne

Over 2,000 lanterns and other glowing creations will light up Jardin d'Acclimatation (next to Fondation Louis Vuitton) as this year's Lantern Festival transforms this popular garden and amusement park into an evening fantasy land filled with giant illuminations. 

This year's festival celebrates Japan and takes you through three experiences:  the Empire of Traditions with giant Torii gates, temples, traditional clothing, samurai, and silk umbrellas; a Pop-Modern Odyssey to Tokyo with kawaii creatures, arcade games, and manga; and finally, the Garden of Dreams, a peaceful oasis with cherry blossoms, koi (carp), and Mount Fuji.

This family-friendly event takes place through March 8 from 6pm-9:30pm on Wednesdays through Sundays, excluding regular holidays, plus additional days on school holidays.  Find more information and a link to get the special tickets (not the regular entrance tickets) here.

Of course, you can also visit Jardin d'Acclimatation (check out ticket options here) during the day as you stroll along the trails in this popular children's amusement park on the edge of Bois de Boulogne in Paris's 16 arrondissement, and explore the exquisite Korean Garden, Norman "hamlet" complete with farm animals, aviary, beautiful peacocks roaming the grounds, and wooded slopes.  

Admission is 7€ at the gate (5-minute walk from Les Sablons Metro station) - or you can get free entrance to the park (but not the Lantern Festival) when you have a ticket to Fondation Louis Vuitton, where you can see the Gerhard Richter exhibition through March 2.


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Find more fun things to do in Paris in February

Winter Sales on Designer Fashions - Final Days 2026

Winter sales of Missoni, Valentino, Pinko, and other designers in a Paris boutique
'Soldes' sign announces sales in this Paris boutique 

The famous Paris winter sales end on February 3.  

By early February, Soldes signs in store windows all over the city will be announcing final reductions - as high as 70-80%, and occasionally even more. 

Savvy shoppers know that these last few days are when you'll find the biggest bargains.  

Can you still find any desirable items in the sales area?  Absolutely! 

PDG Publisher's Note:  I've snatched up some of my favorite capsule wardrobe pieces for unbelievably low prices during the last day or two of the Paris sales.  Always check to see what's left on the rack!  ~ Susan

Find out more about Paris Winter Sales 2026

More for Jazz Lovers:  Le Châtelet Jazz Festival

The Théâtre du Châtelet, a beautifully renovated Second Empire theater dating back to 1862 in Paris's 1st arrondissement, hosts its third annual Jazz at Le Châtelet Festival from February 6 - 9.  

Look for an eclectic program featuring all styles of jazz, from swing to gypsy jazz and even klezmer music, with some performances designed to appeal to young audiences. 

Location:  2 Rue Edouard Colonne, Paris 1
Tickets:  Prices range from an affordable 6€ to 75€ (with most in the 6-20€ range - reserve online (look for the "Le Chatelet Fait Son Jazz" event)

Need a Paris Hotel or Apartment for Your Visit?

Planning a trip to Paris?  Use this hotel booking map to find hotels and apartments during your travel dates: 

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Find More Fun Things to Do in Paris in February

Pin Now, Read Again Later

Heat lamp ouside this Paris bistro keeps sidewalk diners warm in February
Heat lamp outside this Paris bistro keeps sidewalk diners warm in February
Quiet street in the Marais neighborhood in Paris in February
Quiet street in the Marais neighborhood in Paris in February

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