12 things to see and do in Paris in February

If you're considering a trip to Paris in late winter, congratulations on that! Spring is only a few weeks away and although the cold weather still dominates the scene, the carnivals, festivities and celebrations taking place all over the city help you cope quite well.

So, if you're looking for things to do in Paris in February I hope you enjoy these ideas I've worked out for you.

Being lucky enough to be in Paris for Valentine's Day and celebrating such a special date in the world famous capital of love is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Join in the romantic and festive atmosphere that permeates the whole city and celebrate with that special someone at one of the many events and celebrations that take place every year on the 14th of February.

Where it takes place

The venues for Valentine's Day celebrations in Paris are diverse. Here is a list of some of my favourite ideas.

• Valentine's dinner on the Bateaux Parisiens: Take one of the dinner cruises on the Seine which also include champagne and live music.
• Valentine's Day at the Lido: Lido is the most popular cabaret in Paris and every year for Valentine's Day it organises a special evening full of glamour, dinner and orchestra for lovers.
• Valentine's Day at the Moulin Rouge: The legendary Moulin Rouge also welcomes lovers with a show specially prepared for Valentine's Day. Book your ticket to the Moulin Rouge with dinner and transport.
• Dinner for two at the Eiffel Tower: Every year one of the Eiffel Tower restaurants prepares a special menu for Valentine's Day. On February 14th you can enjoy a romantic evening with one of the most perfect views of the city. If you don't want to take part in the dinner, you can buy your night tickets to the Eiffel Tower and climb to the top just to enjoy the view.
• Take in a musical: Musicals in Paris are becoming increasingly popular and a fantastic option if you happen to be in February at this time of year.

But my quintessential Valentine's Day plan is to enjoy lunch at the Eiffel Tower. Madame Brasserie, one of the monument's restaurants, offers an unprecedented dining experience. The menu is characterised by elaborate dishes of classic French cuisine, prepared with traditional culinary techniques using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Located on the first floor of the building, this restaurant also offers you the option of enjoying dinner at the Eiffel Tower. Note that with both options you will enter an exclusive queue for Madame Brasserie customers only, freeing you from the long queues that characterise this monument.

Another ideal Valentine's Day plan is a stroll through Monet's gardens. What do you think of this proposal? If you're up for it, don't hesitate to book an excursion to Giverny. This is the most comfortable option and you can visit the painter's house with an expert guide and learn more about his source of inspiration.

You will also have the chance to explore the historic centre of this beautiful French town, located on the west bank of the River Seine, in the Normandy region. You will travel by air-conditioned coach.

As in many other countries, Candlemas Day is celebrated in France on 2 February. In the Christian tradition this day was the day of the purification of the Virgin Mary after her birth. Nowadays La Chandeleur in Paris is better known as crêpe day, a date when families and friends prepare and enjoy this delicious dessert together.

If your trip coincides with this date, head to one of the best Parisian creperies that are sure to join in the festivities by preparing a special menu. You can also book a baking class in Paris.

Where to go

I find it particularly difficult to choose just one option, so here is a list of my personal favourites. This is a list so feel free to explore new options on your own.

• La Cuiller en Bois: 108 Rue des Entrepreneurs. 75015.
• Le Petit Morbihan: 20 rue d'Odessa, 75014.
• Le Breizh Café: 109 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003.
• Crêperie Suzette: At 24 rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75004

Make the most of the date and sign up for a baking class where you can learn how to make your own French bread or delicious croissants with a real master pastry chef - are your mouth watering?

In Paris, the winter holidays start every year on 18 February and end on 7 March. If you're visiting Paris with children during the month of February, you'll want to check out the activities taking place all over the city during this period: hiking, free exhibitions, themed learning workshops, creative workshops, concerts, discounts on rides and attractions, and much more. Here are just a few examples.

• The Louvre's masterpieces explained to children. Available for children from 7 years old. You can also opt for a guided tour of the Louvre.
• Book your tickets for the Opéra Garnier in Paris and enjoy a fun visit. Children from 5 years old can visit the Opéra Garnier.
• Visit Versailles with children. Available for children from 5 years old.

Where to go

You'll find them all over Paris: museums, bookshops, parks, entertainment and cultural centres of all kinds. If you want to keep up to date, you can visit the Parisinfo website and see the calendar available for your travel date.

Chinese New Year in Paris is traditionally a week of festivities open to the public. The New Year celebration is one of the most important events in the Chinese tradition, held every year between 21 January and 20 February; it heralds renewal and the beginning of a new cycle. Chinese communities all over the world join in this celebration, allowing the rest of us to learn a little more about their fascinating traditions.

In Paris, the festival is very special, attracting tourists from far and wide and including celebrations in different Parisian neighbourhoods:

• Shows with the philharmonic
• Costume parades in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, starting at Place de la République.
• Traditional dance show.
• Workshops
• Markets

Every year on the Sunday before Mardi Gras, the Carnival festivities take place. Although the date varies from year to year, it is generally held during the month of February or early March in Paris. The celebration includes a festive parade, known as the "Promenade du Bœuf Gras" and lots of costumes! The carnival mascot is a russet-furred limousine cow that leads the procession in style.

The tradition of the Paris Carnival was almost completely forgotten for most of the 20th century; however, efforts were made to revive it in the 1990s and it has been held every year since. Over time, the level of elaboration, the colours and the costumes have become more and more impressive.

Where it takes place

The Promenade du Bœuf Gras parade starts at Place Gambetta and ends at Place de la République for a 2.8 kilometre route through the centre of Paris.

How to buy tickets

There is no need to buy tickets, the event is completely free and open to the public. Just arrive early to secure a good spot. The parade usually takes place in the afternoon and attracts over 5,000 people. For more information you can check the official website.

For about 50 years, the international Judo competition, Grand Slam de Paris has been held in February every year for two days. It usually takes place in the first days of the month and brings together the best representatives of each nation in a competition to choose the world champion for both the men's and women's teams.

If you are an admirer of the sport or if you have practiced it yourself in the past, this is a great opportunity to admire the most outstanding talent on an international level.

Where it is held

The event was originally held at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin; however, since 2000 it has been held at the Accor Arena; located on the Boulevard de Bercy, it is very close to the Bercy station which connects to lines 6 and 14 of the Paris metro.

How to buy tickets

Tickets to watch the competition can be purchased directly from the Grand Slam website; prices range from £32 to £65 for one day, £50 to £107 for both days.

Since 2000, every year in February in Paris "Les Front Runners" has taken place, an event organised by the city's LGBT runners' association. Based on the fact that love is love, this celebration usually takes place on weekends and as close as possible to 14 February. Two events are included in the race: a 5km individual course and a 10km couple's course.

The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the needs of the collective and to raise funds to enable them to continue their activism. In some years, raffles are held with proceeds going to the famous Grey Pride Association.

Where it takes place

This fun event takes place in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, usually in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

How to buy tickets

The event is free and open to the general public who wish to support the cause; however, if you are interested in participating in the race as a runner, you can fill out the registration form on the official website

.

Starting in January in Paris and during the first days of February in Paris you can attend the Suresnes cités dans; an event convened with the intention of bringing together the great diversity of styles and choreographic variants of contemporary dance.

The festival began in 1993, as an initiative supported by the City of Suresnes. At that time it sought to open up the more structured dance schools to movements such as hip-hop and street dance, which dominated the scene during the 1980s.

Where it takes place

It takes place at the Jean-Vilar theatre in Suresnes, a small community just outside Paris. To get to Suresnes, take the RER A train line.

How to buy tickets

Tickets for this event are available online at the official website of the Théâtre Suresnes.

During the first weeks of February you can enjoy the last ice rinks that take place in the city of Paris during the winter; if you like this beautiful activity, don't miss it! Ice skating in the open air under the shadow of monumental works of architecture is not something you can do every day and not just anywhere in the world.

Where to ice skate in Paris

• Place Athénée: Approximately 60 euros with tea time.
• Espace sportif Pailleron: It is an indoor rink open almost all year round, prices and opening hours are published on their official website.

After walking the streets of Paris and visiting the most important monuments of the city, the best way to rest is to have a delicious hot drink. In Parisian gastronomy you will find many delicious drinks but the favourite of tourists and locals alike is the traditional Parisian hot chocolate.

When prepared properly, the popular drink is characterised by its sumptuous, not-too-sweet taste that is enjoyable on the palate without ever being cloying. Made from milk and dark chocolate, many Parisian cafés and tea houses are known to create this type of drink with their own twist. The experience of enjoying the comforting taste of chocolate in a beautifully decorated establishment, along with a tasty dessert or savoury snack will make you feel like a Parisian local and give you energy to continue your adventure.

Where to get the best hot chocolate in Paris

Some of the favourite establishments with the best ratings are:

• La Chocolaterie de Cyril Lignac: located at 25 Rue Chanzy.
• Ladurée: located at 21 rue Bonaparte Paris 6 and Champs Elysées. Be sure to try the delicious macaroons.
• Café de Flore: located at 172 Boulevard Saint Germain.
• Mamie Gateaux: at 66 Rue du Cherche-Midi
• Jean-Paul Hévin: at 108 rue Saint-Honoré

Just as in Paris in winter, the temperature for this month is still cold so I advise you to be properly prepared for it. This means a good coat is a must, as well as your hat, winter gloves and waterproof shoes. Snowfall in February is not common in Paris, but it can happen just like any other rainy afternoon.

The best thing about travelling to the French capital in February is being able to avoid the crowds for all the things to do in Paris. Whether you want to tour the most popular attractions or explore the French capital off the beaten track, this is the quietest time to travel to Paris of all. Have an amazing trip!