February in Paris

Fabrice Luchini - Rue de la Gaite
Photo by Chris Card Fuller 2007

Come in out of the cold! February may be cold and drizzly in Paris, but what better place to cuddle, curled up in the crisp sheets of a Paris hotel, bed and breakfast, or apartment?

Outside, the skies may be gray and gloomy, but during the winter months, the Paris party just moves indoors. February might be voted the darkest and dreariest of months, but it can also be the most romantic of times. You’ll be able to visit the popular tourist sites - Notre Dame and Chateau de Versailles with far fewer crowds. Or, bundle up in your warmest coat and most stylish boots for a walk along the Seine River that (in my opinion) looks even better in the fall and winter months.
February Events

Valentine’s Day

France celebrates Valentine’s Day. Although you’ll see from this Daily Motion Valentine’s Day interview - that not all Parisians may be as enthusiastic about this day reserved for lovers.

Now’s a good time to take advantage of Valentine’s Day flight+hotel packages.
When you get to town, be sure to pick up a box of Valentine’s Day chocolates from some of the best chocolate makers in the world. Or simply sip a cup of chocolat chaud at one of Paris’s new chocolate bars.

Feeling nostalgic? You can go to Paris’s annual retro car show at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center.

Although Paris doesn’t have a Mardi Gras to match the Venice or Brazil Mardi Gras, in past years the annual Carnival de Paris kicks off February with a parade to chase away the winter blues.

Trophy Andros (February 16) brings the snow to Paris at this racing event on ice.

Maybe you’d just like to make a quick getaway to Paris and indulge in some winter shopping? The sales which began in mid-January will continue straight through to February 16th, 2008. (Each year, the government designates the specific winter sale dates for each region of France).

This year’s City of Paris listing of ‘romantic shopping’ choices includes the ‘Marche de la Creation’, the artists’ Sunday market Metro: Edgar Quinet. If you’ve been reading Parislogue, you already know about this market.

However, here’s my suggestion for romantic and inexpensive shopping. You don’t have to go out and buy expensive designer perfume or jewelry. Buy a candle. What could be more romantic - and more easy to pack?
Artisan Parfumeur

Diptyque

Autour d’une Flamme

While you’re shopping, be sure to take advantage of City Bonus’s FREE DRINK COUPONS!

After visiting Paris in February, you may decide that this is the idea month of the year to make your future visits.