Paris in February: A Great Time to Visit

Museums: While Paris’ museums are great all year round, they are especially great during the winter, when the weather may not be as conducive to picnics or garden walks. Personal recommendations: the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée de l’Orangerie, the Petit Palais (often overlooked but simply incredible!), the Musée Rodin, and of course, the Musée de Louvre.

Pro tip: Given that it was low season, we walked right into l’Orangerie, the Rodin, and the Petit Palais. I recommend purchasing tickets in advance, however, for the Louvre and d’Orsay.

Palais Garnier. Whether it’s simply to tour the opulent opera house or see a show, the Palais Garnier is worth a visit. Pro tip: you can also see a show at the Bastille Opera House if it's difficult finding tickets at Palais Garnier.

Montmartre. Explore this city on a hill and all of the charming spaces it has to offer! Start your day early at the beautiful Sacré-Cœur basilica, and then make your way through the artists' square and then down through the winding city. A wonderful way to spend a half day, or even a full day, as there are tons of great cafes and restaurants here.

Shopping. Do some window shopping at the luxurious Galeries de Lafayette Paris Haussmann. This iconic Parisian department store is located in the Opera District and, frankly, it's a bit overwhelming in its luxury. But it's also one of the most beautiful stores. After you're done here, do some more reasonably priced shopping at any of the hundreds of boutiques Paris has to offer.

Sunset views from the top of the Arc de Triomph. The Eiffel Tower isn’t the only place for great views of Paris. You can climb to the top of the Arc de Triomph and take in the beauty of the city. I haven’t personally done this yet, but my friends have and say the sunset views are stunning. You can stroll along the Champs-Élysées before or after.

Seine River cruise. You can still do these in winter! Most boats have inside seating, so you can be protected from the elements but still enjoy this classic experience of seeing Paris by water.

Day trip

Château de Fontainebleau: Situated less than an hour outside of Paris, Fontainebleau is easily accessible by train and makes for an amazing day trip. It was the royal residence beginning in the 12th century, eventually becoming the imperial residence of Napoleon. It is stunning and in February, nearly devoid of tourists. There were rooms in the palace that we had nearly entirely to ourselves!

Restaurants

Au Réveil du XVe: A local introduced my family and I to this restaurant and I make it a point to go every time I’m in Paris! The owner, Olivier, is amazing; he makes you feel like family.

This is a simple, very off-the-beaten-path (you’ll likely need to Uber), traditional French brasserie. The décor is unfussy, a bit quirky even. But I’m not exaggerating when I say it will be one of the best, if not the best meal of your trip.

Le Bon Georges: This is a wonderful bistro in the Opera Quarter. The staff was so friendly. It’s another traditional spot; they bring the menu to you on a chalkboard and it’s written all in French. But don’t fret; the staff speaks English and will kindly translate for you if needed!

La Marine: The food and service at La Marine were wonderful when my boyfriend and I visited! It is a seafood forward restaurant, but I had the duck breast and I’m still thinking about how good it was. Located in the Canal St. Martin neighborhood.

Le Procope: If you’re a history buff, this is for you. Opened in the late 1600s, it is the oldest café in Paris (don’t let the word “café” fool you; it’s a full-on restaurant). It has seen the likes of Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, Robespierre, Ben Franklin, and more.

This is a traditional French restaurant, with the coq au vin being a menu highlight. Located in the Latin Quarter/St. Germain des Pres area. I recommend making a reservation.

La Renommée: If you want a fine dining experience that doesn’t necessarily break the bank, check out La Renommée. The decor is stunning, the service warm and efficient, and the food excellent. Pro tip: reservations are tricky so I can certainly help with that!

Boulangeries and Patisseries

Aux Merveilleux de Fred: WHATEVER YOU DO find a Fred’s during your visit! There are multiple locations and I swear, it’s the best brioche you’ll ever have in your life. They serve it to you warm and it basically melts in your mouth. Simply divine.

Stohrer: The oldest patisserie in Paris, founded by the pastry chef of Louis XV. Need I say more? I can personally vouch for the “Intense” (a chocolate mousse cake type of pastry) and the chocolate babka. So good. Afterward, stroll along the popular Rue Montorgueil.

Du Pain et des Idées: A traditional bakery located in the Canal St. Martin neighborhood. The pastries were so good, we went back a couple days later. Pro tip: go as early as possible. This is a popular spot and the line is often out the door.

La Parisienne: This boulangerie won the famed (and highly competitive) best baguette competition in Paris in 2022. And it’s easy to see why. Their pastries are phenomenal. Multiple locations.

Cafes

Café Genovese: This is a super cute, very local coffee shop in the Montmartre area of Paris.

Le Consulat.: Also located in Montmartre, this historic café was a favorite haunt of famed artists. It’s small, cozy, and unfussy, yet charming. Great for people watching (as most Parisian cafes are).

Chez Prune.: For a super local experience, if you find yourself in the République area (Canal St. Martin), stop for an espresso at Chez Prune. The food itself is delicious too if you want to grab lunch.

Angelina: The famous Parisian tea room. But what you should really come for, especially in February, is the famous hot chocolate. It’s also just a neat, luxurious-type of experience. Multiple locations. I recommend a reservation.