February in Paris: what to do this winter

 February in Paris is equal parts cosy and cool. The crowds are thinner, the cafés feel warmer, and romance is very much in the air—hello, Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re visiting solo or with a sweetheart, it’s a perfect time to explore galleries, climb to wintery viewpoints, and sip hot chocolate under Haussmannian rooftops. Your Paris Pass makes it even easier, with access to top museums, food tours and tours that turn grey skies into golden memories. Here are the top things to do in February in Paris. 

Visit the Louvre without the crowds 

📍 Rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

February is the perfect time to explore the Louvre—minus the summer selfie sticks and long queues. You can move freely between the Denon and Richelieu wings, linger longer with the Mona Lisa, and really absorb the beauty of lesser-known works. The cooler weather outside makes the Louvre’s vast, echoing halls feel even more magical. Warm up with ancient sculptures, Italian masters, and the underrated beauty of Napoleon III’s apartments. You’ll also love the peaceful walk through the glass pyramid at dusk, when the lights flicker on and the city begins to sparkle. If you’re after romance, art history, or simply shelter from a chilly day, this one’s a February must. 

Climb the Eiffel Tower for a frosty view 

📍 Champ de Mars, 7th arrondissement 

 💸 Guided climb included with Paris Pass 

There’s something undeniably romantic about standing atop the Eiffel Tower in February. The city below is quieter, dusted with winter hues, and the air feels sharp but invigorating. On a clear day, you’ll see for miles—Paris’ rooftops stretching out like a painting in blues and greys. The guided climb adds a touch of adventure to the experience, with stories and secrets of the Iron Lady shared as you ascend. February’s brisk air means fewer tourists and shorter lines, so you’ll have more space to soak it all in. Whether you’re visiting for Valentine’s or just want a fresh perspective, this climb is one for your Paris bucket list. 

Indulge in cheese tasting at Ô Chateau 

📍 68 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 1st arrondissement 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

Cold weather calls for melty cheese and full-bodied reds—and Ô Chateau delivers both with flair. This February, duck into this stylish wine bar near Les Halles for an indulgent cheese tasting experience. Your guide walks you through a curated selection of French cheeses—from nutty Comté to oozing brie—paired with perfectly matched wines. You’ll learn what makes each variety special, how to pair like a local, and leave with a newfound appreciation for terroir (and a happy belly). It’s the ideal date night or solo treat when the wind picks up outside. Bring your appetite and a sense of adventure—it’s not just tasting, it’s a full-on flavour journey. 

Catch a fashion show at Galeries Lafayette 

📍 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arrondissement 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

February is Paris Fashion Month-adjacent, and while you might not score front-row seats at Chanel, you can watch a stylish Parisian fashion show at Galeries Lafayette. This 30-minute experience offers a taste of haute couture without the fuss. Models glide down the runway inside the store’s art nouveau dome, showing off French trends and styling tips you can actually wear. The atmosphere is fun, polished, and surprisingly relaxed. You’ll even pick up a few ideas to refresh your wardrobe—and maybe spot your next signature scarf. With cafés, rooftop views, and high-end boutiques just steps away, this is a February favourite for fashionistas and curious travellers alike. 

 

Cruise along the Seine at golden hour 

📍 Bateaux Parisiens, near Eiffel Tower 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

February may be chilly, but a Seine river cruise is still one of the warmest ways to see Paris—especially when it’s timed with golden hour. Picture yourself gliding past Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the sparkling Eiffel Tower, all from the comfort of a heated glass boat. It’s quiet, cozy, and gives you that cinematic view of the city you’ve seen in a dozen films. Whether you're wrapped up with your partner or solo with a camera in hand, the cruise casts a soft glow on everything. Even Parisians agree—this city looks its best from the river. Bring a scarf, grab a vin chaud at the dock café afterwards, and bask in the winter romance. 

 

Take the Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur walking tour 

📍 Starts near Place des Abbesses, 18th arrondissement 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

Montmartre in February feels like stepping into a black-and-white film. The cobbled lanes are quiet, the cafés feel even more inviting, and the white dome of Sacré-Cœur often peeks through low, moody clouds. This walking tour lets you trace the footsteps of artists, poets, and revolutionaries, from the Moulin Rouge to hidden vineyard corners. You’ll hear stories of Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec, pass quaint staircases, and maybe even spot a street artist sketching near Place du Tertre. It's a bit chilly, sure—but that only adds to the drama. And after the tour? Duck into a nearby café for hot chocolate and people-watching. Bliss. 

 

Visit Sainte-Chapelle for winter sunlight through stained glass 

📍 10 Boulevard du Palais, 1st arrondissement 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

On a clear February afternoon, the sunlight filtering through Sainte-Chapelle’s 13th-century stained glass feels downright divine. The jewel-toned windows seem to glow brighter against the grey skies, casting colourful patterns on the stone floor. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a gothic kaleidoscope—and the best part? It’s far less crowded in winter, so you can truly take your time. Built by King Louis IX to house holy relics, the chapel still stuns with its height, history, and heavenly atmosphere. It's one of those Parisian gems that often flies under the radar but completely captivates everyone who visits. 

Warm up with crêpes near the Arc de Triomphe 

📍 Kiosque Crêpes, Avenue des Champs-Élysées 

 💸 Crêpe tasting included with Paris Pass 

There’s nothing quite like eating a warm crêpe on a cold February day. After exploring the Arc de Triomphe and strolling the Champs-Élysées, head to a cozy nearby kiosk for a sweet pick-me-up. Whether you go for classic sucre-citron (sugar and lemon) or indulgent Nutella-banane, you’ll be holding the Parisian version of a comfort blanket. The smell alone draws people in from blocks away, and the crisp winter air makes that first bite even better. If you’re feeling brave, grab a bench and enjoy the people-watching—or tuck into a nearby café with a view of the Arc. It’s a simple pleasure, but a perfect Paris one. 

See Rodin’s sculptures dusted in winter light 

📍 Rodin Museum, 77 Rue de Varenne, 7th arrondissement 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

February brings a quiet kind of poetry to the Rodin Museum. Inside, you’ll find masterpieces like The Thinker and The Kiss, while outside in the sculpture garden, crisp air and bare branches create an unexpectedly cinematic setting. Even on overcast days, the winter light flatters the forms—catching the contours and casting soft shadows across stone and bronze. The museum itself is housed in a grand hôtel particulier with elegant rooms and large windows, making it one of the more romantic museum visits in town. If you’ve got a soft spot for art, solitude, or well-placed hedgerows, this is your peaceful February fix. 

Get cozy at the Covered Passages Walking Tour 

📍 Starts near Palais Royal 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

Cold and rainy out? Perfect excuse to explore Paris’ hidden covered passages. These 19th-century glass-roofed arcades are a dream to wander through—lined with vintage bookstores, quirky boutiques, and fragrant chocolatiers. On the Covered Passages Walking Tour, you’ll duck into spots like Galerie Vivienne and Passage Jouffroy, where you’re shielded from the elements but steeped in atmosphere. Guides share the stories behind the architecture and the eccentric characters who once roamed here. It’s like time travel, minus the frostbite. Between the antique toys, indie coffee shops and mosaic-tiled floors, it’s a winter adventure that feels both charming and offbeat. 

Take in the views from Tour Montparnasse 

📍 33 Avenue du Maine, 15th arrondissement 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

Want a panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower with the Eiffel Tower in it? Tour Montparnasse is the answer. In February, you’ll catch fewer crowds and clearer views from this towering rooftop deck. Bundle up—it’s breezy up there—but the reward is a sweeping look across the city, rooftops to river. The winter light hits differently: soft pastels at sunrise, a moody blue-gray by dusk, and golden glints at sunset. The observation deck has indoor and outdoor areas, so you can warm up between photo ops. Whether you're here for romantic snapshots or skyline selfies, this is a February favorite for a reason. 

Browse the Louis Vuitton Foundation and sip a warm drink 

📍 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

Step into the futuristic folds of Frank Gehry’s glass palace and explore a rotating lineup of contemporary art exhibitions at the Louis Vuitton Foundation. February is a brilliant time to visit—there’s something beautifully stark about the architecture against a pale winter sky. Inside, you’ll find massive installations, edgy retrospectives, and thoughtful curations, all delivered with signature Parisian flair. After your culture fix, head to the café for a warm drink and views over the Bois de Boulogne. You’ll likely run into locals and art students sketching by the windows, adding to the museum’s quiet buzz. It’s calm, clever, and effortlessly chic. 

 

Ride the Big Bus at your own (slow) winter pace 

📍 Multiple departure points, including Eiffel Tower and Opéra Garnier 

 💸 1-day ticket included with Paris Pass 

Paris is undeniably pretty in winter—less busy, subtly lit, and full of hidden seasonal charm. Hop aboard the Big Bus for a relaxed loop around the city’s biggest sights, complete with an audio guide and open-air views (bring a scarf!). You can stay warm inside or brave the top deck for photo-perfect Eiffel moments and Notre Dame glimpses. It's an easy, efficient way to get your bearings if you're in town for a short February trip—and the slower pace means you won’t feel rushed to jump off at every stop. Consider it your winterproof intro to the City of Light. 

Wander the Tuileries for that grey-sky beauty 

📍 Jardin des Tuileries, 1st arrondissement 

 💸 Free 

Don’t write off outdoor strolls just because it’s February. The Tuileries Garden has a poetic calm to it this time of year—bare trees, muted colors, and scattered sculptures silhouetted against the grey sky. You’ll pass runners, old couples walking hand-in-hand, and the occasional child wrapped in five layers pointing at ducks. Grab a takeaway espresso and wander the wide gravel paths toward the Louvre or Place de la Concorde. It’s low-key, yes, but quietly magical. And if the weather takes a turn? You’re a short dash from the Orangerie or a warm café with pain au chocolat waiting. 

Escape the cold at the Musée de l’Orangerie 

📍 Jardin des Tuileries, 1st arrondissement 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

This small-but-mighty museum is a February favourite. Monet’s water lilies wrap around two glowing oval rooms, offering peace, warmth, and something almost meditative. The light inside is soft and natural—perfect for letting those impressionist brushstrokes wash over you. Downstairs, you’ll find Renoir, Matisse, and Modigliani in one of the most underrated galleries in the city. It’s never too crowded, the pace is slow, and it’s a compact enough space that you’ll leave feeling nourished, not overwhelmed. Bonus: it’s located inside the Tuileries Gardens, so you can pair it with a frosty walk or a lazy afternoon café stop nearby. 

Take a wintery day trip to Château de Fontainebleau 

📍 Fontainebleau, 45 mins from central Paris by train 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

Fancy a regal escape from the city? Head to Château de Fontainebleau, where centuries of French monarchs once held court. In February, the vast estate feels tranquil—less selfie crowds, more quiet corridors and grand chambers echoing with history. You’ll see Napoleon’s throne room, Renaissance frescoes, and glittering ballrooms that feel almost frozen in time. The surrounding forest has a stark winter beauty too—ideal for a crisp walk if the weather holds. It’s just under an hour from Paris by train, making it a surprisingly easy and rewarding day trip when you’re ready for a change of scenery. 

 

From museum escapes and candlelit crêpes to romantic strolls and rooftop views, Paris in February delivers charm without the chaos. With fewer crowds and cooler temps, you get the city at a slower, softer pace—perfect for savoring every moment. Whether you're in it for the Valentine’s sparkle, the cozy cafés, or just a chance to explore Paris with your Paris Pass in hand, February proves that winter is anything but sleepy. Pack a coat, grab a pain au chocolat, and let the City of Light warm your heart. 

Grabbing some winter sun in Paris? We've got you! Check out these stunning spots near you.

Step up your sightseeing with The Paris Pass®.  

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top Parisian attractions, hidden gems, and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. 

See more, do more, and experience more with The Paris Pass® - just choose a pass to get started!