Fabulous Things to Do in Paris in February

Paris has a long-standing reputation as the City of Love, which it certainly lives up to. After all, love is written on many a street with names like Passage du Désir, rue de la Fidélité and rue de Paradis, all of which can be found on a walk through the 10th arrondissement. That said, February in Paris isn't all Valentine's Day and romance. From Fashion Week to Chinese New Year, there are so many things to enjoy throughout the month and we here at Plum Guide are about to share the very best of them.

In February, Paris is still in deep midwinter. Temperatures are close to zero, making layers, long coats, and scarves a necessity. If anything, being wrapped up as you walk hand-in-hand with your loved one feels even more special. There are so many romantic things to do, from making your own chocolate to strolling around the Tuileries together, but here we're listing the very best of them.

This is a public piece of art by Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito. Close to Abbesses in Montmartre - the most romantic district in Paris - the wall features 'I love you' written in over 300 languages.

A relatively new museum to open in Paris and located close to the Champs-Élysées, it's the first of its kind in the world. The multi-sensory museum offers visitors the chance to make their own perfumes by collecting scents throughout their time there.

Extending its hours every Valentine's Day, the mansion in which Auguste Rodin lived and worked is a gorgeous place to spend the evening. How can you not be inspired by some of the world's most artistic lovers set in stone?

A visit to the Seine is always a good idea. Cross over to Île de la Cité and sit at the point where the river comes back together. Then, sit beneath the willow tree at Square du Vert-Galant (which can double as an excellent spot to propose)

Sporty couples can take part in this 6km (10km for singles) race through the atmospheric and underrated 9th arrondissement. 2018's race was cancelled but things will be back on for 2019!

With romantic cruise around the Seine and dinner. You'll see most of Paris's landmarks, drink wine, and catch the Eiffel Tower's legendary light show.

As we said before, Paris in February isn't just for Valentine's Day proposals and fancy new shoes from your beau. The weather at this time of year tends to make tourists steer clear, so in February, you'll be feeling more and more like a local.

Towards the end of the month, some of fashion's biggest name designers display their Autumn-Winter ready-to-wear collections at Paris Fashion Week. The most fashionable human beings in the world descend from all over the world to Paris. If you feel more joie de vivre around the city than usual, it's probably Fashion Week; when the crowds that amass around the Grand Palais (Karl Lagerfeld's palace-of-choice) are draped in couture. Designers such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Balmain, and Valentino as well as Comme des Garçons and Isabel Marant show off their upcoming collections at PFW. The actual shows are by invite only, but there's still something about soaking up the very spirit of fashion in its home city.

Every February, the Asian community in Paris celebrates the Chinese New Year. A number of Paris neighbourhoods are annually decked out for this glorious celebration of culture. Lanterns, firecrackers, dragons, and delicious Chinese food can be found all over the place. The main Chinese New Year parade takes place south of the river in the 13th arrondissement. The 13th is home to the Chinese Quarter and a large part of the Asian community. Over the course of the month, there are tonnes of exhibits and cultural workshops around the district.

Known as Saint-Fargeau, the festive Paris Carnival is a musical, costumed soirée throughout the streets of the city. It starts at Place Gambetta and finishes at Place de la République. The carnival has existed in records since the 15th century but went silent for many years during the 20th. Mardi Gras is part of it, but in the spirit of the Carnival, festivities shouldn't last only a day.

If you like cheese and meat, then the Paris International Agricultural Show is for you. Its trade fair pulls in record crowds of all ages from all over the world. We won't say it's exclusively because you can pet the animals, but that might have something to do with it. The show is held annually on the last week of February at the Porte de Versailles.

The most romantic arrondissement, Montmartre is known for its history and the Sacre-Coeur. Take a stroll down rue des Abbesses. It's a great place to base yourself when exploring all the things to see and do in Paris.

From Chanel to Vuitton, PFW is spread widely throughout the Golden Triangle. Who will you spot?

Dine in cafés frequented by carefree lovers Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir or dip into one of the plentiful flower markets throughout your stay in an amazing Plum home like Window to Saint-Germain nearby.

A romantic February morning in one of the cafés down the Rue des Barres then onto Île de la Cité will inspire you to want to move into your wonderful Marais home forever.

The arrondissement to be in during Chinese New Year, the Chinese Quarter is slowly becoming more and more popular to visit.

The Parc des Buttes Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement is the starting point of the Valentine's Day race - its beauty is beyond measure.

Enjoyed this guide to Paris in February and want to keep reading? Take a look at this guide to Paris in January next, or perhaps our take on the best things to do in Paris in March instead.

Check out our selection of airbnb alternatives in France.