Paris Events for February 2020

Exciting Paris events during February include final Winter Sales (look for the biggest bargains this month!), a trio of Chinese New Year parades, a lively roster of concerts and museum shows, and believe it or not, the first signs of spring toward the end of the month.

Valentine's Day means you'll see lovely displays in bakery windows, and special menus in the city's romantic bistros.  If you're visiting, don't miss the romantic dinners, shows, and cruises on this day.

With warmer temperature, longer days, and the first flowers appearing on early-blooming cherry trees, February is a wonderful time to explore Paris, visit museums, and enjoy hints of romance in the air.

Celebrate being in the "City of Love" by posing for a photo in front of the famous blue and white Wall of Love in Rictus Square in Montmartre where you'll see I Love You written 311 times and in 250 different languages.

Top photo: Le mur des je t'aime (the Wall of Love) in Rictus Square in Montmartre

Chinese New Year Parades in Paris - Dates & Locations 2019

Chinese New Year parades, festivities, and other events span about two weeks during February in Paris, home to Europe's largest Asian community.  Don't miss the chance to experience the Lion Dancers, colorful dragons, drums, firecrackers, food, and activities!

Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, February 5 in 2019, with most celebrations taking place a week or two before or after this date.  The 2019 New Year marks the Year of the Pig.

Here are the 2019 parade dates and locations for the biggest Chinese New Year parades and other celebrations in Paris:

• Marais - The Chinese New Year Parade of the 3rd and 4th districts (ie, Marais) returns this year on Sunday, February 10, kicking off at Place de la République (find parade route here).  Before the parade, kids can get free makeup done from 10am to 12 noon at the Pierre Ducert French-Chinese Cultural Association at 29 Rue Michel le Comte (3rd arr). In addition, many free Chinese cultural activities from February 4-10 at the 3rd arrondissement's Town Hall (2 Rue Eugène Spuller).  For details:  3rd Arrondissement Town Hall website (in French; look for updates about 2 weeks before the event)
• 13th Arrondissement - Sunday, February 17, 1pm-5pm; parade kicks off at 44 Porte d'Ivry (near Metro station)
• Belleville (10th, 11th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements) - Sunday, February 10), 10:30am kickoff at the Belleville Metro station (date/time to be confirmed)

Find out more about Paris Chinese New Year Parades including routes, other activities and things to do, and nearby places to stay

Future Chinese New Year dates:  January 25, 2020; February 12, 2021; February 1, 2022; January 22, 2023; February 10, 2024; January 29, 2025

Valentine's Day in Paris:  Celebrate Your Love in the City of Love

Not surprisingly, the City of Love pulls out all the stops on Valentine's Day.  If you're visiting Paris on February 14, romantic cruises down the Seine River give you the perfect combination of Champagne, a special Valentine's Day dinner, and iconic views as you pass by the Eiffel Tower and other top attractions.  Here are two of the best, plus a spectacular Valentine's Day show and dinner:

• Valentine's Day Seine River Cruise with 5-Course Gourmet Dinner & Live Music - Champagne, wine, and live music round out this wonderful experience for February 14.  Find out more
• Romantic Dinner Cruise with Champagne - Available every evening, this gourmet 3-course dinner cruise down the Seine lets you enjoy beautiful illuminated top Paris attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum.  Find out more
• Lido de Paris Valentine's Day Dinner & Show - Celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14th at Paris's legendary Lido de Paris caberet while you savor a 4-course gourmet dinner, sip Champagne, and enjoy the Lido's fabulous "Paris Merveilles" show.  Find out more - or catch the same show with dinner and Champagne on another night

More Valentine's Day Celebrations in Paris:

Car-Free Sundays in Paris

Can you imagine Paris without cars or any of their accompanying pollution and noise? 

You can experience this on Sunday, February 3 - as well as the first Sunday of every month.  So get ready to walk or ride your bike down the middle of the busiest Paris streets and avenues, and see the city in a new way! 

Car-free days take place on the first Sunday of each month along Champs Elysees and in many other neighborhoods throughout the city - you can find a list of these areas on the City of Paris's website.

Although most vehicles (including electric) are banned, you'll see a few exceptions: emergency and police vehicles operate as usual, and taxis, city buses, and regular tourist buses (Open Tour and Big Bus lines) also run, but at a slower-than-normal speed.  

Paris has measured a significant drop in pollution and noise on car-free days.   So grab your skate board, bike, or favorite walking shoes, and spend the day outdoors enjoying fresh air and tranquility.

February Concerts in Paris - 2020

• Barber of Seville:  Paris Opera - Opéra Bastille - Feb 1, 4, 7, 9, 12 - Tickets
• Giselle:  Paris Opera Ballet - Opéra Bastille - Feb 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 - Tickets
• Sunday Morning Concerts at Theatre des Champs-Elysees - Feb 2, 9, 23 - Tickets
• George Balanchine:  Paris Opera Ballet - Opéra Bastille - Feb 3, 6, 10, 18, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28 - Tickets
• Chopin with Candlelights - Saint Ephrem Church - Feb 7, 19, 24 - Tickets
• Bach's Goldberg Variations - Saint Ephrem Church - Feb 8, 23 - Tickets
• Baroque Arias: Mathieu Salama - Saint Elisabeth of Hungary Church - Feb 8 - Tickets
• Lunchtime Music (Midis Musicaux) - Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House) - Feb 9 - Tickets (an affordable way to experience music in the spectacular Paris Opera House)
• Khaled - Palais des Sports - February 15 - Tickets
• Jonas Brothers - AccorHotels Arena - February 22 - Tickets
• Madonna - Le Grand Rex - February 27 - Tickets
• Massenet's Manon:  Paris Opera - Opéra Bastille - Feb 29 - Tickets

More Paris classical concerts during February  

More Paris rock, pop, jazz, rap, indie, & other concerts during February

Find Paris concerts for other months

Winter Sales on Designer Fashions - Final Days

The famous Paris winter sales end on February 19.  

By early February, Soldes signs in store windows all over the city will be announcing final reductions - as high as 70-80%, and occasionally even more.  Although sales may have already at some stores, savvy shoppers know that these last few days are when you'll find the biggest bargains.  

Find out more about Paris Winter Sales 2019

Paris Tours for Fashionistas

Paris Exhibits - Must-See Shows during February 2020

Leonardo da Vinci

@ Musée du Louvre, October 24 - February 24, 2020 - This highly-anticipated blockbuster show marks the 500th anniversary of the painter's death and brings together 5 core works, includinging the Mona Lisa, plus many more of his paintings and drawings.  The show is free, with the cost of regular admission, but you must reserve a date and time-slot ticket in advance online.  Book as far in advance as possible to get your preferred date/time.
Location:  Rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement
Closed:  Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, and December 25
Tickets:  17€ (purchased online); includes admission to permanent exhibits as well; free for under 26
Stay nearby:  Hotels near the Louvre
Nearest Metro:  Palais Royal/Musée du Louvre, Pyramides
More info:  https://www.louvre.fr

Interested in a Louvre Museum guided tour?  Find out how to choose one

Magic Paintings (Tableaux Magiques)

@ Picasso Museum, Through February 2020 - This special exhibit focuses on Picasso's paintings completed between 1926-1930, and explores his experimentation in the context of Surrealism, psychology, and his fascination with magic.
Admission:  Exhibit included with museum admission.  Get skip-the-line priority tickets online or with a Paris Museum Pass 
Location: 5 rue de Thorigny, 3rd arrondissement; closed Mondays
Metro: Saint-Sébastien-Froissart

Private Collections: A Journey of Impressionists to the Fauves

@ Musée Marmottan Monet, through February 10, 2019 - On display will be 60 seldom-shown pieces from private collection by monet, Degas, Renoir, Rodin, Claudel, Seurat, Bonnard, Derain, Matisse, Gauguin, and other important artists from Impressionism to Fauvism. Open Wednesday - Monday; 10am-6pm and until 9pm on Thursdays.  General admission 11€; includes this exhibit
Location: 2 rue Louis Boilly, 16 arr 
Nearest Metro:  La Muette
More info: www.marmottan.fr

New Show: Permanent Collections

@ Musée Yves Saint Laurent, February 12 - December 31, 2019 - This new presentation of the museum's permanent collection features trend-setting designs in the famous fashion designer's 16th arrondissement former haute couture workshop. Tickets 10€; open Tuesday - Sunday 11am-6pm (until 9pm on Fridays).
Location:  5 Avenue Marceau, 16 arr 
Nearest Metro: Alma Marceau
More info:  https://museeyslparis.com

Van Gogh, The Starry Night

@ Atelier des Lumières - February 22 through Dec 31, 2019 - Immersive digital exhibition of Van Gogh's masterpieces accompanied by original music.  Tickets are 14.50€ at the door and online; purchase online to go to front of entrance queue (L'Atelier website); includes 3 current immersive exhibits
Where:  38 Rue Saint Maur, 11th arrondissement
Metro: Rue Saint-Maur

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More Top Paris Things to Do & See in February