22 Top Things to Do in Paris in February 2024 Plus Tips about February Weather & What to Pack

Want to find out about the best things to do Paris in February?  

You might think that February would be a quiet time in Paris, with few crowds of visitors compared with warmer months. 

However, February in Paris offers its own special charm as winter fades into early spring as well as more things to do than you can probably squeeze into your schedule. 

As a bonus, visiting Paris during February rewards you with "Low Season" rates, which means you can usually score cheaper plane fares and significant savings on your hotel bill.

You'll find plenty of fun and interesting activities during this month, including parades, the final (and most highly discounted) days of the Winter Sales, celebrations, lots of concerts, and even a day when traditionally, everyone eats crêpes. 

The chilly and sometimes drizzly days of February also give you the perfect excuse to sip hot chocolate in a cafe, explore glass-covered 19th century passages designed to keep Parisians warm, dry, and entertained during the winter, and immerse yourself in a new-to-you museum. 

In this article, we've rounded 22 fun things to do in Paris in February along with tips about the weather, recommendations about what to pack, and suggestions about where to stay this month.

Quick links to topics in this article: 

• 22 Fun Things to Do in Paris in February
• What to Expect:  Weather, Packing Tips, and Holidays in February
• Best Places to Stay in Paris in February

Find top February events in Paris 

Top photo:  Outdoor seating at Shakespeare and Company in Paris's Latin Quarter in February

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22 Things to Do During Paris in February

1.  Get Familiar with Paris by Joining a Guided Sightseeing Tour: 3 Weather-Proof Recommendations

Visiting Paris in February for the first time?  Join a guided sightseeing tour to quickly get acquainted with the city's top attractions and spot places you'd like to return to later. 

Here are our three top picks for Paris sightseeing tours for February:

• Guided City Tour by Electric Bike - You'll see iconic attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame as you tour on a comfortable electric bike through picturesque parts of the city - lots of fun, even in drizzly, chilly weather.  If you're making a return trip to Paris, consider an Electric Bike Tour of Paris's Hidden Gems
• Private 1-Hour Tour in a Vintage Citroen 2CV - Your private driver will pick you up (and drop you off) at your Paris hotel and drive you around the city to see the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Les Invalides, and other top sights. 
• Bus Toqué Tour with a 5-Course Dinner & Champagne - On this small-group tour, you enjoy wonderful evening views of Paris's top attractions from the bus's glass-enclosed top level while you sip Champagne and enjoy a delicious 5-course meal prepared in a kitchen on the bus's lower level - the perfect way to start your Paris trip.  (P.S. - This tour is one of our personal favorites - excellent food and beverages, and such a fun way to see Paris!)

2.  Explore the Palace of Versailles 

Is Versailles worth visiting in February?  Absolutely yes!  

Crowds will be smaller (but yes, the palace will still be full of visitors) so you'll have a much easier time getting around and seeing all the spectacular rooms.  If you've ever been there during the summer, you know how packed it can get at the height of tourist season! 

If this will be your first visit, the easiest way to get there and see all the top sights (and there are so many!) is by taking this highly-rated Full-Day Guided Tour of Versailles, which includes transportation from/to Paris on a comfortable coach. 

The tour also includes parts of the estate which shorter tours skip, such as the two smaller palaces and Marie-Antoinette's farm and village ("Hamlet"), which in their own ways are almost as fabulous as the chateau.

Find more Palace of Versailles tours from Paris

3.  See the Paris Skyline from the Eiffel Tower

Whether you're coming to Paris for your first visit or your 20th, seeing the city (and far beyond) from the top of the Eiffel Tower never fails to thrill. 

This epic site almost always attracts plenty of visitors, but coming in February gives you the chance to avoid the enormous summer crowds. 

Entering with a tour guide can save you quite a lot of time, even in February, because you get to use special lines and usually a tour-only elevator.  The Eiffel Tower Entry Ticket with Optional Summit Access gives you a cost-effective (ie, fairly cheap) way to do this if you want to go just to the 2nd level. 

But you can choose from plenty of other options too, some cheaper, some pricier.  Check them out in our 8 Ways to Get Eiffel Tower Tickets article.

If you just want photos of the Eiffel Tower in the background (for example, if you're planning a marriage proposal on Valentine's Day this month), consider booking a VIP photo shoot with a professional photographer.

4.  Scoop up the Biggest Winter Sale Discounts

The final days of Paris's famous winter sales take place during the first week of February (check the end date in our January events article), which means final reductions as high as 70-80% are underway.

Sure, inventories have been reduced from the early sales days, but this final period is when you can scoop up the biggest reductions. 

Is anything "good" left?  Absolutely!  Always check the sales racks for overlooked gems as well as pricey timeless classics with now-affordable price tags.  

If you need tips about where to shop, you can find plenty in our Paris Sales article.  But bottom line, anytime you're walking down the street and spot items you love in a boutique window, go in and check the sales area - you may be thrilled with what you find!

Here are more fun ways to explore fashion in Paris this month:

• French Fashion History Walking Tour - Stroll the streets of the Rue Saint-Honoré luxury fashion district while your guide entertains you with famous stories about Paris fashion history including Coco Chanel, Hermès, Dior, and Louis Vuitton
• Paris Flea Market (“Les Puces”) Insider’s Tour - Soak up the vintage vibes (and maybe find a coveted Hermès scarf or other couture treasures)
• Paris Perfume Walking Tour - Learn about world-famous French fragrance houses as you visit 3 perfume shops on this guided walk through Paris

5. Visit Mont Saint-Michel in February (Without Masses of Tourists)

Smaller crowds, stunning scenery, and fondue, raclette and other winter specialties in the local bistros make February a fantastic month to visit Mont Saint-Michel, a magnificent rocky tidal island off the Normandy coast topped by a majestic 11th century Gothic abbey built by Benedictine monks.

Day trips from Paris not only make the 3+ hour journey to reach Mont Saint-Michel easy, but also give you the chance to experience the beauty of the Normandy countryside and coast scenery along the way.  On this popular Mont Saint-Michel trip, for example, you'll stop to sample Cider Pommeau and Calvados, two specialties from apple orchards in this part of France.

After you explore the Abbey, you can wander through the surrounding village's narrow lanes lined with medieval cross-timber style buildings barely changed since the Middle Ages, and perhaps have lunch in one of the town's small cafes and bistros. 

Book now

6. Eat Crêpes on La Chandeleur Day (& During the Rest of February)

La Chandeleur, which takes place on February 2nd each year, is the day when everyone in France eats crêpes, and you should too! 

In case you're wondering why, La Chandeleur ( also known as Candlemas) derives its roots from a mix of a Roman Catholic religious commemoration, an old superstition, and an ancient weather-prediction belief similar to Groundhog Day in the UK and US (in case you're wondering, rain on February 2 meant 40 more days of rain).

So if you're in Paris in early February, celebrate La Chandeleur at your favorite creperie.  Crepes served hot from the griddle and filled with nutella, ham and cheese, or even the traditional sprinkling of sugar and lemon give you the perfect way to chase away February's chilly weather. 

Where should you go to savor the best crepes in Paris?

Breizh Cafe, acclaimed for its savory galettes made from gluten-free organic buckwheat flour and crepes with innovative fillings, has locations in a dozen popular Paris neighborhoods including the Marais, Montorgueil, Saint-Germain, and Montmartre. 

In fact, you can find plenty of great places to enjoy a crepe in almost every Paris neighborhood, from cafes to street vendors, from parks to street markets.

To get you started on your search for the perfect crepe during February, here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Neighborhoods with numerous crepe cafes and stands:  The Marais, the Latin Quarter, Ile Saint-Louis, Saint-Germain des Pres
• Market streets with crepe stalls and cafes:  Rue Montorgueil (2nd arr), Rue de l'Annonciation (16th arr), Rue des Martyrs (9th arr), Rue Cler (7th arr), Rue Mouffetard (5th arr), Rue de Buci (6th arr)
• Parks:  Tuileries Garden (1st arr), Parc Monceau (8th arr), Jardin des Plantes (5th arr)

7.  Celebrate Your Love on Valentine's Day in Paris

For the perfect Valentine's Day, celebrate your love in the "City of Love."   Romantic things to do on Valentine's Day in Paris include:

• Tour the city in a classic vintage Citroën 2CV and see all the famous sites: the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Seine River, and the picturesque Montmartre neighborhood. 
• Stroll along the Seine River.
• Pose with your sweetheart for romantic photos by a professional photographer

8.  Warm Up with a Hot Chocolate

Chilly February afternoons give you the perfect reason to savor a chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) - so indulge yourself with this favorite winter beverage. 

Although Angelina's super-rich hot chocolate wins well-deserved accolades, you can savor rich and creamy cups of this favorite brew in numerous Paris cafes, bars, bistros, tea rooms, and even some bookstores. 

Here are eight of our favorite spots to enjoy the best hot chocolate in Paris:

• Angelina (226 Rue de Rivoli, 1st arr, plus other Paris locations) - The gorgeous Belle Epoque tearoom across from Jardin des Tuileries where Coco Chanel famously treated herself to the intensely rich and velvety dark hot beverage made from melted chocolate bars
• Petit Palais (Avenue Winston Churchill, 8th arr) - Although the onsite cafe serves up delicious hot chocolate, the inner courtyard overlooking a garden where flowers always bloom steals the show
• Loup Paris (44 Rue de Louvre, 1st arr) - This unassuming cafe serves up delicious hot chocolate, the perfect treat after a visit to the Pinault Collection at the Bourse or a kitchenware shopping spree at Dehellerin's near Les Halles
• Shakespeare & Company Cafe (37 Rue de la Bucherie, 5th arr) - The hot chocolate is quite good, and the views across the Seine of Notre Dame Cathedral can't be beat
• Cafe de Flore (172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 6th arr) - The rich hot chocolate arrives in a silver teapot at this storied haunt of Camus, Picasso, and other writers and artists between the two World Wars
• Le Drugstore (133 Avenue de Champs Elysees, 8th arr) - The richly decadent hot chocolate gives you a boost of energy at any time of the day 
• Le Village (25 Rue Royale, 8th arr) - At this chic bistro tucked away in the Le Village Royale/Cité Berryer hidden passage, sit under the awning over the outdoor terrace and enjoy the excellent hot chocolate for a tranquil mid-afternoon break when you're exploring this part of Paris
• Cafe de la Paix (5 Place de l'Opera, 9th arr) - Located in the InterContinental Paris Le Grand hotel across from Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House), a perfect spot to enjoy people-watching along with your hot chocolate

9.  Celebrate Chinese New Year in Several Paris Locations

Join Paris's Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Asian communities' celebrations of the Lunar New Year featuring parades, Lion and Dragon Dances, drummers, martial arts, and fantastic food. 

Although the actual date for the start of the new year ranges from January 21 to February 20, most of the festivities take place within two weeks following the actual date, which means they typically happen in February.

With three or four major parades in various neighborhoods, fun activities including Lion Dancers at the Guimet Museum, home to the best collection of Asian art in Europe, and a big Asian market celebration complete with a pop-up food court in Belleville, you'll find a lot of enjoy.  Check our February events article for details.

11.  Experience Paris's Lively Jazz Scene

Spend an evening at an intimate Paris jazz club where the cozy interiors, friendly vibes, and soulful music provide the perfect way to escape the February chill. 

Parisians' love of jazz started in the 1920s and has only grown since that time, so whether you prefer traditional or contemporary styles, you'll find plenty of clubs showcasing local and international musicians every evening.  

Check out these highly-regarded jazz clubs in central Paris neighborhoods, each with its own vibe:

• Caveau de la Huchette (5 Rue de la Huchette, 5th arr, website) - This Latin Quarter club features swing, bebop, and traditional jazz, with a small dance floor
• Sunset Sunside Jazz Club (60 Rue des Lombards, 1st arr, website) - Eclectic mix of jazz genres from blues to electro; with two rooms and often multiple artists/multiple sets each night, you have a wealth of choices
• Baiser Salé (58 Rue des Lombards, 1st arr; website) - Top venue for Afro-Caribbean and fusion jazz; delivers a lively and diverse music experience.

Combine jazz with a tasty brunch or dinner at these popular venues:

• La Bellevilloise (19 rue Boyer, 20th arr, website) - Sumptuous freshly prepared Sunday buffet brunch and relaxing jazz in a trendy part of Belleville
• La Petite Halle (211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, Parc de la Villette, 19th arr, website) - Wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and other casual fare accompany jazz and world music concerts in this "cultural restaurant"/performance space
• Chez Papa Jazz Club ( 3 Rue Saint-Benoit, 6th arr, website) - Nightly jazz sessions in this Saint-Germain-des-Pres bistro serving up escargot, foie gras, steaks, seafood, and other French classics

12.  Cruise the Seine River

A Seine River cruise lets you see Paris from a different perspective during February.  You'll glide under the famous centuries-old bridges and see their ornate carvings up close, you'll pass famous attractions, get fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, and feel the joie de vivre of relaxing as you watch the ever-changing shoreline drift by.

So many different "flavors" of Seine River cruises are on offer that you can choose the experience you want:  a midday cruise to soak up sun on the open-air top deck, a fancy gourmet dinner cruise in a climate-controlled glass cabin, an "illuminations" night cruise.  

Book your Seine River cruise:

13.  Experience Live Classical Music in Paris's Most Beautiful Churches in February

Paris's centuries-old historic churches make the perfect setting for some of the city's finest classical music performances.  From lovely intimate chapels such as Église Saint Ephrem to the soaring vaulted heights of Saint Germain des Prés to the breath-taking stained glass of Saint Chapelle, each of these special places frame the music in an unforgettable way. 

What will you hear?  Everything from classical compositions to baroque, choral music to Gregorian chants, and occasionally jazz concerts and American spirituals.  Tickets are affordably priced. 

February Concert Schedule & Tickets

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Paris concerts by month:   January  |  February  |  March  |  April  |  May  |  June  |  July  |  August  |  September  |  October  |  November  | December

14.  Enjoy Disneyland Paris during Low Season

Take advantage of "Low Season" rates to save on tickets when you visit Disneyland Paris during February. 

Despite the chilly weather and lack of leaves on trees, Disneyland Paris still manages to look lushly green, thanks to the skilled gardeners.  You can warm up with hot chocolate, crepes, waffles, and even winter specialties such as tartiflette.

As usual, Disney offers a fun lineup of special events, shows, and character meet-ups, as well as the evening fireworks starting soon after dark. 

Although you probably won't encounter any crowds during the first 8-10 days of February, the number of visitors increases after that due to winter school vacations in France, other European countries, and the UK.  However, the park never gets too crowded since many vacationers head to the ski slopes instead.

To reduce your wait, get an express entry ticket in advance - always a good idea, because if the park fills to capacity (which can happen during the school vacation period, especially on weekends), only people with advance tickets can enter.

15.  See Magnolias and Cherry Trees (Maybe) Begin to Bloom in Paris

Buds on the earliest-blooming varieties of magnolia and cherry trees in Paris parks may (as in, no guarantees!) start to open in late February - although dates each year differ, depending on weather conditions.

They're an exhilarating sign of the coming spring.  Look for the earliest buds and possibly flowers in Palais Royal Garden, the Champ de Mars gardens near the Eiffel Tower, and Luxembourg Garden.  Even if none of the buds have begun to open yet, you can still enjoy early booming daffodils and other bulbs.

Find the best 27 locations (with addresses & directions) to see gorgeous cherry blossoms in Paris

16.  Take Advantage of February Sun at a Terrace Cafe

To truly experience the Parisian life, find a table outside a Paris bistro, brasserie, or cafe.  Whether you're savoring a café crème and croissant for breakfast, enjoying steak-frites for lunch, or lingering over a glass of pastis or kir apéritif and slices of tasty saucisson, smoked almonds, and olives during apéro hour in the early evening, the most important thing is to relax and enjoy the good life.

You'll find outdoor dining in every neighborhood, practically every street - but to find lots of choices clustered together, head to any of Paris's (mostly) pedestrian-only market streets:  Rue Cler near the Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondissement, Rue Montorgueil near Les Halles in the 1st and 2nd, Rue de Buci in the 6th near Place Saint Michel, Rue des Martyrs in the 9th, Rue des Abbesses in Montmartre, and Place du Marché Saint-Honoré in the 1st near Place Vendome and Rue Saint-Honoré.

17.  Explore a Covered Passage

When February weather turns rainy, chilly, or downright cold, head to the 19th century solution for keeping Parisians warm and dry through the winter months:  a glass-roofed covered passage. 

Although a large number of these architectural gems once provided sheltered short-cuts between major avenues and boulevards, especially on the Right Bank, only a handful remain open and ready for you to discover today.

Tour Paris's best & most beautiful covered passages

One of the most charming is Galerie Vivienne in the 2nd arrondissement, an easy walk from the Louvre Museum.  Once you step inside this almost-hidden gem, you can easily spend hours browsing through the many boutiques and enjoying traditional French classics for lunch or dinner at one of the cafes and restaurants.

Look for Galerie Vivienne at 4 Rue des Petits Champs.

Find out about all of Paris's covered passages

18.  See a Special Exhibition during February

Most of Paris's top museums and exhibition halls host special exhibits during February, with many new shows opening this month. 

Depending on the focus of the museum or other venue, they may be on art, history, culture, science, technology, or just about any other topic - there's always something of interest going on. 

Check our Paris museum exhibition & show schedule

19.  Explore a Small "Hidden Museum" Paris Museum

Rainy day in Paris?  You don't have to be outside to explore nature in Paris.

Step inside the privately-owned Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, tucked away in a couple of 17th century private mansions in the Upper Marais, and you'll find a fascinating and unique exploration of the intricate relationship between humans, nature, and hunting throughout history.

You'll find a fascinating mix of taxidermy, hunting implements, and the wealthy founders' superb collection of antique, modern, and contemporary art, furniture, tapestries, and objects.  A temporary exhibition is also usually on display.

The museum is tucked away behind the National Archives and near the Picasso Museum in the Upper Marais.

Although you can buy tickets online in advance, in our experience, you don't need to; we've never encountered more than a couple of people in front of us in line, and the line has always moved quickly.  It's one of our favorite refuges in this part of the Marais when dark clouds suddenly cover the sky and fat drops of rain start falling.

Address: 62 Rue des Archives, 3rd arrondissement; closed on Tuesdays & holidays
More information: The museum's website

20.  Savor Chocolate & Pastries in Saint-Germain

Even on rainy or chilly February days, you'll so much to to love on this special small-group Chocolate & Patisserie tasting tour through the charming Saint-Germain-des-Près neighborhood where famous chocolatiers such as Pierre Hermé, Patrick Roger, and Yannick Lefort opened their first shops. 

As you explore Saint Germain on this walking tour, you'll savor 8 tastings of chocolates, macarons, and other treats as you visit the neighborhood's top chocolate and pastry artisans, including Marie Antoinette's favorite chocolate shop.

Reserve your place now

Check out more walking tours of Paris with food tastings:

Find more Paris food tours & experiences

21.  Find Top Paris Events for February

Some of the best things to do in Paris in February include top events such as the Carnaval (Mardi Gras) with its "March of the Fat Cow," a big orchid show at Jardin des Plantes, and exciting exhibitions at all the museums.

Find out more about February events in Paris

And be sure to take note: there's no need to just watch Paris's big Mardi Gras parade - you can also march in it!

22.  More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris in February

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Prepare for Your February Visit:  Weather, Packing Tips, and Holidays

Weather in Paris in February:  What to Expect

Paris weather in February typically offers up a few warm and sunny days, but you also should expect plenty of chilly, drizzly days and perhaps colder nights. 

Although the average high temperature in Paris in February is 48°F (9°C) - hardly balmy, but not uncomfortable if you're wearing layers - and the average low is 35°F (2°C), keep in mind that those are averages. 

When planning your activities and packing (more about what to pack for Paris in February in a moment), consider that you might encounter more extreme temperatures - perhaps as high as 70°F (21°C) or as low as 10°F (-22°C).  If the thermometer hits those extremes, Paris can feel quite cold in February, perhaps with a dusting of snow - or almost balmy.

Find out more about the weather in Paris during February

Packing Tips for Visiting Paris in February:  What to Bring

Wondering how to dress in Paris in February?  The one-word answer is:  layers - a must because February weather can change fast enough to produce whiplash.

When preparing for your trip to Paris, pack clothes to wear in layers along with a medium-weight jacket, a warm scarf, hat, gloves, and a small folding umbrella or rain hat.

If you have a trench coat, consider bringing it instead of a heavier jacket, especially if you want to blend in with all the fashionable Parisians wearing chic trenches topped off with stylish scarfs.  But do yourself a favor and also pack a lightweight, highly compressible puffer jacket to layer under your trench just in case the temperature does a nosedive.  It will save you from a lot of shivering.

In addition, pack a couple of long-sleeved tops, a warm pullover sweater and a warm cardigan (cashmere cardigans such as these work well because of its warmth and insulation), and medium-weight pants.  And don't forget a couple of pairs of warm socks and perhaps ankle boots, along with another pair or two of comfortable walking shoes, ideally waterproof or at least water-resistant.

We sometimes get questions from our website visitors asking if one pair of shoes will be enough.  The short answer is:  probably not, unless you're here for just a short visit, such as a long weekend.

Here's why:  Unless you're used to walking on the uneven surface of foot-bruising cobblestones, you'll be thankful to have more than one pair of shoes, as each pair will distribute weight slightly differently and therefore give your sore soles a better chance to recuperate.  You're also likely to walk much more in Paris than you usually do.

Will you be able to shop in Paris for anything you should have packed, but didn't?  Yes, because Paris stores will still stock winter clothing along with some spring items in case the temperature soars.  But unless you really want to spend your time in Paris shopping, you'll have more time to do other things if you bring the basics with you.

Find out more about the weather in Paris during February and more detailed packing suggestions

February Holidays in Paris

No official French holidays happen this month, so you don't have to worry about stores or attractions being closed.

However, here's what you should know for planning purposes:  Schools across France as well as some other European countries do take a 2-week Winter Holiday break at different points between the second week of February and the first week of March. 

Since many families head to the ski slopes, Paris doesn't usually experience a big impact. 

However, for the most popular attractions (Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Versailles, Moulin Rouge, some Seine River dinner cruises), you should book at least a couple of weeks in advance to get your preferred date.

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Where to Stay in Paris during February

Planning a February visit to Paris means you'll benefit from low-season winter  rates.  You can either save a lot on your hotel bill or be able to reserve posher accommodations - your choice! - plus you'll encounter much less competition when trying to book specific hotels.

Since February weather can be tricky - warm and sunny one day, cold and windy the next - consider booking in the districts with the highest concentration of indoor attractions that correspond with your own Paris "bucket list" of things to do. 

Five popular Paris neighborhoods favored by many visitors during these months include the 1st and 9th districts, and the Marais, Saint-Germain, and Montmartre neighborhoods.

These five areas are ideal if you want to shop at Galeries Lafayette and designer boutiques during the end of the winter sales, visit cultural venues like the Louvre Museum, Paris Opera House, and Moulin Rouge, and stroll around iconic neighborhoods.  

Bonus:  All of these Paris districts and neighborhoods boast many appealing hotels in all price ranges plus plenty of wonderful bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Find out more about the best neighborhoods for your February stay in Paris

Featured Paris Hotel for February:  Terrass' Hotel

Why:  The sun still sets fairly early during February, so the spectacular Eiffel Tower views from 4-star Terrass' Hotel's rooftop terrace bar and some guestrooms will light up your evening hours as you sip a glass (or two) of champagne. 

What else:  Chic decor, spacious (for Paris) guestrooms, and an excellent location near Sacre Coeur, Moulin Rouge, and all the fun bistros and boutiques along and near Rue des Abbesses put you in the perfect spot to enjoy Montmartre.  Conveniently-located metro stations and bus stops give you easy access to the rest of the city. 

Book Now

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Find a Paris Hotel or Apartment for Your February Visit

Want to look at other accommodations?  Use this hotel booking map to find hotels and apartments during your travel dates: 

Booking.com

Check out the newest Paris hotels

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