Or: Is It Worth Going to Paris in February?
So, I spent two days in Paris in February, and let me tell you—it was cold. Also, rain was always lurking around the corner.
Now, if you’re wondering “How should I dress in Paris in February?”, the answer is: warmly—but make it fashion. And by that, I mean a foulard scarf is a must. What is it, you ask? It's that lightweight, effortlessly stylish scarf every Parisian (and their dog) wears. It comes in endless colors and patterns and can be tied in about a hundred different ways, all of which make you look like a local.
Do You Need to Buy Tickets in Advance in February?
You’d think that in the low season, you could just stroll into any museum or landmark. Well, yes and no. If you absolutely must see something, buy your tickets in advance. But if, like me, you prefer a less rigid schedule, you can play it by ear. Worst case? You admire a few places from the outside while eating an éclair.
What to Do in Paris in the Rain?
Since my plan involved not freezing to death, I kept it partly outdoors, partly indoors. Here’s what worked:
Walk Through Paris’ Landmarks (with Strategic Breaks)
I wandered through the city center, past the Louvre, along the River Seine, where the green bouquiniste stalls had their books and artwork on display, and across Paris’ famous bridges. I admired the Eiffel Tower from below (because, frankly, I wasn’t about to queue in the cold) and did a fly-by of Notre-Dame and Centre Pompidou—both had long lines, so I nodded at them respectfully and kept walking.
Café Culture: Pâtisserie + People-Watching
The best way to thaw out? Find a patisserie, order a coffee and an éclair, and watch life go by—preferably from a warm seat by the window. Meanwhile, outside, dedicated Parisian joggers push through the cold along the Seine, looking both determined and slightly regretful about their life choices.
Museums, But Only the Smart Choices
If you’re going to museum-hop, pick wisely. I went to Musée d’Orsay, which is not only a stunning former train station but also houses an amazing collection—from Realism and Impressionism to Symbolism and Art Nouveau. (Only 15 minutes in line!)
Then, I visited the Louis Vuitton Foundation, a Frank Gehry architectural masterpiece. The museum building itself was the highlight—the pop art exhibition inside? Not so much. (20 minutes in line for a ticket)
Seine River Cruise = Warm + Sightseeing Win
At some point, my feet needed a break, and so did my patience with the cold. Solution? A Seine River cruise. You stay warm inside, sip hot chocolate from a vending machine, and see Paris' majestic architecture glide by. I braved the open-air top deck for a few photos but quickly retreated once my fingers started going numb.
A Soccer Mom’s Mission on the Champs-Élysées
My young soccer player back home had one non-negotiable request—a Paris Saint-Germain jersey. So, I made my way to the official PSG store, which (conveniently!) happens to be on the Champs-Élysées. This, of course, allowed me to casually say, “Oh yes, I walked along the Champs-Élysées”.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Going to Paris in February?
The answer is: “Oui. Absolutely”, as long as you embrace the weather. Paris in winter has its own charm: fewer crowds (except at major attractions), cozy cafés, and the perfect excuse to wear a foulard like a true Parisian.