What’s On in Paris – February 2025

VACANCES SCOLAIRES (French School Holidays): The winter holidays for 2025 are February 8 through March 10, depending on the region (Paris/Ile-de-France is February 15-March 3). This usually affects how crowded a particular city or resort may be, as well as train and hotel prices.

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Through February 4
The twice-annual sales (soldes en français) kick off in shops all over France, with clothing and home goods up to 70% off. Even if “everything is cheaper online,” the sales are a great time to support small, independent shops, especially those that are usually a bit out of your price range.

January 27-February 9
This year’s Roland Garros tennis tournament in Paris will be May 19-June 8. It used to be almost impossible for the general public to get tickets, so this year they’ve created a new drawing process to regulate public ticket sales. Registration for the drawing to purchase tickets ends February 9th. If you are selected in the draw, you will be given a 2-day slot to book your tickets. ​Read more here: https://tickets.rolandgarros.com/en/tout-savoir-tirage-au-sort

January 27 – February 15
Lunar New Year in the 13th Arrondissement (home to the largest Chinatown in Europe) hosts a program of cultural events, performances, exhibitions, and celebrations for the Year of the Wooden Snake. Highlights include the Grand Lunar New Year Parade on February 9, the Festival du Printemps on February 8 with a creative market and cultural activities, and the New Year Han Style Celebration on February 1, featuring traditional Hanfu attire, performances, and tea tastings. There’s a New Year Symphony Concert and screenings of contemporary Chinese arthouse films at the Festival Allers-Retours. The European Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) Championship takes place on February 3-4, while performances like The New Year Through Our Eyes (February 5) and The Woodcutter and the Musician (February 7) explore themes of culture and connection. Exhibitions “All Under the Same Sky” (January 27 – February 12) and “At Full Speed” (January 28 – February 12) showcase artistic perspectives on identity and movement. The celebration culminates on February 15 with a futsal match between Sporting Paris and Étoile Lavalloise. Events are held at various locations in the 13th, including the Mairie du 13e, Pathé Les Fauvettes, and Halle Georges Carpentier, with most activities free. Read more about celebrating Chinese New Year in Paris here.

February 1
The 26th annual Solidays Music Festival takes place this summer from June 27 to 29 at the Hippodrome de Longchamp (Bois de Boulogne, 16th arrondissement). This major festival blends music and activism, raising funds to fight AIDS and support global solidarity projects. The lineup features GIMS, Kalash, MC Solaar, Damso, SCH, Sean Paul, and more. Starting February 1 at noon (Paris time, CET), 25,000 three-day passes will be available at a discounted rate, with six price tiers increasing as tickets sell out (maximum four passes per person). Committed to sustainability, Solidays implements eco-friendly initiatives such as reusable cups, responsible food options, and waste sorting. Tickets sell out fast!

February 1
A full day of dance workshops and a grand ball at the Mairie du 9ème (Town Hall of the 9th Arrondissement), Salle Rossini, organized by Arts et Mouvement. Learn and explore dance styles from different eras with workshops on English Country Dance, Belle Époque dances, 1920s and 1930s dance, and modern styles, led by expert instructors. The evening ball begins with a welcome drink at 6:00 pm, followed by a program featuring English country dances, Belle Époque waltzes, contemporary styles, and 1930s dance. Workshops run from 10:00 am to 5:15 pm, with a communal lunch break. Open to all, with options for workshops (€40), workshops & ball (€50), or ball only (€12). Registration available online or on-site. Location: Mairie du 9e, 6 Rue Drouot, metro Richelieu-Drouot. More info at www.arts-et-mouvement.fr.

February 1
Afterbulles on the Butte aux Cailles (35, Rue de l’Espérance Paris 13th) is hosting a Music n’ Bulles Evening with live music tonight at 7:30pm. Cécile will sing songs about Love and Paris accompanied by her ukulele and Philippe on the guitar. Fee is €39 for 3 champagnes + Gourmet plate (pay in person on the day). Reservations by telephone 01 45 81 26 36 or email to afterbulles@vinissime.fr.

February 1
Paris Follies Ballroom at La Coupole invites you to a glamorous, immersive costume soirée celebrating the Golden Jazz Age (1923-1943) with live music, dancing, and vintage flair. Sam Ghezzi & The Rhythmmaniacs will set the stage, alongside dazzling performances from Charlie Bouquet, Brian Scott Bagley, and Marc Angel, plus DJ Mitch Tornade keeping the party going. Dress code: Paris Follies vintage glamour. Experience the magic of Parisian nightlife in this legendary Montparnasse venue, known for its exuberance and elegance since 1927. Doors open at 10:00 pm. Tickets: €25 presale, €30 at the door. La Coupole, 102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 14th.

February 1-2
Lunar New Year at the Guimet Museum celebrates the Year of the Wooden Snake with a weekend of festivities, performances, workshops, and cultural experiences. Enjoy a traditional lion dance, storytelling, guided tours, and a multisensory experience for visually impaired visitors. Explore the Guardians of Time, a light installation of mythical creatures by Jiang Qiong Er, and savor the art of tea during a gong fu cha ceremony. As part of the Festival Allers-Retours, the museum will host screenings of Chinese arthouse films. On February 1, the museum extends its hours until midnight for a nighttime visit of the “Tang China” exhibition, immersing visitors in the golden age of the Silk Road capital, Chang’an. Musée Guimet, 6 Place d’Iéna, 16th arrondissement. Saturday, February 1: 11am-midnight, Sunday, February 2: 11am-7pm. Most events free with museum entry, some require online booking (€18 for tea ceremony).

First Sunday – February2
Today is the first Sunday of the month, which means many museums and monuments are open for free (most require reservations, check their websites): the Centre Pompidou, Orsay, l’Orangerie, Rodin, Picasso, Delacroix, Cluny, Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, the Panthéon, Versailles (already full) and Fontainebleau. You might want to try one of the (slightly) less crowded establishments, such as Cité de l’Architecture, Arts-et-Métiers, Cité de la Céramique de Sèvres, Guimet, Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, Cité Nationale de l’Histoire de l’Immigration – Palais de la Porte Dorée, Musée Albert-Kahn, Château de Vincennes or the Saint-Denis Basilica. Those which don’t require reservations may have long lines, so bundle up!

Through February 2
The Musée Bourdelle (18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 15th) presents Rodin & Bourdelle, a striking exhibition that brings together over 160 works from these two monumental sculptors. Rodin, a master of modern sculpture, and Bourdelle, his former student, share a deep connection with materials like marble and the unfinished aesthetic. The exhibition explores their shared influences, with pieces like La Main de Dieu by Rodin and La Main désespérée by Bourdelle. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm. Tickets €10, reduced €8. Great little café upstairs.

February 4
Jacques Prévert Nocturne at the Musée de Montmartre celebrates the 125th anniversary of the poet’s birth with an exceptional late opening from 6pm to 10pm (last entry at 9:30pm), featuring special animations. Free entry, no reservation required. The event is part of the exhibition Jacques Prévert, rêveur d’images (through February 16, 2025), which explores the artist’s lesser-known visual works, from illustrated scripts and surrealist collages to artistic collaborations, revealing the depth of his creative universe beyond poetry and film.

February 4
The French Oyster Shucking Championship returns to Café Français, Place de la Bastille, where 11 of the country’s top écaillers will compete in three challenges: a speed test, a shellfish presentation, and the creation of a seafood buffet. A jury of professionals will crown the French champion, with Anthony Van Vegchel, reigning World and French Champion, leading an oyster-shucking workshop. A free event celebrating the craft of seafood preparation, from 1pm – 6pm.

February 6 – March 10
Calling all orchid lovers! The 12th annual Mille & Une Orchidées exhibition returns to the Grandes Serres (historic greenhouses) of the Jardin des Plantes (57 Rue Cuvier, 5th arrondissement), highlighting the natural habitats of orchids with a lush botanical display, a photography exhibition showcasing orchids in diverse ecosystems, and two curated discovery trails. Visitors can explore a 1,000 m² floral installation featuring hundreds of rare and exotic orchid species. There are workshops and demonstrations (in French), and a pop-up boutique with orchids for sale. Open daily except Tuesdays, from 10AM to 5PM (until 6PM from March 1). Tickets €7-€9.

February 7
Parisian Dog-Friendly Apéro at the Maison de l’Animal, Chai de Bercy, 41 rue Paul Belmondo, 12th arrondissement, from 5pm to 8pm. Meet fellow pet parents, canine professionals, and Parisian associations advocating for dogs in the city while enjoying a friendly evening with your pup. A donation drive for Gamelles Pleines will collect food, leashes, toys, and other pet essentials for people experiencing homelessness with their dogs. Free entry with required reservation via animalenville@paris.fr.

February 7-8
Toussaint Louverture – Raphaël Barontini presents an immersive artistic installation at the Palais de la Porte Dorée, 293 avenue Daumesnil, 12th arrondissement. Through a mix of photography, serigraphy, painting, and digital prints, the artist reimagines historical narratives of slavery and colonization, in collaboration with the collective Exillians. Part of L’Envers du décor #8, this exhibition questions postcolonial identities and the place of art in museums and public spaces. Free entry with reservation, from 7pm to midnight at the Auditorium.

February 8
The Mathgoth Gallery (34 rue Hélène Brion, 13th arrondissement) presents a new open edition print by street artist Jef Aérosol, making art more accessible while maintaining high quality. His latest pigment print, Là-bas, will be available starting Saturday, February 8, with a special in-person signing session by the artist at 3pm. Free entry.

February 8
“Doga Workshop” – Yoga with Your Dog at the Maison de l’Animal, Chai de Bercy, 41 rue Paul Belmondo, 12th arrondissement, from 11am to 11:45am. Led by Stefany from My Karma Dog, this session introduces the practice of doga, a relaxing combination of yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and canine massage to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Free entry with required reservation via animalenville@paris.fr (bring your own yoga mat, dogs must be exercised beforehand, and medical restrictions apply).

February 8
An evening of traditional Contra Dance at Salle des Fêtes, Mairie du 14e (12 Rue Pierre Castagnou, 14th), featuring live music by Will & Will (UK) and Darlene Underwood (US), along with new callers from Paris Contra Dance. The evening begins with a beginner’s lesson at 5:00 pm, followed by dancing from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, a potluck dinner from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (bring a dish or contribute €5), and more dancing from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Entry is €13, with a sliding scale of €15-25 for those who can contribute more, and a reduced rate of €7 for students or job-seekers. Open to all, no partner or experience needed.

February 8
Lunar New Year Artisan Showcase & Tasting at Bazaar Concept at 86 boulevard Vincent Auriol, 13th arrondissement, featuring Asian craftsmanship with guest brands Ô Fil du Mékong and Juldana. From 11am to 1pm, enjoy a free tasting of festive specialties while discovering unique handmade creations in a boutique setting.

February 8 – March 2
The magical Pavillons de Bercy — Musée des Arts Forains, or Carnival Arts Museum, is exceptionally open for guided tours daily throughout the French school holidays. The 90-minute tours are led by a costumed actor, in French (a leaflet in English is provided to follow along), for a journey through the different decorated rooms and halls, allowing you to ride some of the antique carrousel rides and enjoy mechanical music shows. Advance booking online required, no ticket sales on site €18.80 for adults, €12.80 for kids 4-11.

February 9
The biggest Chinese New Year parade in Paris takes place every year in the 13th arrondissement. This year it falls on Sunday February 9th, from 2-5pm (people will start lining up along the parade route from 1pm). The dragons, lions, dancers, drummers, and traditionally costumed participants will do a full loop of the neighborhood, starting at 44 Avenue d’Ivry, then counter-clockwise down Avenue de Choisy and Boulevard Masséna before finally finishing at Avenue d’Ivry. Read more about celebrating Chinese New Year in Paris here.

February 12
Spectateurs! screening + Q&A with director Arnaud Desplechin at the new cinema in the Jeu de Paume (1 Place de la Concorde, 8th arrondissement). “This cinematic love letter explores what it means to go to the movies, blending memory, fiction, and discovery in a coming-of-age story of a film lover.” Hosted by “Lost in Frenchlation”, the evening begins with drinks at 7pm, followed by the screening at 8pm, and a Q&A with the director. Film in French with English subtitles. Tickets €7.50 – €11.50, available here.

February 12
The Paris Writing Workshop with Yvonne Hazelton takes place at The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore (9 Rue de Médicis, 6th arrondissement) from 6:30-9pm. Hosted by INSPIRELLE, this interactive session is designed to help participants unlock their creative writing skills in an inspiring Parisian setting. Led by writer and blogger Yvonne Hazelton, the workshop includes hands-on exercises, insights into her writing journey, and a chance to connect with fellow writers (check out her articles for Secrets of Paris here) Tickets are €10 for INSPIRELLE members and €20 for non-members, including a pre-workshop apéro for networking.

February 14
The LOVE Evening at the Musée Rodin transforms Valentine’s Day into a romantic and festive journey through art, dance, and poetry. Wander the museum’s collection under the prism of passion and sensuality, enjoy a moonlit Belle Époque dance, live performances of early 20th-century love songs, and compose your own poetic declaration inspired by Rodin’s works. Join a drawing workshop, indulge in treats at the ephemeral bar, and capture the night at the photocall. This special night runs from 7pm to 11pm, with timed entry every 30 minutes. Advance online booking required, tickets €27.

January 14th – February 28
French street artists Seth’s solo exhibition Escape Games opens at Galerie Itinerrance, 24bis Boulevard du Général Jean Simon, 13th arrondissement, Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-7pm. “This exhibit invites viewers to escape the uncertainties of our era through a poetic journey of resilience, imagination, and hope.” Free entry. Accessible via metro Bibliothèque François Mitterrand (line 14) or Tram T3a.

Through March 1
“Les Jours Heureux” at Hôtel de Ville is a free exhibition that captures the excitement and collective joy of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games through immersive storytelling, striking visuals, and iconic memorabilia. Relive the opening and closing ceremonies, step into a tunnel of highlights, stand on a real Olympic podium, and explore the lasting impact of the Games on the city. Featuring portfolios, projections, and a celebration of urban sports like cycling, triathlon, and marathon, this exhibition invites visitors to (re)experience the magic of last summer. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am-6:30pm (Thursdays until 8pm). Free entry by reservation. Hôtel de Ville, entrance at 5 rue de Lobau, 4th.

Thursdays through March 6th
The prestigious Comédie Française theater at Place Colette (next to the Palais Royal, 1st arrondissement) is having its third annual sale of rare costumes from their copious stock of period costumes and accessories worn on the stage for its repertoire of historical productions, for €50-€500. From now through March 6th, they’re releasing a dozen new outfits every Thursday in their boutique, open noon-8:30pm. If you want to be able to try items on, wear a body suit so you don’t have to wait for the dressing room.

Through September 7
The Bibliothèque Nationale de France (5 Rue Vivienne, 2nd) presents Le monde pour horizon, a year-long, three-part exhibition showcasing rare maps, prints, manuscripts, photos, costumes, and stage jewelry. Highlights include Hokusai’s The Great Wave and Toulouse-Lautrec’s Divan Japonais poster. With rotating exhibits every four months, visitors can return for new discoveries throughout the year. Open Tuesday 10am-8pm, Wednesday to Sunday 10am-6pm. Tickets €10, reduced €8.

Through September 21
Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Louis-Senlecq (31 Grande Rue, L’Isle-Adam) presents Trois siècles à L’Isle-Adam, an exhibition showcasing the town’s history through paintings, sculptures, watercolors, engravings, vintage posters, postcards, and historical photographs. Visitors will explore L’Isle-Adam’s evolution from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. Highlights include works by artists like Jules Dupré, depictions of the Oise River landscapes, and a focus on the town’s industrial and leisure history. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm. €6.