February is packed with events and exciting outings across Paris and Greater Paris. From the Chinese New Year celebrations to behind-the-scenes visits of workshops and iconic sites, as well as the opening of prestigious venues to the public — here are the must-attend events this month.
The Chinese New Year will be celebrated from February 17th to March 3rd. During this vibrant period, Explore Paris is offering a variety of cultural tours to give you a deeper understanding of Chinese history and heritage. Discover the story behind the emergence of Chinatown neighborhoods in Aubervilliers, the 13th arrondissement of Paris, and Belleville. Here’s our curated list of visits to mark the occasion:
- Discovering Belleville’s Chinatown: customs, traditions, and the story of Chinese immigration.
- Discovering the Chinese wholesale district in Aubervilliers.
Discover the top culinary spots in the neighborhood through a tasting tour in the 13th arrondissement.
Plan ahead for your March outings: Holi, the vibrant festival, is celebrated on March 4th, and the city will host a variety of festive and cultural events to mark the occasion. Explore the diverse cultures of the Indian subcontinent through guided walks through neighborhoods in Paris and La Courneuve.
Our top picks for budget-friendly and free activities across Greater Paris:
Looking for cultural deals? Enjoy a guided visit to the exhibition "Elegant Ladies of the Belle Époque – When Fashion Becomes Art" at the Eugène Carrière Museum, where art and fashion come together in conversation. Discover the Deportation Martyrs Memorial, free of charge, a site of remembrance located at the tip of Île de la Cité. Combining Neo-Renaissance style with Art Deco, Vincennes City Hall and its exceptional decor are a must-see in Greater Paris.
Discover sustainable and community-driven places through an exclusive immersion in the world of a resource center: from reuse and repurposing aimed at promoting employment, to exploring Lil’Ô, a former industrial site spanning 3.6 hectares as it undergoes transformation.
For entertainment, mark your calendar for February 7th at Micro-Folie in Pavillons-sous-Bois to catch “L’ironie du sort”, a free storytelling performance blending philosophy, humor, and music. On February 11th and 21st, head to Micro-Folie in La Courneuve for an engaging schedule of free youth performances and workshops. Plus, once a month starting February 7th, visit the French Playing Card Museum for a magical journey through its collections.
Enjoy a touch of nature with a botanical tour exploring wild, edible, and toxic plants, right in the heart of the Tropical Agriculture Garden in Bois de Vincennes.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours in Paris:
Explore our guide to behind-the-scenes tours in Paris, offering a unique look into artists' workshops, Made in France companies, and iconic venues. Dive into the heart of craftsmanship, industry, and innovation.
Artist studios across Greater Paris are opening their doors: Alaric Chagnard, a mask sculptor for theater, invites you to an exclusive tour of his workshop and a mask-making workshop. Additionally, the artists of Les Frigos, one of the most renowned artist neighborhoods in the world, located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, are welcoming visitors for an exclusive look into this unique space.
Discover artisans' workshops and businesses celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship such as the Bobin workshops, renowned for restoring French heritage carpets and tapestries for over a century, and the Bonne Nouvelle factory in Aubervilliers, where the brand "Le Slip Français" produces its clothing.
NEW Touring the NAUDET Barometer Workshop, a tradition that has kept French craftsmanship alive since 1860.
Discover all company and workshop visits
Discover the behind-the-scenes of iconic Parisian stadiums with exclusive tours. Visit the Roland-Garros Stadium to explore press rooms, locker rooms, the presidential box, and the tunnel that takes players onto the clay courts. You can also explore Stade de France, gaining access to areas normally off-limits to the public, such as the stands, locker rooms, and the tunnel leading to the pitch.
Exploring the world of spirits and wines in Greater Paris:
From winemakers and spirits producers to urban distilleries, Greater Paris offers a wide range of experiences through tours, workshops, and tastings. Explore local craftsmanship, blending wine tourism and spirit tourism.
-Gin Workshop at L’Alambic Parisien Distillery: Craft and blend your own personalized gin with guidance from a passionate master distiller.
- Visit and tasting with a craft winemaker at the Fossés winery.
- Tour and tasting at Gallia Brewery, a historic Parisian brewery that epitomizes the beer-making tradition of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
-Wine & Cheese Pairing Workshop at La Butinerie.
- Visit and tasting with a winemaker and cellar master guided by members of the Confrérie du Clos Saint Vincent.
Architectural and Urban Planning Tours:
Discover all our urban walks to explore Paris and Greater Paris through the history of its buildings, neighborhoods, and urban transformations:
- Urban stroll at La Défense Esplanade to discover contemporary architecture and urban art in the heart of the Grand Paris business district.
- Architectural walks in Paris and the Northeast Paris region offer an exploration of the city’s evolving landscape, from striking modernist developments and urban renewal projects to cutting-edge contemporary architectures.
- Architectural tours that reveal the history of Parisian train stations and the evolution of surrounding neighborhoods.
Now is also the time to (re)discover iconic monuments:
- Discover the historic Hôtel de Beauvais, now home to the Paris Administrative Court of Appeal, located in the heart of Le Marais.
- La Maison des Jardies in Sèvres, a 17th-century residence once home to Balzac and later Gambetta.
- Saint-Denis Olympic Aquatic Center welcomes visitors to explore its cutting-edge architecture. This iconic venue once hosted diving, water polo, and synchronized swimming competitions during the Olympics and is now dedicated to promoting sports for everyone.
- An augmented reality tour of Saint Denis Basilica offers free access to the Flèche workshop, where visitors can see artisans at work.
- Palais d’Iéna, home to the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), the third chamber of the French Republic.
- The Grosbois estate with a tour of the château and the renowned trotting horse training center.
Or visit the lesser-known museums of Greater Paris for a unique cultural experience:
- NEW Discover 5,000 Years of Parisian History at the Carnavalet Museum, from the basement levels to the upper floors, showcasing relics of the past, maps, models, and artworks.
-The Musée de l'Histoire Vivante in Montreuil and its new exhibition "Couleurs, histoire du travail et des luttes" (Colors, history of work and struggles)
-The Museum of Art and History at Saint-Anne Hospital
-The Museum of Jewish History and Art located in the Marais district
-The Education Center of the Legion of Honor in Saint-Denis
Discover the Unusual Museums of Greater Paris
Explore the great monuments in a different way
Discover iconic locations such as Hôtel Gaillard, a historic building that once housed the Bank of France, Château de Vincennes, or the La Défense district.
Discover exclusive sites: the headquarters of one of the world’s most renowned international organizations – UNESCO, Roland-Garros Stadium, Stade de France, the latter, the New Paris Courthouse designed by Renzo Piano, Palace of Justice, Commercial Court, Grand Mosque of Paris...
Discover the behind-the-scenes of iconic locations: marvel at the traditional French craftsmanship of the Gobelins National Tapestry Manufacture, enjoy an exclusive experience at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, visit famous filming sites with cine walks, or get lost exploring the charming Parisian passages.
Find all tours on Explore Paris
Looking for a gift idea?
Whether it's a celebration, a birthday, or any special occasion, surprise your loved ones with unique tours courtesy of our Explore Paris gift cards, guaranteed to delight the curious at heart.
Tip: don't forget thatthere are plenty of free tours on Explore Paris!
In English, please!
Discover Paris with our dedicated English-language boutique. We offer guided tours in English of Saint-Denis Basilica, UNESCO headquarters, the Roland-Garros stadium, or enjoy Montmartre in song. But our real strength lies in offering a wide range of private tours. Have a great time exploring!
