My husband decided the price to Paris was too good to pass up, even in mid- February. I'm thinking that we will spend maybe 3-4 days in Paris ( the Louve, Eiffle Tower...) and then travel to S. Spain for weather that's a bit nicer.
Recommendations on what to be sure to see in Paris? Lodging, food (prefers small, local) recommendations? We like history and architecture, trying local cuisine, the outdoors, cultural experiences and unique "off the beaten path" opportunities.
What is your budget for your hotel?
Probably the best period to enjoy Paris : least amount of visitors, best rates for hotels etc. It might be cold but not to the point of snow and ice, this is rare in Paris. For the Louvre, do it at night, twice a week there is a late opening.
Agree with previous poster. When I used to come to Paris from Chicago in February, Paris was usually a delightful change from Chicago's grey and cold. At times, in Paris, the plum trees were even in bloom and early bulb blossoms like snowdrops and crocuses were found in sheltered places.
Off season Paris is ideal for taking in its museums. It’s your best chance to see Versailles and not deal with hours long wait times (though early/late in the day is still advised.) Marais is my preferred neighborhood with a nice atmosphere, but not far off from everything. There’s good Airbnb’s in this area as well. The key is to be near a Metro stop. You can get anywhere in Paris within minutes using the Metro, and don’t be deceived Paris is BIG. Outdoor stuff might be dicey, but a walk and or boat ride on the Seine is great any time of year.
For off the beaten path sights, I’ll usually recommend Opera Garnier, Musee Jacquemart-Andre, and Marmottan. Food-wise, Paris is one of the places where I’d rely on guidebook and local recommendations. There’s just so many places to eat, and you might end up fat from where you planned sometimes. My only recommendation is Le Grand 8, up in Montmartre. It’s worth the trip up there, and nice to walk around after.
See https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/france/paris for some tips and links to Rick's free audio walking tour downloads. If you don't yet have Rick's Paris guidebook, I'd consider that the next step.
Le Grand 8 has closed. :-(
Be sure to see some jazz in all the clubs that should be a first choice
https://www.parisjazzclub.net/en
Paris in Feb will be a joy, but think your expectations of Spain for nicer weather might be rather optamistic at that time of year.
We did Barcelona and Cordoba in Feb a few years ago and yes a couple of sunny days, but alot cold grey and damp.
I love Paris in February! The last time I was there in February I stayed in one of the Relais Bosquet’s apartments. And the last time I was in Paris we rented the Cotes du Rhône apartment through Paris Perfect. It was magical!
