Even though february is the shortest month of the year that doesn’t mean there’s?a shortage of things to do here in paris. Be prepared to layer up though as we’re currently experiencing some seriously freezing below zero temperatures. And what more fun than museum hopping, movie watching and coffee drinking when its cold outside? Snuggling up inside! I can hear you say, that’s?all good, but here’s our list of things to do inside and outside your apartment this month.

To Do Outside

GOOD TO KNOW // ART

The first sunday of every month museums are free – see our list here.

 

Also,?Slow Galerie – until feb 14th will be hosting a collection of some of the raddest paper cut out artist in france.?“Papier Coup? D?cal?”, pop-ups and collages, from?Mathilde BOURGON, Eric Singelin, Matthieu DURINGER and C?cile KOJIMA. They also have a tiny incognito coffee shop in the back.?

Address:?5 rue Jean Pierre Timbaud 75011 PARIS

Metro – R?publique/Oberkampf/Filles du calvaire

Open Tuesdays to Saturday – 11am to 7:30pm

 

COOL COFFEE SHOP

Grab a coffee and brunch at Chilango, our favorite mexican restaurant?in paris that serves coffee from Cafe Lomi roasters. Address: 82 Rue de la Folie M?ricourt, 75011 Paris
01 47 00 78 95

 

KID STUFF

Oh, this weather just makes you want to stay in and watch cartoons with the kids right? But let’s?try to mingle with the rest of civilization and as parents be good examples of how-not-to-be-a-couch-potato. Alas, for that there is Fete de Graphisme and anything Capitaine Futur is always a good bet.

 

Also if you’re somewhat fluent in reading french this blog has become one of my favorites written by a Parisian Dad – Daddy Coool chock full of , you guessed it , cool stuff to do with les Petits bout’chou!

VALENTINE’S DAY

In love or single – let’s put the status aside and enjoy a night of Carnival Electro at 104?february 15th.

Or for a more romantic evening opt for dinner at Le Meurice – the ultimate luxury dinning experience in Paris by a Micheline start chef in a absolutely?regal interior.

Address:?228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

 

STAY

Haute Hostel “Generator Paris” is now open in the Cool Colonel Fabien area of Paris.?#?GenParis?? Check out their?city guide of the area.?

SHOP

French Trotters – with the sale “soldes” still in swing until the second week of february you can get up to 50% off a wide selection of items at one of paris beloved shops in the marais – a second location at rue de Charonne? near Bastille.

MAP IT

This richly detailed colorful map of Paris is on my shopping list for this month. Paris as created by the talented Jenni Sparks who’s also done maps of Berlin and London to name a few.

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Paris has a strong black heritage that you can find more about on Entree to Black Paris a great blog that goes in-depth?in the subject with lots?afrocentric tours and activities.

CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR IN PARIS

Paris has a rich chinese community and the streets are already decorated with hanging lanterns especially around Metro Republic (3rd Arr and 4th Arr)

The Place de Republic carnival parade will be at 2:30pm.?

Best spot is in the 13th arrondissement that will have this years parade on sunday?sunday the 22nd.

The 13th arr, Parade start at 44 avenue d?Ivry around 1pm Metro Portde D’vry or Tolbiac (line 7)

 

To Do?Inside

FOOD

Picard is the frozen food supermarket here. And let me tell you guys if you’re living here for an extended period of time – find out where the closest location?is and head over. The French love Picard, because despite it being frozen food, it’s actually great quality and at reasonable prices. I’ve been going here for year, for Confit Canard, bagels, fish fingers(for the kiddies) and their Haricot Vert / Green beans is a simple yet delicious accompaniment to any meat dish you can prepare. So if you plan on staying in a lot this month – stock up here. It’s so worth it.

DECOR

HEMA Fr has one of the best selection of cosy throws, pillows and homey things to get you feeling all snug. Their locations are super central so if you can’t?make it to IKEA, stop here first. They also have some of the best tea and sweets for a perfect sunday afternoon. They are a dutch brand and you can even oder online here and pick up in-store.

SERIES & MOVIES

Netflix has finally arrived in France, yes, now you can have your Orange is the new black and eat it too. Curl up in bed and drown yourself in back to back episode, you know you’ve been dying to.

INTERNET & INSTAGRAM

If you’re a digital wonderer like I am, you’ll love browsing though these Parisian inspired blogs and instagram. It’s like traveling to Paris, but all be it from the comfort of your bed with your laptop.

• @Parisinfourmonths has the most dreamy pictures of paris.
• @_sundaysinparis_ for the best places to brunch in the french capital
• @myparisianlife – tons of photos of paris, places and people you should know from a local point of view.
• @makemylemonnade has one of the cutest DIY Parisian feeds
• @Fragmentsparis is not only bringing you some of the best coffee and porridge in Paris but their insta feed is full of snaps of Paris too.
• @club79Paris – takes you into the nightlife scene in Paris. Mingle with the hip crowd.