Traveling in France in February
When you want to travel in February, you often tend to imagine heading to the other side of the world to enjoy the sun by the water. However, traveling to France in February can also be a great idea. Of course, this time of year is still perfect for going to the mountains and skiing, but that's not all! In this article, I will give you some ideas for destinations that will be perfect for traveling in France in February
The Alps
It is unthinkable to talk about the best destinations in France in February without mentioning the Alps. Do you want to enjoy the mountains but don't know where to go skiing this winter? In the region, you will truly be spoiled for choice! In terms of activities, you can certainly ski, but also snowboard, go sledding, or take snowshoe hikes...
For a winter vacation, several destinations will be perfect:
- Avoriaz, one of the most famous ski resorts in France, known for its beautiful setting and innovative, eco-friendly concept. Cars are prohibited, and the only means of transportation (besides skiing) are horse-drawn sleds.
- Morzine, in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, one of the largest ski areas in all of Europe, where the atmosphere is particularly festive during winter.
- Chamonix, one of the oldest ski resorts in France, located at the foot of Mont Blanc, in the heart of an exceptional alpine landscape.
- Méribel, an authentic resort with a friendly atmosphere, located within the Vanoise National Park, in the ski area of the Three Valleys.
But the Alps are not just about large winter sports resorts; you can also visit Annecy in February. The Venice of the Alps is a lovely city, perfect for a weekend or a few days' stay where you can discover all the historical and architectural wonders of Old Annecy and enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings.
The PACA Region
Traveling to the PACA region in February is a bit like meeting spring early. In this region, temperatures are much milder, and it is not uncommon for the thermometer to exceed 20 degrees at the height of the day. Of course, this is not the time of year when you can bring out your swimsuit and go for a swim, but you can truly enjoy the mild weather and have a pleasant stay in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
Moreover, this region is the top tourist destination in France after Paris, and all the cities and attractions that are bustling during the summer are much quieter during this time.
The big event in the region during February is the Nice Carnival. For two weeks, festivities abound in the city, with parades, illuminated carnival floats, costumes, and flower battles... During this carnival, which is the largest in France, you can witness an unforgettable spectacle
In February, you can also experience unique festivities in the world at Menton, near the Italian border: the Lemon Festival. This 15-day event attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year. You can see parades of floats decorated with thousands of citrus fruits (the famous Golden Fruit Parade), visit a Crafts Fair, and admire the Orchid Festival.
Where to Go in France in February? Corsica, of course!
Although we often think of sunshine when we think of Corsica, we must not forget that this island is very mountainous, and during the winter, you can find several pleasant ski resorts there, such as Vergio, Val d'Ese, and Ghisoni. In February, the Corsican mountains are the ideal place for beautiful snowshoe walks under a lovely sun Furthermore, winter is also an opportunity to discover the natural beauties of Corsica in a new light, including snow-covered forests and frozen lakes!
While tourists are fewer, you can also visit the beautiful Corsican towns, such as Bastia, Ajaccio, Calvi, or Bonifacio, with much more tranquility. It is in Bastia that you can enjoy the most pleasant climate during this period. It is often cooler in South Corsica, which is more exposed to sea winds. In short, if you don't know where to go in Corsica this winter, you will really be spoiled for choice
In February, you can also attend many events on the island of beauty:
- The Italian Cinema Festival in Bastia, at the municipal theater. For the occasion, film screenings and concerts are organized.
- The Citrus Festival in Bastelicaccia, near Ajaccio. This festival celebrates all citrus-based specialties over a weekend.
- The winter edition of the Calenzana Meetings, a festival of world music and songs.
- The Tumbera Fair in the small village of Reno. This is a perfect opportunity to closely experience the ancestral know-how of Corsican charcuterie artisans and to taste the local charcuterie.
The Basque Country
The entire Atlantic coast can be a great place to spend a seaside vacation in February and enjoy the mild winter weather. February is the perfect time to discover the wild and natural side of the region's beaches while they are practically deserted
But it is in the south, in the Basque Country, that you can have the most enjoyable stay. Near the Spanish border, in this region where the sea and mountains almost meet, you can ski at resorts like Gourette or Somport, or head to the seaside resorts to enjoy the benefits of the ocean.
Whether along the coast or inland, you can do a variety of activities during February. Beach walks, fresh air, discovering picturesque villages, visiting museums... Everything is united to help you recharge your batteries
You can engage in many sports activities like hiking, climbing, golf, or cycling. Traveling in February will also be a great time to discover the architectural heritage of the region, in towns and villages like Bayonne or Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Of course, in February as at any time of the year, you can also taste local specialties and the artisanal products of the Basque Country: wine, cider, cheese, Bayonne ham... If you don't know where to go in France in February, the Basque Country has great surprises in store for you
The DROM
Of course, France is not just metropolitan France, and it is entirely possible to escape winter in February without leaving our beautiful country. I am obviously talking about the overseas departments and regions.
Some destinations should still be avoided, especially New Caledonia where February is in the middle of cyclone season! In French Polynesia, it rains a lot, and the heat can also be hard to bear in February. If you want to travel in France in February to the DROM, I recommend:
- Réunion Island, a dream destination for nature lovers and outdoor activities. Réunion is undoubtedly one of the best destinations worldwide for hiking. Although it rains frequently during this period, you can make beautiful discoveries and even swim and dive.
- Guadeloupe, a pleasant island year-round where it rarely goes below 25 degrees. It's the dry season, the wind is pleasant, and the water is warm. Conditions are perfect for outdoor activities. Additionally, during February, you'll be able to experience the Guadeloupe Carnival, which ends on Ash Wednesday.
- Martinique, where the temperatures are pleasant and the weather is dry. The average temperature of the water and air is about 28 degrees. February is therefore the ideal time to visit this island, where you can enjoy the beach and sea, go hiking, scuba diving, and even take boat trips to watch whales and dolphins. By the way, if you don't know where to stay in Martinique, you can check out my dedicated article to find the best addresses
Where to Go in France in February? In Paris to Celebrate Valentine's Day
What better destination than one of the most romantic cities in the world to celebrate Valentine's Day? Paris is the capital of love, and you can discover amazing things and return from this vacation or romantic weekend with stars in your eyes
You can visit major museums in Paris like the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, or the Rodin Museum, and discover the most beautiful gardens in the capital, the Luxembourg Garden and the Bagatelle Garden. To relax, you can have a meal in a fine restaurant and admire the most beautiful Parisian monuments during a little boat cruise on the Seine, or walk along the quays
In the evening, you will also have the opportunity to attend a concert, a musical, or a performance in a grand Parisian cabaret (some of them, like the Lido and the Moulin Rouge, offer special deals for Valentine's Day).
Now we reach the end of this article I hope you enjoyed it and that you now have an idea of where to go in France in February. If you have other suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments!