Although the cold weather still dominates in the capital, the latter does not let itself be invaded by the winter gloom. Its visitors will be delighted to enjoy a heartwarming program: Candlemas, Valentine’s Day, Carnival, or Shrove Tuesday; February is definitely full of festivities.
Your Louvre Marsollier Opéra hotel will be your best traveler partner during the month and selected the best addresses in the City of Light, for a colorful Parisian stay.
The “Beignets de Carnaval” (French beignets)
Shrove Tuesday is a timeless tradition that originated in ancient times when the Romans celebrated the arrival of the calends (the first days of March) and the renewal of nature. This was the occasion to organize large parties where there was no shortage of food and costumes.
Today, firmly rooted in French tradition, Shrove Tuesday is celebrated with a variety of regional French beignets recipes and remains a day to celebrate the love of good food.
In the south of France, “Oreillettes” are taking over bakeries: thin, crunchy, and flavored with orange blossom water, it delights every foodie. In Lyon, you may enjoy “Bugnes”, a generous and light pastry. Finally, in the French South-West, the “Merveilles” reveal their delicacies and thrill young and old alike.
To taste the best “beignets de Carnaval” in Paris, go to Mamiche, a modern and gourmet bakery in the 9th arrondissement of the capital. Their tasty traditional creations are just waiting for you!
The Carnival
What would Shrove Tuesday be without its inseparable Carnival? Since ancient times, this event has invited people to disguise and change roles: slaves dressed up as masters and masters as slaves. This festival invited everyone to free themselves from social constraints by disguising themselves under a mask, and to thank the gods for the arrival of good weather and the future harvests.
Today, Carnival is still a festival celebrated all over the world and its motto is “bring everyone together”. On 19th February, the traditional Carnival of Paris will begin between Place Gambetta and Place de la République. Participants will be dressed in their best costumes under the theme “The plant world under the stars”. Whether as a participant or an observer, this Parisian event invites you to an authentic and warm moment.
The greenhouses of the Jardin des Plantes
After so many festivities, we invite you to recharge your batteries. And to do this, head for the largest greenhouses of Paris, in the Jardin des Plantes.
Each of the greenhouses will invite you to discover a new world: in the first one, walk among the banana trees, lianas, and ferns. Climb up the rock to enjoy the magnificent panorama, plunging you into the Amazonian Forest. In the adjoining long gallery, the temperature is similar to the one of the greatest deserts and allows you to discover the arid plants that grow in a hostile environment. Finally, a third greenhouse highlights New Caledonia and its unique biodiversity: 76% of the species found on the island exist nowhere else. Take the unique opportunity to observe them in a jungle-like setting.
The greenhouses of the Jardin des Plantes offer you a true change of scene at the heart of Paris.
What have you planned for February in the capital?
See you soon, the Louvre Marsollier Opéra hotel team
To find all our favourite addresses, visit our Instagram account @louvremarsollieroperahotel.
