Are you considering travelling in February? There are lots of great reasons to vacation at this undervalued and overlooked time of year, particularly if you were thinking about booking a vacation rental in France.
If you can’t wait until the summer for your next getaway and you’re looking to unwind and take in some incredible sights, then it’s a wonderful choice. From fascinating local traditions to particular quirks of the season, spending time in on holiday in France in February might just surprise you...
Weather and Cost
While you can expect winter weather no matter where you are in France at this time of the year – though, of course, it will be milder in the south – there is something to be said for the particular kind of chilly beauty that cold conditions can lend to many landscapes. Many find Paris to be quite lovely in the cold and this is also true of plenty of other cities and destinations across the country. Certainly, for ski breaks in the ski areas of France, the snowy conditions of this time of the year are especially conducive to things going off without a hitch! Pair all of this with smaller tourist crowds you can expect as the warmer weather has yet to come and draw them all and that the festivities of Christmas are in the rear view mirror as well as the lower costs associated with travelling out of season, there are ample reasons to explore France in February.
The Alps and Skiing
From buzzy ski resorts with an exciting nightlife, to chic luxury spots, to towns that have attracted ski enthusiasts for decades, France has no shortage of incredible ski destinations. There are also plenty of options that are family-friendly and, importantly, high-altitude examples where the ski season stretches easily into spring. Well-established but often cutting edge and always improving, the skiing in France is one of the best reasons to visit in February. Plus, not only are there gorgeous examples to be found in the Alps but there are also some quality resorts in the French Pyrenees as well. So, whether you book a vacation rental in the Alps or a holiday rental near the Pyrenees, you'll be able to enjoy the incredible skiing experience on offer in France this February! We recently highlighted some particularly excellent examples of ski rentals in France with availability in February 2026 in this article.
Nice and Carnival Celebrations in France
Each year Nice hosts famous Carnival celebrations. The 2026 edition is set to take place from the 11th of February until the 1st of March and includes the traditional parades in addition to a diverse programme of events, celebrations, and festivities. Taking place in the final days before Lent until early spring, the tradition goes back some 700 years and has been a large-scale affair since the 19th century. The costumes, themed parade, the music, the celebrations, and all of the different events basically turn Nice into one big, colourful party for the duration of the festival. So, if you book a villa in Nice or a vacation rental in Provence and plan day-trips to Nice, you’ll be able to join in on the totally transformative and unforgettable excitement! If you're thinking about heading further north, meanwhile, Dunkirk is also well-known for their carnival festival, though of course many other towns and cities will have their own traditions as well, if on a smaller scale.
Provence and Art Tours and Adventure
Love art? Or hiking? Adventure? Well, while the February weather might not make for ideal conditions to stretch out along the Côte D'Azur, it will be perfect for really getting out and exploring the region. Follow in the footsteps of beloved artists who flocked to the area throughout the ages by visiting Cézanne’s studio in Aix-en-Provence, taking in the places Van Gogh frequented in Arles, and more. Furthermore, these towns themselves are perfect to explore at this time of the year, without serious tourist crowds in your way and without the strong summer sun beating down on you, allowing long lazy days of popping into coffee shops, wandering boutiques, visiting museums, and getting just a little bit lost in the most picturesque places. If you want to stretch your legs further, these same mild weather conditions make hiking and cycling through the vineyards and along the coast in this magic part of the world very pleasant indeed! Just book a villa in Provence and have it to yourself (almost) this February!
Winter Jazz
Jazz festivals are found all over France and throughout most of the year, though many take place during the summer months. Come in February, however, and book a vacation rental in Normandy or if you are staying in the north of France near the Hauts-de-France region then you might decide to add a little winter jazz to your life by visiting the Le Touquet Jazz Festival. A big event that takes over a charming seaside resort, it sees Le Touquet play host to a vibrant programme of concerts, workshops, and musical events in spaces all throughout town. The 2026 edition is set to kick off on the 25th of February and continue until the 1st of March.
