le 12 Fevrier, 2026
The Paris Postcard is your weekly love letter from Paris—curated highlights, hidden gems, and the latest happenings to inspire your week.
Mid-February in Paris arrives with a softer light and a quieter rhythm. With winter still lingering and vacances scolaires in full swing, the city takes on a slightly different pace—livelier in family-friendly neighborhoods, yet serene in its cafés and side streets. It’s a season of long walks wrapped in scarves, lingering coffee stops, and small cultural discoveries that feel like private secrets. This is a wonderful time to enjoy Paris indoors.
Fashion lovers won’t want to miss this rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into couture history. From February 16 to 18, 2026, Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr opens its doors at 6 Avenue Hoche (8th arrondissement) for a free public exhibition showcasing the wardrobe of a true style icon. The curated collection features 367 Chanel pieces spanning 1995 to 2023, including dresses, coats, cashmere, jewelry, and accessories designed by Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard. Presented ahead of their auction, this elegant preview offers visitors a unique chance to admire three decades of Chanel craftsmanship up close—no invitation required.
Fashionistas can also enjoy a rare double spotlight on haute couture at two landmark venues. In the Marais, the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation presents “Azzedine Alaïa and Christian Dior, Two Masters of Haute Couture,” pairing Dior designs with Alaïa’s own creations to reveal the creative dialogue between two fashion legends. At La Galerie Dior, “Azzedine Alaïa’s Dior Collection” unveils more than 100 pieces from the late designer’s private archive, including hundreds of rarely seen gowns by Christian Dior and his successors. Together, the twin exhibitions run through May 2026 and celebrate both heritage and influence in couture.
Experience the drama and intrigue of Verdi’s Un bal masqué at the Opéra Bastille — a masked ball of love, betrayal, and fate set to some of Verdi’s most compelling music. This vibrant production, running through February 26, 2026, brings the opera to life with sumptuous staging and soaring performances under the direction of Gilbert Deflo.
If ballet is more to your liking, Le Parc at the Palais Garnier is a captivating ballet by Angelin Preljocaj that explores the timeless questions of love, desire, and connection through a blend of classical music by Mozart and contemporary choreography. Set in the sumptuous surroundings of Paris’s iconic opera house, this work runs through February 25, 2026. Performances are sold out but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t purchase a “standby” ticket. I’ve successfully done so myself on a few occasions — this works best for solo travelers. Arrive to Palais Garnier very early, head to the box office, and check for last-minute seat availability. At worst, you can stroll over to the historic Café de la Paix for something delicious.
Mid-February may not be Paris at its flashiest, but it is Paris at its most authentic—graceful, reflective, and endlessly charming. It’s the perfect time to savor the city indoors, enjoying its art, fashion, and performance without the crowds.
#ICYMI
Earlier this week, I shared Five of the Most Romantic Restaurants in Paris—five beautiful spots perfect for lingering dinners, special moments, and Paris at its most romantic.
For a bit of nostalgia, check out my May 2009 post My Top Five Tips for Visiting the Palais Garnier.
Bon weekend!
xoxo, Jeannine
Always interesting and very special! Excellent.
Thank you!