Feb 8th, 2017, 01:55 PM

February in France

By Lillian Wagner
Image Credit: Unsplash
Where to go and what to do in the dreaded 'F' month.

February in France is dreaded due to the cold, gray days and the lack of vitamin C from scarce sunshine. France doesn't go on strike for the month of February (surprise), but life goes on as normal. In the month of gloom and doom, there are directions in France which you can go to for a small getaway. 

North of France 

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Considering the stereotype of rain and clouds, Normandy doesn't seem like the perfect February getaway. Lille or Amiens might change your mind with the quaint views, winding streets, and delicious food. In Amiens, be sure to take your camera, buy a crepe, and walk along the cobblestone streets. While in Lille, be sure to grab yourself a famous dessert waffle made with Madagascar Vanilla, from Meert. These desserts have been around since 1761 serving French and international taste buds. Lille has a beautiful Cathedrale de Notre-Dame towering over the brassy toned houses, be sure to check it out. Take a trip to one of the famous cities in the north of France by OUIBUS or SNCF train from €30 round trip. 

East of France

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Hitting the slopes and drinking some cidre is sure to cure the February flu. Heading to the east of France and staying a week or two in a chalet can give you the coziness cure. The best town, Tignes, is popular during the February school holiday breaks in France. The slopes are nice for the intermediate level skier, and at an affordable price, so go ahead and hit the slopes with a refreshing beer afterwards. The best chances for getting away to the slopes would be by train from Paris or renting a car and heading East. Don't be discouraged by the travel prices because the slopes will slide those February worries right off your back. 

South of France  

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As it seems the least likely month of the year for singing in the streets and taking your chances at carnival games, Nice takes their February carnival very seriously. Happy travelers from around the world join locals in a happy upbeat celebration. Let the February blues drift away on the French Rivera for two weeks between February 13th and March 1st. To get your dancing spirit down to the south of France, look at EasyJet and AirFrance for affordable air travel around €80 round trip or take your chances with SNCF train travel. 

West of France 

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To get over the unspeakable month, wine is a must. Head to Bordeaux, also known as the Lonely Planets Number One Place to Travel 2017. In the city center, you can stroll the streets with ease to see all of the famous sites such as Cité du Vin (known as the adult amusement park), Eglise Saint Pierre, or Place de la Bourse. Bordeaux centreville isn't all that the south has to offer. Many castles and domains which produce wine are accessible to the public, and chances are that, because of the offseason travel to the west, the managers and oenologists will be able to spend one-on-one time for all your intriguing red wine questions for the month of pink and red. Plan your wine getaway with SNCF and TGV in mind for your travel by train. 

Can't decide which direction to run in? Take our quiz and get ready to pack!