What to do in Paris this weekend (Feb 13-15)

Looking for a Parisian weekend with a difference? Between an immersive exhibition at the Musée Carnavalet, a film event at L’Arlequin starring Timothée Chalamet, an olfactory experience at the Théâtre Mogador, Lunar New Year festivities in the 13th arrondissement and the perfect idea for lunch in a museum restaurant, here are 5 ways to enjoy Paris without wasting a minute.

Visit a wildly Parisian exhibition at the Musée Carnavalet

Head for the Marais to discover the final days of the exhibition Les Gens de Paris, 1926-1936, presented at the Musée Carnavalet from October 8. The starting point: three censuses of the Parisian population (1926, 1931 and 1936), which provide a fascinating insight into the inter-war period. Portraits, life stories, themes (love, entertainment, neighborhoods, relationship to the city), as well as demographic data, eyewitness accounts, unpublished works, photos and postcards: the tour is like a living fresco. You’ll even come across iconic figures such as Louise Weber (La Goulue), Charles Aznavour, Kiki de Montparnasse and Edith Piaf, alongside “ordinary” residents. The exhibition runs until March 8, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Attempt the Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest at L’Arlequin

L’Arlequin cinema (rue de Rennes, Paris 6e) is getting into the Timothée Chalamet spirit with the release of Marty Supreme, announced for February 18. A sneak preview is scheduled for February 13, in 70 mm silver format, presented as the only one of its kind in Paris. And best of all: L’Arlequin will be holding a Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest at an upcoming screening, with a date announced “very soon” on its networks. On release day, a special screening is also planned, with a live recording of the podcast Anaïs se fait des films, with journalist Anaïs Bordages. The cinema is also announcing entertainment, with ping-pong tables and even a beer pong evening.

Take part in a free olfactory workshop at Théâtre Mogador

Looking for an unusual experience? Théâtre Mogador is offering a free olfactory workshop on Friday February 13, 2026, starting at 10 a.m. in the Salon Barbara. The opportunity to discover Matin à Mogador, a creation by Botanicae Expressions, linked to the venue’s DNA: a spicy unisex fragrance, evoking the awakening of a medina, with notes of oriental spices, nutmeg, vanilla and citrus, on a velvety violet base. The workshop is led by Tiffany Kendziolka (trained at ISIPCA and visually impaired) and promises to explore the construction of a perfume, its accords, and the link between heritage, place and emotion.

Lunar New Year 2026 in the 13th arrondissement

The 13th arrondissement celebrates Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Fire Horse) from February 13 to March 1. For two weeks, the Asian district offers a free program of parades, exhibitions, concerts, dance performances and cultural events, notably around the Place d’Italie. The document also highlights exhibitions at the Mairie du 13e from February 13, and performance highlights such as L’éventail du Printemps (a narrative concert combining guqin, saxophone, percussion and classical dance) and Han Style New Year (Hanfu, calligraphy, tea tastings). The period concludes with a colorful parade through the streets of the district on Sunday, March 1.

Lunch in a museum restaurant to combine culture and pleasure

How about combining a visit with a gourmet break this weekend? The document reminds us that Parisian museums also offer great places to sit down between two exhibitions, and proposes a selection of “Lunch in a museum restaurant: our 10 addresses for combining culture and pleasure”. A simple, effective and very Parisian idea for turning an exhibition into a real day out. Read more.