What to Do in Paris When It Rains? Our Favorite Ideas to Escape the Rain!
When visiting Paris, rain can feel like an interruption to your plans. However, the City of Lights offers numerous indoor activities that capture its magic even on a rainy day. Here's our selection of the best things to do in Paris when the rain starts falling, helping you make the most of your trip.
1. Explore Parisian Museums: The Louvre and Beyond
Paris is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums, making it a perfect destination for rainy days. Beyond the iconic Louvre Museum, where you can spend hours admiring masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, Paris offers a range of indoor cultural havens.
- Musée d'Orsay: A former railway station, the Musée d'Orsay houses a rich collection of impressionist art by artists like Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh.
- Musée de l'Orangerie: Located in the Tuileries Garden, this museum is famous for Monet’s monumental Water Lilies paintings.
- Centre Pompidou: Dive into contemporary and modern art with works from Picasso, Kandinsky, and more. Its unique architecture and extensive collections make it a must-visit.
- Musée Rodin: While the gardens may not be appealing in the rain, the indoor collection of Rodin’s sculptures and paintings is mesmerizing.
Pro Tip: Purchase a Paris Museum Pass to skip the lines and enjoy over 50 museums and monuments, rain or shine.
2. Indulge in Parisian Cafés and Patisseries
Parisian cafés are more than just places to grab a coffee—they are cultural institutions where you can relax, people-watch, and escape the rain. Nestle into a cozy corner of one of these classic Parisian spots:
- Café de Flore: One of the oldest and most famous cafés in Paris, located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Enjoy a warm croissant or a hot chocolate while soaking in the intellectual ambiance that once attracted writers like Jean-Paul Sartre.
- Les Deux Magots: Another historic café known for its literary history, situated right next to Café de Flore.
- Angelina Paris: Famous for its rich, creamy hot chocolate (the "Chocolat L'Africain") and divine pastries, Angelina is a Parisian institution not to be missed.
Pro Tip: Try "Le Mont Blanc" pastry at Angelina, a delightful mix of chestnut cream, whipped cream, and meringue, perfect for a rainy-day indulgence.
3. Discover Parisian Covered Passages
Paris is home to several hidden covered passages (or “passages couverts”)—elegant, glass-roofed shopping arcades dating back to the 19th century. These passages offer a perfect retreat from the rain, with their eclectic shops, cafés, and art galleries.
- Passage des Panoramas: One of the oldest passages in Paris, it’s full of antique shops and delightful bistros.
- Galerie Vivienne: A stunning neoclassical gallery featuring high-end boutiques, tea rooms, and antique bookshops. Its marble mosaic flooring and elegant architecture create a charming escape from the rain.
- Passage Jouffroy: A quaint passage that connects to Passage des Panoramas, home to the Grévin Wax Museum.
These picturesque passages provide an off-the-beaten-path experience, perfect for leisurely rainy-day exploration.
4. Take a Cooking Class
Why not use the rainy weather as an opportunity to hone your culinary skills? Paris is the epicenter of French cuisine, and taking a cooking class is a fun, interactive way to experience it firsthand.
- Le Cordon Bleu: World-famous for its culinary training, Le Cordon Bleu offers short classes where you can learn how to make classic French dishes.
- Cook’n with Class: Located in Montmartre, this intimate cooking school teaches you how to prepare everything from croissants to macarons, perfect for bringing a taste of Paris back home.
By the end of the class, you'll have not only learned French culinary secrets but also enjoyed a delicious meal.
5. Enjoy Live Performances at Iconic Venues
Paris boasts a wealth of indoor entertainment options. When the weather turns, consider attending a live performance at one of these iconic venues:
- Opéra Garnier: Known for its opulent interior, the Opéra Garnier is a stunning venue for ballets and operas. Even if you can’t attend a show, you can take a tour of the breathtaking architecture.
- Théâtre des Champs-Élysées: This theatre hosts a range of performances, from classical concerts to contemporary plays.
- Le Moulin Rouge: For a classic Parisian experience, head to the Moulin Rouge for a night of can-can dancing, dazzling costumes, and captivating performances.
Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance, as popular performances tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
6. Escape to a Spa for Some Relaxation
Pamper yourself with a luxurious spa day, a great way to unwind while avoiding the rain. Paris is home to numerous world-class spas, many of which offer traditional French beauty treatments:
- Spa My Blend by Clarins at Le Royal Monceau: A luxury spa known for its personalized facials and calming environment.
- Shangri-La Hotel Spa: With its serene atmosphere and extensive treatment list, this spa is a sanctuary in the heart of Paris.
- Molitor Paris Spa by Clarins: Nestled within a historic Art Deco swimming pool, this spa offers both relaxation and a sense of Parisian history.
Paris’s magnificent churches are not only places of worship but also architectural marvels that can be enjoyed indoors. Escape the rain by stepping into these awe-inspiring sanctuaries:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: Though still under restoration after the 2019 fire, visitors can admire the exterior or explore nearby exhibits about the cathedral's history.
- Sainte-Chapelle: This Gothic masterpiece is renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows, which depict over 1,100 scenes from the Bible.
8. Wander Through Large Department Stores
Paris’s grand department stores offer a blend of shopping and architectural beauty, making them a great rainy-day activity. Here are two must-visit spots:
- Galeries Lafayette: With its stunning Art Nouveau glass dome and terrace offering panoramic views, Galeries Lafayette is more than just a shopping destination. Don’t forget to explore the food hall, where you can indulge in gourmet delights.
9. Take a Cruise on the Seine (In a Covered Boat)
While a typical Seine river cruise is often associated with sunny days, taking a cruise in a covered boat can be just as magical during the rain. As the raindrops fall on the glass ceiling, you’ll get to witness the beauty of Paris from a different perspective, all while staying warm and dry.
Several companies offer covered cruises that provide panoramic views of iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre, even in wet weather.
Recommended Cruises:
- Bateaux Parisiens: Known for its glass-covered boats, this company offers sightseeing cruises and dinner cruises that run rain or shine.
- Vedettes de Paris: A smaller, more intimate cruise company with covered boats, perfect for a quieter experience on the Seine.
Pro Tip: Opt for a dinner cruise for a romantic evening on the Seine, enjoying French cuisine while taking in the illuminated cityscape.
10. Shop at Parisian Food Markets
Paris is renowned for its gourmet food culture, and even when it rains, you can explore some of the city’s best indoor food markets. These bustling markets are great places to discover fresh produce, cheeses, charcuterie, and other culinary delights.
- Marché des Enfants Rouges: The oldest covered market in Paris, located in the Marais. Here, you can find everything from fresh flowers to artisanal bread and international cuisine. Be sure to try a crepe or a Moroccan tajine for lunch.
- Le Marché Beauvau: Located in the Marché d'Aligre neighborhood, this covered market is a hub of fresh food and French gastronomy, with everything from oysters to truffles.
- Marché Saint-Quentin: One of the most vibrant and diverse indoor markets in Paris, offering fresh meat, seafood, fruits, and cheeses. It’s perfect for those looking to sample local delicacies while avoiding the rain.
Pro Tip: If you're renting an apartment or staying in an Airbnb, pick up ingredients from these markets and cook a traditional French meal at home, making your rainy day in Paris extra special.
11. Learn Something New at the Paris Science Museums
If you're a fan of science, technology, or history, Paris has a selection of fascinating museums perfect for inquisitive minds. These interactive and educational spaces provide hours of indoor entertainment, ideal for rainy days.
- Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie: One of Europe’s largest science museums, featuring exhibits on space exploration, biology, and digital technology. It’s a great spot for families with kids, thanks to its hands-on displays and interactive workshops.
- Musée des Arts et Métiers: Dedicated to the history of technology and innovation, this museum houses a collection of inventions and machines, from early automobiles to scientific instruments.
12. Escape to the Aquarium de Paris
Located in the Trocadéro Gardens, the Aquarium de Paris is a family-friendly destination that offers an underwater escape from the rain. The aquarium features over 10,000 sea creatures, including sharks, jellyfish, and tropical fish. There are also interactive exhibits and workshops, making it an ideal choice for families with children.
Pro Tip: Visit during the aquarium’s live feeding sessions, where you can watch divers feed the sharks and learn about marine life conservation efforts.
13. Try a Wine Tasting Experience
Rainy days are the perfect excuse to indulge in some wine tasting while learning about French viticulture. Paris offers several wine cellars and tasting rooms where you can sample some of France’s finest wines.
- O Chateau: A well-known wine bar in the heart of Paris, offering expert-led wine tastings that cover everything from Bordeaux to Champagne. Their tastings are informative yet relaxed, making it a perfect indoor activity.
- Les Caves du Louvre: This historic wine cellar, once owned by King Louis XV’s sommelier, provides a unique wine-tasting experience. You can tour the cellars and sample a variety of French wines while learning about the winemaking process.
Pro Tip: Sign up for a wine and cheese pairing session to truly immerse yourself in French culinary culture.
14. Visit Literary Haunts and Bookstores
Paris has long been a haven for writers and intellectuals, and the city’s legendary bookstores and literary spots provide a cozy refuge from the rain.
- Shakespeare and Company: A historic English-language bookstore on the Left Bank, near Notre-Dame. It’s a favorite of literary lovers, and its cozy reading nooks offer the perfect space to lose yourself in a good book.
- La Librairie Galignani: The oldest English-language bookstore on the continent, located near the Louvre, offers an impressive selection of art books and literature.
- Le Procope: The oldest café in Paris, where intellectuals like Voltaire and Rousseau once gathered. This café-restaurant is a perfect spot to reflect on Paris's literary heritage while enjoying a cup of coffee.
15. Take in the City’s Hidden Gems
Rain often makes the crowds disappear, giving you a unique opportunity to explore some of Paris’s hidden gems with fewer people around.
- Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature: Located in the Marais, this museum combines art, history, and naturalism in an unexpected and thought-provoking way.
- The Catacombs of Paris: If you're up for a slightly eerie adventure, explore the underground catacombs, home to the bones of over six million Parisians. This subterranean experience provides an unusual but fascinating escape from the rain.
Pro Tip: Bring a jacket, as the catacombs remain cool and damp year-round, regardless of the weather above ground.
Final Thoughts
Paris is a city that never ceases to enchant, even when the weather doesn't cooperate. With a wealth of indoor activities ranging from museum visits to gourmet experiences, rainy days in Paris can be just as fulfilling and memorable as sunny ones. Whether you're indulging in French pastries, exploring hidden passages, or attending a live performance, you'll find no shortage of things to do in the City of Lights—rain or shine.
