Best Things To Do In Paris On A Rainy Day
Ultimately, whenever we visit a city, we all hope the weather is the best possible or at least it doesn’t rain. And let me tell you that rain is a thing here, so you’re better off planning what to do by knowing those ten best things to do in Paris on a rainy day.
However, now you can’t plan which day it will rain, so even if you looked at the forecast in advance, you might still be greeted by rain during your trip. And this can happen whilst you visit Paris.
And then again, maybe you’ll find walking in the city of love under the rain quite romantic. Luckily, there are ways to make the most of your visit, even during the rain. Here is what to do in Paris when it rains.
Best Things To Do In Paris On A Rainy Day
Undoubtedly, when it comes to activities on a rainy day, it’s all about indoor activities. Luckily for you, Paris has many indoor activities; thus, you’ll still be able to make the most of your visit.
From famous landmarks, covered passages and fun off-the-beaten-path things to do in Paris, you’ll find the best activities to do in Paris on a rainy day.
Having lived in Paris for most of my life, I spent countless rainy days in the capital.
Hopefully, you’ll have good weather on your Paris vacation, but if not, you have some great options listed here, and you’ll find the best one for you.
What To Do In Paris In Paris On A Rainy Day?
A rainy day in Paris (or several) doesn’t have to ruin your trip!
While Paris doesn’t have a rainy season per se, you could say the “rainy season in Paris” occurs from autumn to early January. According to a quick Google search, December is the month with the most precipitation.
1- Visit Paris’ Museums
You knew about this one; it’s the most obvious. Paris is a city full of history, home to hundreds of artists during the nineties and more. You can find 206 museums in Paris with various themes and exhibits.
The most famous one has to be Le Louvre. Le Louvre is one of the most prominent museums in Paris, so check out these top tips to prepare for your visit to Le Louvre!
Close by Le Musée d’Orsay, which not only has a lot of pieces of art but used to be a station with a beautiful clock inside and is also one of the most significant museums in Europe.
Buy tickets online for: Le Louvre & Musée d’Orsay
You can also find museums such as:
- Musée des Arts Décoratifs
- Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine
- Musée du Quai Branly
- Musée National du Moyen Age
- The Centre Pompidou
- Musée de l’orangerie (you can get a bundle ticket for both musée de l’orangerie & musée d’orsay if you wish)
If you’re wondering if the Paris Museum Pass is worth it, check this out, as this can help you decide if you want to buy it!
2- Explore Paris Covered Passages
Paris has plenty of covered passages which show you a glimpse of the past, as it feels like stepping right into it when you walk into those galleries.
Here is a list of all the most beautiful passages you can find in Paris:
Those are all located within the 2nd arrondissements of Paris, so you can easily walk from one to another!
- Passage des Panoramas
- Passage des Princes
Galerie Vivienne
- Passage du Grand-Cerf
- Galerie Colbert
- Passage Choiseul
This list is only a tiny part of the covered passages you can find in Paris; I have a complete post to help you uncover all the secret passages in Paris for you to explore.
Also, one great thing about all those beautiful covered passages in Paris is that they are all free, and if you’re visiting Paris on a budget, check out those 50 free things to do in Paris! Another helpful resource you want to check out to plan your Paris trip is those great Paris travel apps!
3- Go Shopping In Paris: Plenty of excellent shopping malls in Paris
I know, I know, you can also do this at home. But Paris has fantastic shopping malls with brilliant architecture and decor from the beginning of the century. So that’s why you shouldn’t go shopping anywhere.
One of my favourites is Les Galeries Lafayette, where the architecture of the building in itself is a masterpiece but also changes its decoration nearly every season (the most beautiful setup is usually on Christmas)
Printemps Haussmann is another well-made shopping centre nearby; it also offers a free rooftop view of Paris!
There are many more shopping centres than those two in Paris. Still, those are the most interesting to visit, not solely for shopping but also to enjoy the architecture and decorations. You can also check out the best shopping malls in Paris.
READ: BEST THINGS TO DO IN PARIS IN WINTER
4- Visit The Underground of Paris: Explore the Paris’ Catabombs and Sewers
And no, by underground, I don’t mean the public transportation; it’s the Metro here, by the way.
There’s more beneath your feet than you may think in Paris. So visiting the underground on a rainy day is a good idea.
Paris’ Sewers
- You can explore the sewers of Paris – Sure, it’s not the most glamorous activity to do, but you can learn a lot about Paris’ history there – I promise.
Paris’ Catacombs
- Take a visit to the Catacombs – a little more glamorous? Okay, not really, but you can explore a part of the catacombs (only 1.7km, which represents only 0.5% of its surface; imagine how vast it is)
Notre-Dame Crypt
- Go under Notre Dame to visit the crypt – many people think about visiting Notre Dame, but not many people think of exploring under the cathedral.
5- Drink Hot Chocolate and Eat Delicious Desserts
Paris and France are generally famous for their excellent food and desserts. If the weather makes you feel down, why not comfort yourself with yummy food and a hot (or cold) beverage?
Of course, if you fancy some macarons, you must head to La Durée; however, there’s more than La Durée regarding Macarons, so you should check out Elisabeth’s list of the best Macarons in Paris.
Another famous spot for desserts you can check out is Angelina.
A little bonus: if you like tea and cake, you can go to Nina’s Paris to drink delicious tea brew with flowers directly picked from Versailles’ Garden.
READ: PROS AND CONS OF VISITING PARIS IN WINTER
6- Plan A Visit of the Beautiful Palais Garnier
Located in the 9th Arrondissement of Paris is a gorgeous neo-baroque opera.
You don’t need to appreciate the Opera to enjoy the beauty of the architecture and elegant decoration, which are stunning from both the outside and the inside.
Of course, if you want to go and watch an Opera, you can also do it!
7- Visit Some Of Paris Many Churches and Cathedrals
Another activity you can do perfectly on a rainy day is exploring Paris’ numerous cathedrals and churches. Their fine architecture and beautiful stained glasses make them a pleasure for the eyes.
Here are some you can visit:
- I couldn’t make a list without including the beautiful Notre Dame; however, be careful, as the queue can be quite long. The cathedral has been under construction since the fire in 2019, and the end of the repair is planned for 2024. So it’s not the best when it’s raining.
- Sainte Chapelle – You can find a cute Chapelle, less visited Behind Notre Dame,
- Basilique du Sacré-Cœur – located near Montmartre stands the Basilica; you can also have a great view of Paris.
- Paroisse Saint-Eustache – a lesser-known church in the 1st arrondissement of Paris.
8- Visit Greenhouses in Paris On A Rainy Day
Greenhouses are good options if you enjoy discovering new plants worldwide and educating yourself on the subject.
Besides, they’re usually delightful to visit; a bit of nature in a concrete jungle can never hurt.
Here are the three primary and most beautiful greenhouses you can find in Paris:
- Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil
- Serre du Jardin des Plantes
- Serres du Sénat in the Jardin du Luxembourg
9- Discover Castle Near Paris
Unlike La Loire, Paris isn’t exactly famous for castles; however, you can still find some unique and fancy courts to explore to avoid the rain.
- Chateau De Versailles -> I probably don’t need to introduce this castle as it is perhaps one of France’s most famous castles!
- Chateau de Fontainebleau -> A less known castle than Versailles’ if you want to know more about Fontainebleau, check out this post.
- Chateau de Chantilly -> If you go up North from Paris, you can find Chantilly’s stunning castle and domain!
10 – Visit Paris’ Beautiful Aquarium at Porte Doree
Do you like sea life and exotic fish? Then, it would help if you headed out to Paris’ colourful aquarium. Built in 1931, this aquarium is a great thing to do on a rainy in Paris.
It is beautiful and displays and raises awareness for flora and fauna from tropical water.
11- SEIZE THE MOMENT
This might sound a bit silly, but you also have to remember to do with what you have.
So, ultimately, one more thing you can do if it rains in Paris: embrace it, just as Gil said in Midnight In Paris.
Also, if you enjoy taking photos, Paris on a rainy day has many charms, and it’s the perfect time to get some fantastic puddles reflecting photos.
Can you picture how drop dead gorgeous this city is in the rain?
While you may think exploring in the rain isn’t pleasant, you’d be surprised how much the storm can change a city; it can be a charming experience. So grab your umbrella, put your hoodie on, and explore. As cheesy as this sounds, you may fall in love with a side of Paris you’d have never expected to see.
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BEST THINGS TO DO IN PARIS ON A RAINY DAY
✈ Best Travel Ressources To Plan Your Next Trip
✈ How To Find Flights?
– Skyscanner; it is a good comparator for finding the cheapest flights.
– Google Flights is also a good help when comparing flights.
✈ Where To Book Accommodations?
– Booking.com: plenty of options and ways to get discounts the more you book.
✈ Best Sites To Book Activities
– GetYourGuide when I can’t get a ticket directly on the website or if it’s easier to go through them.
– Klook if you need to book more than just activities and would like to get everything from the same website or different day trips—(i.e. transport cards, car rental, hotel…).
✈ Other helpful travel resources
– Radical Storage: If you need a place to keep your luggage for an extended period when you travel, I recommend using them.
– TheTrainline: If you love to travel by train like me, then TheTrainline needs to be your go-to website for train travel in Europe.
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Disclaimer: This resources box contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you book anything through my links at no additional cost. These links help me support the blog and generate more content. Happy travels!
So many great ideas! Paris is one of those cities that is beautiful and magical no matter what the weather is. A bit of rain actually makes the city feel kind of romantic 🙂 The museums and food are my go-to when it’s raining. I haven’t been to the covered passages yet, so I’ll have to check them out next time I’m in Paris!
That’s true, rain really change the atmosphere! You should, they’re really charming 🙂
This is a lovely list. I hope it doesn’t rrain when I visit Paris
Nevertheless I will keep this list handy for if it’s does
Thanks for sharing
Wish I had this on my last Paris trip! Saving this post for when I go next time 🙂 ! But I can vouch for Versailles on a rainy day – that place is always stunning!
It is a truly amazing place!
Wonderful post and really helpful
Thank you 🙂
Happy I came across your post since I will be visiting Paris next month. These are great ideas rain or not, but they will definitely be useful if it rains while I am there! Sometimes I like when it rains though because then I can get shots of the wet, shiny streets! So your #10 Seize the Moment is a definite!
You can also get great puddlegram ahah :D!
What a fun post! I happen to love rain. I’ve only been to Paris once – and that was years ago. But after reading your post, I’m wondering if I wouldn’t enjoy a return visit. I may watch the forecast for rain, haha!
Great list ! I really love this city. I’ve been to Paris many times trying to uncover more layers of the city on each visit. I remember the first time I went there, I spent the day wandering among some of the main tourist attractions, stopping for café lattes and macaroons, shopping in the boutique stores and generally loving every corner of this gorgeous city ! And when it rains the atmosphere is completely different but the city is still charming and there are so many things to do…
I think maybe I don’t love Pairs because I had not read your post. I have been twice but never visited many of these places. I have always meant to explore the underground but never have, and I certainly have never shopped or eaten desserts.
It rained one of the days I was in Paris, and I spent the afternoon exploring Le Louvre. When we were done our museum tour we exited to sunny skies again. There is so much to do in Paris, rain or shine!
Wonderful ideas. I loved the covered walkways when I was there on my own. Would always love to return to explore the catacombs and underground. The greenhouses are a brillant idea too. Thanks!
I wish i read this like a year ago!! But its such good info for the next time i go to Paris. Love the pics!!
Such a great post. It’s always nice to find a post that gives things to do in the rain. I didn’t know about the undergrounds, so that’s a great option!
Aone great tips here for exploring on a rainy day, you can forget how limited you can be exploring in bad weather. Would you believe I’ve not been to Paris yet, but will certainly be saving these tips.
So cool. I was lucky and the weather was sunny during my trips to Paris. However, I’d love to see the city in a rainy day. Great tips!
I have been fortunate that the 5 times I have been to Paris I had read weather (yes I know very lucky indeed). However, you have really pointed out some great sights to see and how to stay dry for when that bad weather does come. Also there is a couple of spots on here I still need to see- read excuse to go back!
I love the idea of strolling through Paris’s covered passages on a rainy day. Thanks for the idea and the route!
I just came back from Paris. I wish I had seen this post earlier 🙂 This is going to help me plan my next trip! Fontainebleau’s Castle looks beautiful
I LOVED this post so much girl! It’s actually amazing because there’s so many places you listed that I never even heard of before. I’d love to eat desserts and go to a greenhouse with you soon! ?❤️
Nice post! I definitely think that the best thing to do in Paris is eat- rainy day or not! I’d swap out the desserts for cheese though 🙂
I so wish I had of read this before going. It rained non stop for the first few days. So many beautiful things to do in all weather.
I love this city but haven’t done half of these things yet! I think it’s time to go back 🙂
Haven’t been to Paris yet but heard so many wonderful things about this city. It seems that everyone I’m meeting is loving it, I guess it’s time to start looking into tickets too 🙂
#5 sounds perfect! If the rain is going to try to put a damper on your trip to Paris, beat it by eating desserts! 🙂
Some great attractions here. The Louvre is still one of my favourites to do in Paris
I am dying to go back to Paris and do the Catacombs but there is just so much more than I realized! Great post!
Some great ideas here. I love Paris! Fortunately the weather has always been great for us but heading back late November, so I will keep this list handy just in case!!
I think I could spend all days in museums and eating sweets. 🙂
Lots of great ideas! I’ve been to Paris many times and never did any of the underground things you mentioned except for the crypt in Notre Dame. Just another reason to go back.
I would love to go to Paris! I think if I got caught in the rain I would probably just eat all of the delicious food all day!
What a great idea for a post! Rain can be so inconvenient but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. These are great ideas – though the way desserts one sounds dangerous! ?
There’s so much to do and see in Europe on rainy days because all the architecture is so beautiful! The Galerie Lafayette looks incredible! I would love to see it in person one day <3
What a great list! Paris is amazing rain or shine and these are some awesome suggestions for when dealing with the rain.
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Great ideas to utilise your time during the rains.thanks for sharing the list. I am saving it for later
What a fabulous idea for a post, rainy days can be great discovery days
Very good idea :). It is always more challenging to find things to do when it is raining. But sometimes you have only 2 days to visit a city and whatever the weather you are here to enjoy it. I love the Palais Garnier – I think it is a great suggestion :). We visited the crypts under Notre-Dame – it is a really interesting visit and perfect for a rainy day !
I’ve been to Paris a few times, it’s one of my favorite cities. But I haven’t seen everything on your list! Now I can’t wait to go back ?
The catacombs are a great idea for a rainy day – but I imagine those lines get really long!! I went early in the morning and had to wait for over an hour, and the weather was wonderful. I’ll have to check out the covered passages someday, though; I hadn’t heard of them!
The covered passages of Paris are really worth a visit x
Great ideas! I love the history, the museums and castles. Paris is the perfect place to enjoy all of it. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you x
I love it when there are alternative things you can do in case it rains at your destination. It definitely is a handy list and every city should have a “rainy day” guide. 🙂
True! It always helps to have an alternative!
Oh, Paris in the rain always reminds me of the movie, “Midnight in Paris”. What wonderful suggestions you gave. I’d love to wander the covered passages and I highly recommend St. Chapelle Cathedral. The underground sounds intriguiging too.
I love “Midnight in Paris” too. And oh, those covered passages! We missed those when we were there. We loved St. Chapelle and Notre Dame. I didn’t realize it was open again. We still have so much more to see there. We didn’t even make it to the Louvre or Versailles. I can’t wait to get back.
the castles in paris are my favorite rainy day activity – you can spend all day exploring inside! <3
I live in Paris and on a rainy day I often stay inside but you are right, these activities are just perfect for a rainy day. These covered passages are amazing and one of the places I go to when it is cold, or very hot in summer.
I love this alternative guide to visiting Paris when it’s raining! Adding some of these spots to my list.
Great ideas! It’s fortunate that paris has so many amazing indoors attractions – especially all the museums!