12 rainy-day activities in Paris

When it rains in Paris, there’s no reason to be trapped in your hotel room; there are plenty of things to do in Paris that let you uncover the charm of the city while staying dry. Brighten up your day by exploring the artistic treasures at the Louvre Museum, the works of impressionist masters at Musée d'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou’s cutting-edge modern and contemporary art. Experience the ethereal beauty of Sainte-Chapelle, the tranquility of the Panthéon, and the grandeur of Palais Garnier. Stroll through the charming covered passages and hunt for rare novels in cozy bookstores. Master the art of French cuisine at a cooking class, or if you'd rather, let someone else do the cooking on a dinner cruise along the Seine. Don’t let the rain disrupt your trip; here are 12 things to do in Paris when it gets wet.

1. Lose yourself in the Louvre Museum's vast collection

Escape the rain and spend hours exploring the Louvre Museum, named one of the best museums in Paris, and it’s a title that’s certainly well-deserved. As an epicenter of art, culture, and history in Paris, its vast collection spans thousands of years, including Greek statues and works by Renaissance masters.

Insider tip:

Plan your visit around a few works or galleries to avoid becoming overwhelmed by the 35,000 items on display in the Louvre’s vast collection, or join a guided tour and let someone else do the planning.

Address and opening hours:

Louvre Museum, 75001 Paris, France

Open 9:00 AM-6:00 PM every day except Tuesday. Extended hours on Friday until 9:45 PM. The last entry is an hour before closing.

2. Discover the world of impressionists at the Musée d'Orsay

Step out of the rain and into the stunning former Beaux-Arts railway station that is now home to the Musée d'Orsay. Discover the museum's world-class collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces of Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and Renoir.

Insider tip:

Start your Musée d'Orsay visit on the top floor to escape the crowds and see some of the most iconic post-impressionist works at the museum.

Address and opening hours:

Musée d'Orsay, Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, 75007 Paris, France

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM-6:00 PM with extended hours on Thursday until 9:45 PM. The last entry is an hour before closing.

3. Marvel at modern and contemporary art at the Centre Pompidou

Brighten up your rainy day at Centre Pompidou, a hub for modern and contemporary art. Feast your eyes on the colorful exhibitions with works by Picasso, Matisse, and Frida Khalo.

Insider tip:

Avoid the ticket lines by pre-booking your ticket. Set aside a few hours to thoroughly explore the museum's exhibitions. Don't forget to take a moment to enjoy the amazing city views.

Address and opening hours:

Centre Pompidou, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France

Open 11:00 AM-9:00 PM every day except Tuesday, with extended hours on Thursday until 11:00 PM. The last entry is an hour before closing.

4. Experience the magic of marine life at Aquarium de Paris

Come face-to-face with the mesmerizing underwater world at the Aquarium de Paris. On a rainy day, the aquarium offers a magical escape with thousands of sea creatures to see and learn about.

Highlights:

The Aquarium de Paris is perfect for families or marine enthusiasts to spend the day with 50 tanks, a petting pool, and a cinema that shows National Geographic films.

Address and opening hours:

Paris Aquarium, 5 Av. Albert de Mun, 75016 Paris, France

Open every 10:00 AM-7:00 PM, with the last entry at 6:00 PM.

5. Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Sainte-Chapelle

Enjoy a serene escape from the rain at Sainte-Chappelle, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture boasting towering stained glass windows. Get a visitor guide and ticket, then stroll through the chapel, marveling at the 1,113 individual panels that depict scenes from the Bible.

Insider tip:

On rainy days, arrive early, just after Sainte-Chapelle opens, to experience a more tranquil visit without the usual crowds.

Address and opening hours:

Sainte-Chappelle, 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France

Open every day: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, October to March; 9:00 AM-7:00 PM, April to September. Entry is free on the first Sunday of the month, but it can be extremely busy. The last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

6. Discover the solemn atmosphere of the Panthéon

Journey through France's history as you explore the striking neoclassical Panthéon with its stunning frescoes and famous crypt where the remains of eminent figures who shaped French culture and science lay.

Highlights:

On rainy days, without the crowds, you get to experience the Pantheon for what it is: a mausoleum, a place to respect and reflect on those who shaped France.

Address and opening hours:

Panthéon, Pl. du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, France

Open 10:00 AM-6:30 PM, April to September; 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, October to March. The last entry is 45 minutes before closing.

7. Delve into the haunting network of the Paris Catacombs

See a different side of Paris and escape the rainy city streets as you descend into the Paris Catacombs, the vast network of underground tunnels that serve as an ossuary.

Insider tip:

The catacombs have a daily visitor limit to protect the site, so you must book your ticket in advance. Book a ticket with a guide to make the most of your visit.

Address and opening hours:

Catacombs of Paris, 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:45 AM-8:30 PM, with the last admission at 7:30 PM.

8. Experience the splendor of Palais Garnier

The grandeur of Palais Garnier offers the perfect juxtaposition to the gloom of Paris on a rainy day. Visit this iconic opera house to marvel at its intricate architecture and luxurious splendor.

Insider tip:

Get a glimpse into Parisian opulence with a tour, and if you want to make more of your visit to Palais Garnier, pick up a last-minute ticket and treat yourself to a show.

Address and opening hours:

Palais Garnier, Pl. de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris, France

Open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day except for days when there is a daytime performance or exceptional closures. The last entry is 45 minutes before closing.

9. Shop in picturesque passages

Duck out of the rain and into the city’s architecturally stunning 19th-century covered passages lined with shops and cafes. Journey back in time as you meander through the iconic arcades.

Address and opening hours:

There are many covered passages in the 2nd, 8th, and 9th arrondissements; here are some suggestions.

Passages des Panoramas, 11 Bd Montmartre, 75002 Paris, France

Open daily from 6:00 AM to midnight; store opening hours vary.

Passage du Grand Cerf, 75002 Paris, France

Open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM-7:45 PM.

Passage Jouffroy, 10-12 Bd Montmartre, 75009 Paris, France

Open daily 7:00 AM-9:00 PM.

Galerie de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, France

Open daily 8:00 AM-11:00 PM, closed on Sunday.

Passage Verdeau, 75009 Paris, France

Open 7:30 AM-9:00 PM on weekdays and closes at 8:30 PM on weekends.

10. Immerse yourself in Paris' literary scene

Spend your day exploring Paris' rich literary culture at some iconic bookstores and journey to another world by picking up a book to hunker down with to escape the rain.

Insider tip:

Shakespeare and Company is an iconic bookstore but can become crowded. If you relax, peruse the shelves, and maybe find some rare books, La Librarie du Passage and Librarie Jousseaume are fantastic bookshops to visit.

Address and opening hours:

Shakespeare and Company, 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France

Open 10: 00 AM-8:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.

La Librairie du Passage, 48 Pass. Jouffroy, 75009 Paris, France

Open every day, 10:30 AM-7:00 PM.

Librairie Jousseaume, 45-46-47 Gal Vivienne, 75002 Paris, France

Open Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM.

11. Get hands-on in a Paris cooking class

While it rains, take the opportunity to stay indoors and try your hand at a culinary class. Discover French culinary secrets and learn how to bake perfect baguettes and croissants, or if you want more of a challenge, why not join a macaron class?

Highlights:

Treat yourself and learn a new baking skill that you can bring home from your trip to show your friends and family.

12. Cruise through the heart of Paris

Even on rainy days, Seine River cruises offer amazing views of Paris' most iconic landmarks. Float along the river on a covered boat past Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Pont Neuf, and Hotel de Ville.

Highlights:

Enjoy a more relaxing cruise with fewer crowds on rainy days. Join an evening cruise and enjoy the enhanced magic of the lights shimmering as they reflect on the wet surfaces.

FAQ

What are the best indoor activities in Paris for rainy days?

Paris is home to many amazing museums and galleries like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou, which you can easily spend an entire day in to escape the rain. If you want to add some pizzazz to a dismal rainy day, visit the Palais Garnier and maybe even catch a show.

Are there unique experiences in Paris that are ideal for rainy days?

Rainy days tend to keep the crowds at bay, allowing for more intimate experiences at historic landmarks. Visiting Sainte-Chappelle or the Panthéon on a rainy day is unique as it allows you to experience the tranquility of the spaces and reflect on the architecture, art, and culture at the epicenter of these landmarks.

Can you still enjoy a Seine River cruise when it’s raining?

Many of the cruises have covered and heated areas that allow you to stay dry and warm on rainy days. Check the weather in advance, but as long as it is not downpouring, the views will be unobstructed, and you can still enjoy sightseeing in the city's center.

What are some kid-friendly activities in Paris for a rainy day?

One of the best kid-friendly activities in Paris on a rainy day is the Aquarium de Paris. This massive aquarium houses a vast array of marine life from France and aboard. With petting pools, screenings, and 50 tanks, kids can explore the underwater world for hours.

Are there any good shopping spots for rainy days in Paris?

If you are a shopping enthusiast who wants to spend a rainy day looking for some great finds, avoid the department stores and explore the historic covered passages like Passages des Panoramas or Passage Jouffroy. Paris also has a great literary culture, which means there are many amazing bookstores like the famous Shakespeare and Company or look for rare books at Librairie Jousseaume.