Rainy Day in Paris? 20 Exciting Indoor Adventures You Can’t Miss

Paris is a joy to explore on a sunny day. But even if the weather turns, a rainy day doesn’t have to dampen your plans. As the saying goes, “Paris is always a good idea,” even when it’s raining.

Although your scheduled plans may change from your original agenda, there are endless ways to enjoy Paris on an inclement day. I’ve put together 20 ideas for making the best of things on a rainy day to still have a memorable time in Paris.

Let’s start by listing all the great and not-so-obvious things you can add to your itinerary when it rains in Paris, France.

1. Visit a Lesser-Known Museum

Visiting a museum is the most obvious thing to do on a rainy day, so let’s address this activity first.

You could spend a rainy day visiting the popular Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, or Musée de l’Orangerie, but these venues will be highly crowded with others trying to escape the weather. Consider trying some of these lesser-known museums:

• Musée des Arts Forains offers a spectacular visual collection of vintage carnival items. You can even play games and ride on rides!
• If you’re a fan of singer Edith Piaf, her apartment, now the Musée Edith Piaf, would be an interesting addition to your museum list. Admission is free by appointment, and the narration is only in French.
• Appreciate the artworks of Dali, Van Gogh, and more at the Ateliers des Lumières. The museum hosts an immersive light show that allows you to experience art differently.
• Speaking of art, did you know that Paris has a Picasso Museum and a Dali Museum? Each is worth visiting if you’re a fan of either artist.
• The National Museum of Natural History is a place to view new plant species, hang with the animals, and discover the paleoanthropological past. If you enjoy gardens, animals, fossils, or other natural wonders, you’ll enjoy this museum.

2. Forage for a (G-Rated) French Bed Picnic

I first discovered bed picnics in Italy. My fiancé at the time worked all day and did not always want to eat out when he returned to the hotel. As I explored the city during the day, I would forage the neighborhoods for unique local food items, colorful fabric for a picnic base, and a nice wine. I would then prepare an evening picnic on the bed that we could enjoy in our tiny hotel room, which had no table.

My fiancé is long gone, but the bed picnic tradition lives on. Paris is the perfect destination to forage for a rainy-day bed picnic instead of eating out.

3. Take a Photographic Ride on the Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus

A hop-on, hop-off bus ride is a great way to get to know a city and discover its layout. However, taking the bus in the rain is less exciting. There is, however, a way to make it more fun.

Taking photos through the rainy windows of the bus can be fun and yield lovely results. You can make it a challenge to capture all of Paris’s iconic sights through a rainy window.

Hot Tip:

When purchasing a hop-on, hop-off bus ticket, purchase the boat cruise add-on. This way, you pay a discounted price compared to buying the ticket separately.

4. Cruise the River Seine

There’s nothing better than listening to classic French cafe music, cruising the Seine, and watching the city lights turn on.

If you purchase the add-on boat cruise during your hop-on, hop-off bus journey, you can take the last narrated evening cruise and watch the city’s lights illuminate, even the Eiffel Tower.

It’s a beautiful experience, even when it’s raining. A separate hop-on, hop-off Seine River Batobus cruise is also available.

5. Visit the Catacombs

If it’s raining above ground, perhaps the best strategy is to go beneath it.

The tour of the Paris Catacombs takes about 90 minutes, and advanced booking is required. The tunnels contain the remains of millions of Parisians, beautifully and uniquely positioned throughout the nearly mile-long tunnel tour route.

During the tour, you learn about the history of why the remains are there and view the fascinating displays.

6. Bake Croissants and Baguettes

Few baked goods are more classic than a French croissant or baguette. And, if it’s a rainy day, baking these delicious staples might be a worthy activity.

Taking a French baking class would be a delight on any day, but it is primarily a good idea on a rainy day.

There are an endless number of baking classes throughout Paris. Le Cordon Bleu, Maison Fleuret, and La Cuisine would be great choices. Or you can also book a class via Viator.

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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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7. Afternoon Cabaret

You might generally book an evening cabaret dinner show at the iconic Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse venues. On a rainy day, however, you might consider attending a daytime show to escape the inclement weather and enjoy a Parisian classic extravaganza.

Lunch cabaret at Paradis Latin, in Paris’s Latin Quarter, includes a 3-course midday meal, show, and drinks. Alternatively, you can go to a later afternoon show with snacks and beverages. The lively, colorful experience will surely make you forget the rain.

8. Chapel-Hop

Since more than 250 churches are in Paris, you have a grand selection for your rainy-day chapel treasure hunt.

Chapel-hopping is as easy as ABC (Another Beautiful Church). Kidding aside, if you appreciate and enjoy visiting beautiful religious structures, the Paris Office of Tourism offers a list to get you started. Most are free and open every day of the week.

Purchase a Metro day pass to travel from site to site.

9. Attend a Lost in Frenchlation Film

Lost in Frenchlation is more than watching a French movie with English subtitles; it’s an elaborate experience. First, there’s a happy hour before the film, where you can mingle with other moviegoers.

When available, the filmmakers or crew may hold a Q&A session following the film (in English) to discuss the movie. Special events include free outdoor movies in the summer and movie-themed walking tours.

10. American Bar-Hop

It’s technically not day-drinking if it’s raining and you’re on holiday; it’s more like therapy. I’m sure everyone frequenting these popular American bars in Paris would agree.

If you’re homesick for American culture, expat conversation, or a familiar cocktail, consider bar-hopping between the American-themed bars in Paris. You’ll find a little piece of Americana or cocktail nostalgia at every venue. Here are a few to get you started (according to Yelp): Harry’s New York Bar, Dirty Dick, The Moose, Bar Hemingway, and Gatsby.

Note that some bars don’t open until later in the afternoon, so start with the ones open all day. The list above is by no means complete, but a Google search can yield many more.

11. Tour Notre-Dame Cathedral

In 2019, a terrible fire destroyed significant portions of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Fortunately, the church is now open to visitors again. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended in advance to reduce wait times.

You can download the app here, learn more about the tour, and purchase tickets.

12. Shop Underground

If you’re up for some retail therapy, you might head underground for a rainy-day shopping experience.

The Carrousel du Louvre is an underground shopping mall attached to the Louvre and the Place du Carrousel, thus the name. It’s an excellent way to escape the rain, shop, and grab a bite at the food court.

13. Stop for an Afternoon Hot Cocoa Experience

You can find some of the best hot chocolate in Paris. On a cold, rainy afternoon, seeking out a nice warm cup of hot cocoa may be the perfect antidote to lift your spirits.

Angelina’s 120-year-old recipe is said to be the best in Paris, but you can also try La Maison du Chocolat. Remember, although the hot cocoa is divine, you also pay for the grand experience.

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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

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14. French Wine Tasting

Want to know more about French wines and Champagnes? Joining a wine-tasting event is the perfect way to stay out of the rain, learn about the local vintages, sip great wine, and share tasty bites.

You can select from several different venues, including a wine cruise on the Seine, an underground wine cellar, or a private room at a local restaurant. Viator has several affordable Paris wine-tasting options.

15. Visit the Sharks

The Aquarium de Paris is home to the largest shark tank in Europe. Another highlight is the Medusarium, a large tank home to thousands of eerie yet beautiful jellyfish.

While those 2 experiences are worth the entry price, you can also feed the fish, watch the mermaid magic show, and catch a film in the aquarium’s cinema. The time you spend at the aquarium will make you forget it’s raining outside.

16. Try a Hammam

Turkish baths and hammams are popular in Paris. What better way to warm the body, soul, and mind than in a steamy, relaxing hammam?

According to Tripadvisor, Hammam Pacha, Yema, and Charme d’Orient Paris are some of the most visited hammams in Paris.

17. Take the Train to Versailles

Heading out of the city might be a viable Plan B, but taking the train to Versailles could be the ultimate Plan B.

Just an hour outside the city, the Palace of Versailles was the posh residence of former kings, with Louis XIV being one of the most famous. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the palace has more than 700 rooms! Why not use the rainy day to explore the interior of this glorious place?

If the rain lets up, you can explore the gardens or save them for another day when you can rent bikes and explore.

18. Check the Paris Event Calendar

Paris hosts more than 1,600 events annually, many of which are held inside major entertainment venues or convention centers. These can include traveling exhibits, concerts, sporting events, fairs and trade shows, children’s events, and more.

Spending a few hours at an event you’re interested in can be a pleasant diversion from a rainy day.

19. Visit an Indoor Market

Indoor markets selling all types of goods are common in Paris. A rainy day is the perfect time to explore these indoor venues.

There’s no better place to eat fresh food than at a farmer’s market that serves meals. The Enfants Rouges covered market is one of the oldest and most popular in the city and is open daily.

There are many covered markets in Paris that would be perfect to explore on a rainy day. Here’s a list to get you started.

20. Tour the Paris Opera House

The interior of the Paris Opera House is an architectural wonder. With intricately painted ceilings, a gilded auditorium, and massive chandeliers, it’s a fantastic sight.

Wander through the foyers, up the grand staircases, through the ballet rehearsal room, and imagine a performance there.

You should purchase tickets in advance. If you’re curious, you can also take a virtual tour at home.

Final Thoughts

By now, you’re realizing that Paris in the rain can be just as excellent as Paris on a sunny day.

Whether you choose to participate in some of the activities mentioned here or simply throw on a raincoat and brave the weather, you’re sure to enjoy your time in this magnificent city.