What to Do in Paris When it Rains
What to do in Paris When it Rains
If you are headed to Paris in any Season, expect rain in the forecast. Before you arrive in the city, you will want some ideas for rainy days. This post is designed to help you with what to do in Paris when it rains. If all else fails, you can bookmark this post and make notes at a Parisian café enjoying a coffee and croissant.
Carrying an umbrella is essential even when rain is not forecast. A trench coat is versatile in Parisian weather and is highly recommended for your Paris packing list.
When it comes to shoes to wear when it rains, I LOVE my Blondos. If you haven’t heard about these shoes, they are the best. They are super comfortable, stylish, and waterproof. I have owned mine for years, and they have been through many rainstorms in Paris. The brand makes a variety of different waterproof styles.
What to Pack for Paris When There is Rain in The Forecast
Don’t get discouraged when rain is forecast for Paris. Prepare with a few key pieces of clothing and a rainy-day plan. Packing a scarf as an added layer to keep warm on rainy days is a good idea. In Parisian fashion, a scarf is a wardrobe essential.
Rainy Day Activity: Walk the Paris Passages
The covered passages of Paris make for my favorite rainy-day activity. This is one of my favorite memories from living in Montmartre. You can easily walk from the 9th at the end of Rue des Martyrs through Galerie Vivienne by only taking a few steps outside. The covered passages in Paris are filled with shops and restaurants to help pass the time on a rainy day.
Start at Passage Verdeau and walk towards the Seine River. You will then go through Passage Jouffroy and Passage des Panoramas. This is a great place to stop for wine or lunch. Book a reservation at Racines Paris for a lovely meal with a mix of French and Italian cuisine. We had a great dinner here in May. The inside is adorable, but the exterior provides excellent people-watching.
Gallerie Vivienne is one of my all-time favorite passages and leads you straight to Palais Royal. Enjoy a glass of wine at Bistro Vivienne or have lunch or dinner at Daroco, available to book online. I can never decide between pasta or pizza, and it’s best to bring a friend to split them both.
Chez Georges is also nearby, and a classic French bistro that will transport you for a rainy afternoon is open for lunch or dinner.
This should take up an afternoon or evening of rainy weather in Paris.
What to do in Paris When it Rains: Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea is a real treat in Paris. A rainy day is a perfect time to spend an afternoon over tea in a beautiful hotel or one of the tea rooms in Paris. My favorite hotels with Afternoon Tea include The Bristol, George V Four Seasons, The Ritz, and Le Meurice. The tea will come with sweets, scones, and finger sandwiches. The Bristol is lovely for high tea, and I took a box back to my hotel with sweets I couldn’t finish on my last visit. Arrive hungry for an afternoon tea.
What to do in Paris When it Rains: See A Movie.
Try one of the historical theaters in Paris, such as the Cinema de Pantheon. There are theaters close to the Odeon metro stop. Some of the movies offer English subtitles. It is the perfect excuse to enjoy the guilty pleasure of watching a film in the middle of the day. I saw Midnight in Paris in Nice at a theater, which is still one of my favorite solo travel memories.
Wait out the Rain on a Covered Terrace
The good thing about the Paris weather is that it eventually passes. Grab a glass of wine or tea/coffee and wait out the rain. You can still people-watch for a bit while the storm clears. Crack open a good book and enjoy it from a covered terrace. Don’t let a little rain ruin a trip to Paris.
Visit a Museum on A Rainy Day in Paris
A rainy afternoon is the perfect time to visit the Paris museums. You can visit the Louvre and see the Mona Lisa or try the Musée d’Orsay, which is filled with French impressionist paintings. If you have tried one of these, try something off the beaten path. One of my favorite museums is Musée Nissim de Camondo (currently under renovation until 2026), close to Parc Monceau.
Purchase tickets for the stunning Palais Garnier, which is worth visiting. A guided tour is also available for an additional fee. The Palais Garnier is very close to many shops if you want to shop for souvenirs or clothes afterward.
For 5 Museums that aren’t the Louvre, read this post.
Try Hot Chocolate in Paris
In the winter months, visit Angelina for their famous hot chocolate. It is decadent but a must-do at least once in Paris. They also have a cart outside on some days if the line is long enough to get inside. You can take a takeaway and stroll around the arcades under Rue de Rivoli to wait out the bad weather.
I also love Plaq for hot chocolate, which is located on an adorable side street.
Shop for Souvenirs in Paris
Paris is not complete without a bit of shopping. Use the weather as an excellent excuse to pick up souvenirs from your trip to Paris. Check out this post with some souvenir ideas for Paris if you need help.
Galeries Lafayette is great for gifts and souvenirs. There is a top floor dedicated to gift items with various price-point options. You can spend an entire afternoon here between the restaurants and shopping. If you find yourself with a rainy day in the forecast while you are in Paris, take a little time to visit Les Grands Magasins (The famous department stores). Printemps and Galeries Lafayette are right next to each other. If the rain clears, head to the roof for a beautiful view of the city and the Eiffel Tower view.
Le Bon Marche also offers excellent shopping on the Left Bank of Paris close to Luxembourg Gardens. A backup plan is always good if you are out and about and the weather turns.
Embrace A Rainy Day in Paris
I don’t get here often enough, that’s the problem. Can you picture how drop dead gorgeous this city is in the rain? Imagine this town in the ’20s. Paris in the ’20s, in the rain. Midnight in Paris
Some of my best-selling photographs in The Print Shop are from moments in the rain. I know I will get wet, but exploring Paris in the rain is part of the fun. Grab an umbrella and go for a walk. The streets will glisten as the sun hits the cobblestones.
Wine Tasting in Paris
Enjoy a wine tasting at one of the many wine bars in Paris. Some offer a covered outdoor terrace, a great way to escape the weather. My favorites include Septime La Cave, ô Chateau, L’Avant Comptoir, and Willi’s Wine Bar. If you need a good option, you can do a quick Google search on your phone. There is no better way to learn about French wines than a guided wine tasting.
Take a Cooking Class at La Cuisine Paris
I love La Cuisine Paris for cooking lessons. The location is just off the Seine, and you will have a great view of the city and Notre Dame Cathedral from the classroom. Try a croissant class or make macarons. You will be bound to make friends with your classmates even if you are solo. It is such a fun experience, and the teachers keep you engaged and laughing throughout the whole experience.
Enjoy a cocktail at a Parisian Hotel Bar.
This is a fun way to experience a five-star hotel if it isn’t in your budget for a night stay. A cocktail will run around 30 euros at a luxury hotel. You can sit in the bar and soak up the atmosphere and people-watch. My favorites include Le Meurice, Le Crillon, and George V.
Spend an Afternoon at a Parisian Café
Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots are the famous cafés on the Left Bank on Saint Germain des Prés. These are excellent people-watching spots for wine or hot chocolate on a rainy day in Paris.
Do you have a favorite rainy-day activity? Comment below and share!
xo
This post does include affiliate links that help contribute to my coffee and croissant research. Merci!
Photos of me by Katie Donnelly Photography
Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
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Thank you. Your advice made our day
I love just hopping on a city bus, riding it until the end of the line, or getting off when the sun peeks through. Bus #69 is fabulous, hits a lot of beloved places in Paris. Here is link to great (and inexpensive) bus rides through Paris. https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-7-public-buses-that-are-great-for-cheapo-sightseeing.html
Cathy,
That is a great idea! Do you mind if I add it to the list? I always forget about bus 69. I usually take the metro.
Thank you!
Rebecca
I agree about photographing in rainy weather – it adds another texture, reflections and mood.
Walking les passages is on my list for the next trip. As a lover of film cameras, I recall there used to be a vintage camera/photo shop in one of the passages, but I can’t remember which one. Do you happen to know?
Hi Earl,
Yes! I am so happy you agree about the rain.
I do remember the little shop in the passages but I can’t remember which one. I am going back in November, if I see it or find out from someone, I am happy to let you know. I wish the film wasn’t so expensive to develop. I stopped using it years ago and relearned on digital.
Rebecca
We did the covered passages too. Also had lunch at La Jacobine in Cours Saint Andre. Can also do the bateau mouche! Once actually did the Hop On Hop Off and my daughters got soaked as they still wanted to stay on top and take photos – got some lovely shots in fact! Many times waited it out at a cafe.
Yes, we highly recommend La Jacobine (make reservations, though, for dinner). Have been for dinner our past two trips to Paris, and it’s always excellent.
Amazing! Thank you so much, Sara!
Hi Natalie,
I am so happy you enjoyed the covered passages in Paris. They are one of my favorite walks. Bateau Mouche is a great idea! Thank you. I hope you make your way back to Paris soon.
xo
Hi Rebecca,
My daughter and I enjoyed the Musee Grevin Wax Museum in Montmartre, as well as the BHV Marais department store on a rainy day.
Suzanne
Love your photos. I am also leaving for Paris (my first trip!) on Friday.
thank you! maybe I will run into you!! Safe travels and enjoy the blossoms! xo
These photos are awesome!