What to Do in Paris When it Rains
What to do in Paris When it Rains
Paris is a city for all seasons, including rainy ones. If you’re wondering what to do in Paris when it rains, you’re in the right place. As someone who has visited Paris in every season and yes, gotten caught in many a downpour, I’ve put together my favorite rainy day activities, from the covered passages to afternoon tea, cozy café terraces to museum visits.
One thing to note: rain is almost guaranteed during a weeklong trip to Paris (unless you are very lucky, as I was this past April). Don’t let it stop you from enjoying the city. The streets glisten, the cafés feel cozier, and some of my best photographs have been taken in the rain. Embrace it.
Table of contents
Rainy Day Paris Essentials to Pack
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.
What to Wear in Paris When it Rains
Waterproof boots are ideal when rain is forecast. Chelsea boots are a popular shoe trend in Paris. These from Margaux are stylish, comfortable, and perfect for rainy weather. Size up .5 size and a whole size if wearing thick socks.
Paris Rainy Day Packing List
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. You can read this post for more ideas on what to wear in Paris when it rains.
Walk the Paris Covered Passages on A Rainy Day
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 taking only 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 and pizza, so it’s best to bring a friend to split them.
Chez Georges is also nearby, and a classic French bistro that will transport you for a rainy afternoon is open for lunch or dinner. Note, make a reservation in advance for Chez Georges.
This should take up an afternoon or evening of rainy weather in Paris.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Paris on a Rainy Day
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 afternoon 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.
Afternoon tea at The Crillon is inspired by the seasons and the menu changes monthly.
Differences to consider for afternoon tea. I personally love to be close to a window with natural light, even on a rainy day. Some hotels offer a darker, cozier ambiance, like Le Meurice and George V. If you want a brighter tea room, aim for The Bristol.
See a Film at a Historic Parisian Cinema
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.
Best Museums to Visit on A Rainy Day in Paris
A rainy afternoon is the perfect time to visit the Paris museums.
For first time visitors in Paris, you can visit the Louvre and see the Mona Lisa or try the Musée d’Orsay, which is filled with French Impressionist paintings. I love the Rodin museum on a rainy afternoon. Depending on the season, the gardens are worth visiting if the rain stops.
Purchase tickets to the stunning Palais Garnier; it 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.
Where to Find the Best 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. While Angelina is written up for the best hot chocolate, I prefer Plaq. You will love strolling this quaint street in the 2nd arrondissement, located near some of the covered passages.
If you are looking for the Instagram shot for your friends and family at home. Sit on the terrace at Café de Flore and order a chocolat chaud with chantilly. (whipped cream)
Another hot chocolate spot on a rainy afternoon is Carette. There are a few locations, and I prefer the one in Place des Vosges. Arrive early, as the terrace will be full before you know it.
Rainy Day Shopping 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.
I will never turn down a shopping trip to Sézane. The apartment is located on the 2nd floor and has the largest selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories. You can also try the one in the Marais on Rue des Blancs Manteaux. La Fronde café on the corner is a favorite for a quick bite on the terrace or to warm up with a hot drink on a rainy day.
Embrace A Rainy Day 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 in Paris : 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.
Best Hotel Bars in Paris for A Rainy Afternoon
This is a fun way to experience a five-star hotel if it isn’t in your budget for a night’s stay. A cocktail will run around 30 euros at a luxury hotel. You can sit in the bar, soak up the atmosphere, and people-watch. My favorites include Le Meurice, Le Crillon, and George V. In the first arrondissement, the cocktail at Chateau Voltaire is a hidden gem.
Best Cafés in Paris To Wait Out the Rain
Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots are the famous cafés on the Left Bank in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. These are excellent people-watching spots for wine or hot chocolate on a rainy day in Paris.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Paris in the Rain
Absolutely. Paris is one of those cities that is genuinely beautiful in the rain. It adds a whole different layer to seeing the city. There are movies about it, aka Midnight in Paris. The cobblestones glisten especially on Rue Montorgueuil, and the cafés feel cozier. Some of my best photographs have been taken on rainy days in Paris. Don’t let a rainy forecast discourage you.
Walking the covered passages is my top recommendation. Starting at Passage Verdeau and making your way through Passage Jouffroy, Passage des Panoramas, and Galerie Vivienne, keeping you dry on a rainy Paris day. and entertained for an entire afternoon. Stop for wine, lunch, or just explore the beautiful architecture of the covered passages leading you through Paris.
A trench coat is the most versatile piece you can pack for Paris in spring and fall. Add waterproof ankle boots or Chelsea boots, a scarf for warmth, and always carry a compact umbrella in your bag, even on days when rain isn’t forecast. Paris’s weather is unpredictable in any season.
It rains in Paris year-round, so you should plan for at least one rainy day no matter when you visit. Spring and fall tend to be the rainiest seasons, but even summer trips can include a shower or two. The good news is that rain in Paris rarely lasts all day. Be flexible with your schedule as you plan your activities.
Do you have a favorite rainy-day activity? Comment below and share!
xo
This post includes affiliate links that help support 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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I am leaving for Paris on Saturday. Thank you so much for sharing what to do in Paris if it rains. I will keep this week’s EDP just in case…
Wonderful. Safe travels to you, Claudine. Have the best time in Paris. xo
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!