Paris, the City of Light, loses none of its charm even in the rain. If the weather doesn’t allow for a stroll along the Seine or a picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg, the capital is full of exciting activities to discover well out of the rain. Here’s a selection of ideas for enjoying Paris even in bad weather.
1. Explore emblematic museums
Paris is renowned for its exceptional museums, perfect for escaping the rain while marvelling at works of art and historical treasures:
- The Louvre(www.louvre.fr, open every day except Tuesday, 9am-6pm, admission €17): The world’s largest museum, it boasts incredible collections, from the Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo.
- Musée d’Orsay(www.musee-orsay.fr, open 9.30am-6pm, except Mondays, admission €16): Located in a former railway station, it houses the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.
- Center Pompidou(www.centrepompidou.fr, open every day except Tuesday, 11am-9pm, admission €14): A temple to modern and contemporary art, with a wide range of exhibitions.
- Musée de l’Orangerie(www.musee-orangerie.fr, open 9am-6pm, closed Tuesdays, admission €12.50): Ideal for admiring Monet’s Water Lilies.
2. Dive into the covered passages
Paris’s covered passages are real hidden treasures, offering a unique atmosphere with their boutiques, galleries and tearooms:
- Passage des Panoramas (2nd arrondissement, free access, stores open during the day): The oldest covered passage in Paris, perfect for a gourmet break.
- Galerie Vivienne (2nd arrondissement, free access, opening hours according to boutiques): Elegant and chic, ideal for window-shopping.
- Passage Jouffroy (9th arrondissement, free access, stores open all day): With its typical architecture and nearby Musée Grévin (admission €26).
3. Attend a show or concert
Rain is a good excuse to take advantage of Paris’ cultural richness by attending a performance at one of its iconic venues:
- Opéra Garnier(www.operadeparis.fr, rates according to show, tours €14): An architectural masterpiece where you can attend a ballet or opera.
- Parisian theaters: The Comédie-Française(www.comedie-francaise.fr, tickets from €10), the Théâtre du Châtelet(www.chatelet.com, prices vary) and the smaller theaters of Saint-Germain-des-Prés offer a variety of shows.
- Concerts in cafés and jazz clubs: Le Duc des Lombards(www.ducdeslombards.com, concerts from €30) or the Caveau de la Huchette(www.caveaudelahuchette.fr, admission €15) offer a warm atmosphere.
4. Relax in a café or tearoom
There’s nothing quite like settling down in a Parisian café to read, write or simply observe Parisian life:
- Angelina (226 Rue de Rivoli, www.angelina-paris.fr, open 8am to 7pm, hot chocolate €8.20): Famous for its old-fashioned hot chocolate.
- Carette (4 Place du Trocadéro, www.carette-paris.fr, open from 7am to 11pm): Exquisite pastries and a cosy atmosphere.
- Shakespeare & Company Café (37 Rue de la Bûcherie, open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.): The ideal place for lovers of literature and good coffee.
5. Shopping in department stores
Why not take advantage of the opportunity to shop in the capital’s legendary department stores?
- Galeries Lafayette Haussmann(www.galerieslafayette.com, open from 10am to 8pm, Sunday from 11am to 8pm).
- Le Bon Marché(www.lebonmarche.com, open 10am to 7:45pm, closed Sunday).
- BHV Marais(www.bhv.fr, open 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-7pm).
6. Discover Paris’ mysterious basements
Paris hides some fascinating and unusual places beneath its streets:
- The Catacombs(www.catacombes.paris.fr, open from 9:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. except Mondays, admission €29).
- Les Égouts de Paris(www.museegouts.paris.fr, open 11am to 5pm except Thursday and Friday, admission €9).
- Les Cryptes de Notre-Dame(www.crypte.paris.fr, open from 10am to 6pm except Monday, admission €9).
7. Relax in a spa
Take advantage of bad weather to treat yourself to a moment of well-being:
- Mandarin Oriental Spa(www.mandarinoriental.com, treatments from 150€).
- Hammam de la Grande Mosquée (39 Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, admission €60, open from 10am to 9pm).
- Molitor Spa by Clarins(www.mltr.fr, treatments from 120€).
8. Take part in a creative workshop
If you’d like to discover an original activity, there are several workshops where you can express your creativity:
- Pastry-making classes: Learn to make macaroons at Lenôtre(www.lenotre.com, workshops from 90€) or Alain Ducasse(www.ducasse-edition.com, from 120€).
- Painting or drawing workshops: Some galleries offer courses for all levels (e.g. Atelier Alupi, www.atelieralupi.com, from 40€).
- Wine and cheese tasting: An excellent way to learn more about French gastronomy (e.g. www.o-chateau.com, tasting from 69€).
Conclusion
Rain is no reason to sulk in Paris! Between culture, gastronomy and relaxation, the capital offers plenty of opportunities to have a great time, even under gray skies. All you have to do is don a raincoat and set off to discover a different, but just as enchanting, Paris!