Things to Do on a Cold or Rainy Day in Paris
Paris in winter may bring drizzly, wet, and windy weather, but those days don’t have to be wasted! The city is full of cozy, beautiful, and fascinating indoor spots to explore. With the Metro providing quick and easy transport, you can hop from one iconic destination to the next without spending much time outside.
I’ve been to Paris many times, and there’s usually a rainy day at some point during the week (especially in the winter months).
Let’s go over my favorite ways to do when Paris turns gray.
Best Tours for a Rainy Day in Paris
➡️ Click to Book: Paris Catacombs
➡️ Click to Book: Sainte-Chapelle
➡️ Click to Book: Wine & Champagne Tasting
➡️ Click to Book: Baking with a French Chef
My Favorite Indoor Things to Do in Paris
I’ll go through more of these in-depth down below, but here’s a quick list of things I like to do in Paris when it’s cold or rainy outside.
- Explore the Louvre Museum: Even if you’ve been to see the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, there are many more wings to cover!
- Visit Musée d’Orsay: Perfect for lovers of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, this museum is housed in a former railway station with stunning architecture.
- Discover the Catacombs of Paris: Go underground! Delve into the eerie yet fascinating catacombs of Paris.
- Admire the Sainte-Chapelle: The stunning stained-glass windows of this 13-Century Gothic chapel are breathtaking, even on a gray, rainy day.
- Step into the Palais Garnier: Tour the opulent opera house that inspired The Phantom of the Opera.
- Shop in Covered Passages: Explore charming 19th-century arcades like Galerie Vivienne or Passage des Panoramas, filled with boutiques and cafes.
- Take a Cooking Class: Learn how to make croissants, macarons, or other French delicacies with local chefs.
- Enjoy the Wine: Whether it’s buying a 5 Euro bottle at Carrefour, or taking a wine and champagne tasting class, enjoying the wine is always a good option, rain or shine.
- Explore Musée de l’Orangerie: Admire Monet’s massive Water Lilies series in a peaceful setting, close to the Louvre.
- Shop the Department Stores: Printemps and Galeries Lafayette are two to check out, and Rue de Rivoli has more.
Explore the Covered Passages in Paris
The historic covered passages of Paris are charming escapes from the rain. These architectural gems combine Parisian history, shopping, dining, and ambiance. Many are located close to each other, making it easy to visit several in a day.
Galerie Vivienne
- Location: 2nd arrondissement, near the Palais Royal
- Highlights: Built in 1823, Galerie Vivienne is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, with intricate mosaics, a glass ceiling, and elegant shopfronts. Browse boutiques, antique stores, bookstores, and artisanal shops, or relax in a cozy café or wine bar. Its winter decorations make it especially enchanting during the colder months.
Passage des Panoramas
- Location: 11 Bd Montmartre, 2nd arrondissement
- Metro: Grands Boulevards
- Highlights: Dating back to 1799, it’s the oldest covered passage in Paris. Stroll past vintage shops, bistros, and an old-world atmosphere.
Passage Jouffroy
- Location: Adjacent to Passage des Panoramas (10-12 Bd Montmartre, 9th arrondissement)
- Metro: Grands Boulevards
- Highlights: A glass-roofed treasure from 1845, featuring unique shops and the quirky Musée Grévin (wax museum).
Passage Verdeau
- Location: Continuation of Passage Jouffroy (6 Rue de la Grange Batelière, 9th arrondissement)
- Highlights: Famous for antique bookstores, vintage items, and small art galleries.
Galerie Colbert
- Location: Near Galerie Vivienne (1 Pass. Colbert, 2nd arrondissement)
- Metro: Pyramides or Bourse
- Highlights: Built in 1826, this elegant passage boasts a beautiful rotunda and cultural institutions. It’s less commercial and perfect for quiet exploration.
Passage du Grand-Cerf
- Location: 145 Rue St Denis, 2nd arrondissement
- Metro: Étienne Marcel
- Highlights: One of the tallest covered passages, featuring a striking glass roof and boutiques specializing in crafts, jewelry, and unique finds.
Visit the Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier)
Step into the grandeur of the Palais Garnier, an iconic Parisian landmark built between 1861 and 1875. Wander through the magnificent marble staircase, admire the Chagall-painted ceiling in the auditorium, and marvel at the glittering chandelier.
The cost is 15 Euros per person. It’s open most days to the public, but can close randomly for events.
Don’t forget to step into one of the open opera boxes or suites upstairs, for a spectacular view of the entire auditorium and stage.
Plus, the Opera House gets even more stunning when decorated and lit around Christmas.
Shop the Parisian Department Stores
Rainy days are perfect for indulging in some retail therapy. Paris’ iconic department stores offer more than just shopping. They’re architectural masterpieces with stunning décor and seasonal displays.
Printemps
- Location: Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arrondissement
- Highlights:
- Opened in 1865, making it one of Paris’ oldest stores.
- The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre.
- Holiday windows are a must-see during winter.
- Fancy Food Court: The Printemps du Goût section is a haven for food lovers, offering gourmet groceries, French delicacies, and fine wines.
Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette is next to Printemps, and is another high-end department store in Paris.
- Location: Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arrondissement
- Highlights:
- Established in 1894, with its centerpiece glass dome ceiling.
- Its rooftop terrace provides stunning views of Paris.
- During the holiday season, it’s famed for its extravagant Christmas tree display under the dome and enchanting window decorations.
Dive into Art and History Museums
It goes without saying. Paris is home to countless museums and galleries, perfect for a rainy day.
➡️ Click Here to Book: Louvre Entry & Guide
Aside from the Louvre, which is so huge you could wander around it for a week and only see a fraction of the art stored there …. here are two standout options:
Musée d’Orsay
- Location: Housed in a former railway station on the Left Bank.
- Highlights: This world-famous museum focuses on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and others. The building itself is a work of art!
➡️ Click Here to Book D’Orsday in Advance
Musée de l’Orangerie
- Location: In the Tuileries Garden (adjacent to the Louvre).
- Highlights: Smaller but equally captivating, this museum is home to Monet’s breathtaking “Water Lilies” murals and other works by Renoir, Picasso, and Matisse.
Attend a Cooking Class or Wine Tasting
Why not take home a new skill? Join a cooking or pastry-making class to learn how to make iconic French dishes like macarons, croissants, or coq au vin.
These classes are a fun and delicious way to spend a rainy day indoors.
➡️ Click to Book: Macarons with a Chef
Wrap: Don’t Get Down About Rain in Paris!
As you’re getting ready for your trip to Paris, checking the weather forecast, don’t get discouraged if you see a couple of rainy days!
Rainy winter days in Paris can be magical if you know where to go. From historic passages to grand department stores, museums, and cozy cafes, there are plenty of ways to embrace the city’s charm while staying warm and dry.
So grab your umbrella, hop on the Metro, and let Paris work its winter magic!
Plus, if you’re in France in the winter, it’s worth spending time in Nice, along the French Riviera, where you’re bound to have warmer, sunnier days even in December.
