Who said a grey sky could ruin a trip to Paris? Certainly not us! When the rain starts to fall, it’s actually the perfect opportunity for visitors to discover a different side of the City of Light. After all, Paris is packed with incredible indoor experiences, meaning a little rain won’t dampen your plans. Although that Eiffel Tower view? Well, that might be best saved for a sunny day. With Air Transat’s top picks and insider tips, exploring Paris when it rains becomes a breeze, even when the sun is hiding behind the clouds! Get ready for a different kind of getaway… one that’s just as unforgettable.
Meet the Mona Lisa and explore some of Paris’s most iconic spots
Sometimes, diving into the city’s artistic culture is the best way to connect with the soul of its historic centre…don’t you think? Beyond must-sees like the Louvre Museum, where you can marvel at the Mona Lisa, Paris is full of prestigious permanent collections, fascinating temporary exhibitions, and emblematic landmarks just waiting to be explored. Here are a few great places to discover, and some of them are even free to enter:
- Romantic Life Museum
- National Library of France – Richelieu
- Bourdelle Museum
- Musée d’Orsay (home to incredible art, including many Impressionist masterpieces, offering a stunning view of the city from its clock)
- Victor Hugo’s House
- Centre Pompidou
- Palais Garnier Opera House
- Sainte-Chapelle on the Île de la Cité
- Carnavalet Museum
- And even the Paris Catacombs!
Stay indoors, peoplewatch and enjoy a good cup of coffee
What if the rain became the perfect opportunity to discover Paris’ best coffee spots? Parisian cafés don’t skimp on quality or expertly mastered brewing methods, offering a truly unique experience. Sure, you won’t be able to sit on a terrace (a typically Parisian activity), but that doesn’t take away from the charm of these delightful little gems. Why not use the rain as an excuse to cozy up in one of these caffeine spots and watch people stroll by for an afternoon? With a cosy atmosphere and a hot coffee in hand, it’s a good option for a bad weather day. Although cafés are found on every street corner in the city, here are the perfect spots tested by Air Transat:
- Café Oberkampf (11th arrondissement)
- Café Belleville Brûlerie (19th arrondissement)
- Cuppa Café (7th arrondissement)
- Passager (11th arrondissement)
- Recto Verso (3rd arrondissement)
- Boot Café (2nd arrondissement, a charming former shoemaker’s shop))
- Partisan (3rd arrondissement)
- Café Nuances (has multiple locations, including 1st, 6th, and 8th arrondissements)
Create your own fragrance or become an artist for a moment
If you want to awaken your senses, why not join a perfume-making workshop at Fragonard or Maison Molinard? You’ll have the chance to craft your own scent by blending rare and precious essences, leaving with a unique fragrance that’s all your own. You’ll even get to bring the finished result home with you!
Looking for a creative challenge? A calligraphy workshop could be the perfect activity for you. The Maison de la Calligraphie, with its calm and inspiring atmosphere, is the ideal place for this kind of experience. This could be a fun way to spend a rainy day!
What to do in Paris when it rains? A pastry workshop!
Why not take advantage of a rainy day to roll up your sleeves and indulge in a sweet and comforting experience in Paris? A pastry workshop is the perfect activity to turn a gray sky into a creative, sugar-filled moment. Here are some must-visit spots right in the heart of Paris:
- Cordon Bleu
- Cuisine Paris
🍒 And the cherry on top: at the end of the workshop, you’ll leave not only with your delicious creations in hand but also with a smile and new skills to recreate at home. Yum!
Is Paris nice in the rain? It is, when you stroll through the covered passages!
What would the French capital be without its covered passages, those well-kept secrets hidden in the heart of the city? These discreet galleries, relics of the 19th century, are a true concentration of Parisian charm. Sheltered from the rain, they offer a timeless atmosphere, blending old-world elegance with unexpected discoveries. They’re the perfect spots for a leisurely stroll, away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets, while staying dry. These buildings offer a unique glimpse into the city’s past. Here are a few iconic places to check out:
- Passage des Panoramas (with its diverse shops and eateries)
- Galerie Vivienne (known for its elegant boutiques and intricate mosaics, a beautiful piece of art in itself)
- Passage du Grand Cerf
- Galerie Véro-Dodat
Fashion, décor, gastronomy… everything you need for a chic and dry interlude. In short, when the sky is gray, we believe these Parisian passages have everything to brighten your day.
Shopping in Paris: a rainy day treat
For a couple of hours of retail therapy, Paris’s world-renowned department stores offer a luxurious escape from the rain. Explore the magnificent Galeries Lafayette with its stunning Art Nouveau dome, or discover the curated elegance of Le Bon Marché, the first modern department store. Both offer an exceptional shopping experience, from high fashion to gourmet food, making them a fantastic good option when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Going out to a classic Parisian bistro
When the weather’s gloomy, there’s nothing like seeking refuge in a cozy bistro to enjoy a comforting dish. And really, what would a trip to Paris be without savoring a traditional French meal? Le Comptoir du Relais, right in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the famous Latin Quarter, is a sure bet. This lively bistro serves French classics like boeuf bourguignon or onion soup, always paired with a good glass of wine. The atmosphere is vibrant, the portions generous, and you’ll feel right at home.
Craving something a bit quieter? Head to Les Philosophes in the Marais. This charming bistro focuses on fresh ingredients and simple yet flavorful cuisine. Here, you’ll enjoy homemade-tasting dishes in a typically Parisian setting, perfect for a cozy and delicious break on a rainy day. It’s like coming home… but better.
Where to go when its rainy day in Paris? Watch a French classic in a Belle-Époque cinema!
The darkened halls of the capital offer a charming refuge on rainy days. And the entry to these historical gems isn’t very expensive! Le Grand Rex, with its gilded decorations and starry ceiling, transports you to the magical atmosphere of the 1930s. Le Studio 28, nestled in the alleys of Montmartre, carefully preserves its old-world charm with original wall sconces and a little secret garden.
Snuggle up in a red velvet seat and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the big screen while the rain softly taps on the Parisian rooftops. An enjoyable moment you won’t forget anytime soon!
🎬 Bonus: At Max Linder Panorama, each screening starts with a little musical interlude on the piano, just like in the golden age of silent films.
