Traveling in autumn or winter means playing with the risk of a gray sky or a downpour… and that’s exactly what gives it its charm. Far from the summer frenzy, the City of Light reveals a much more intimate side. Besides, a November drizzle or a crisp January rain has never ruined a trip. We aren’t made of sugar! On the contrary, visiting Paris when it rains, or even Paris when it’s cold, is the ultimate excuse to slow down the pace and experience the heart of the capital differently—in a more authentic and decidedly more gourmet way.
Now, just how rainy is autumn and winter in Paris?
October marks the shift from autumn to winter, with showers becoming more common and daylight steadily decreasing. Rain peaks in late autumn and early winter, with November seeing the greatest likelihood of rainy days and December often recording the highest total rainfall. Winter temperatures typically remain between 5°C and 9°C, making Paris feel damp rather than truly cold.
But hey—it’s still remarkably mild, far warmer than the subzero temperatures and polar vortexes that can grip much of Canada during the same months!
Museums… but not the ones you’d expect!
Taking shelter in one of Paris’s museums is a natural reflex on a rainy day. But why not escape the crowds of the major must-sees, like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo at the Louvre Museum, for more intimate spots during your visit, some of which are free of charge:
- The Museum of Romantic Life
- The Bourdelle Museum
- The Louis Vuitton Foundation, located in the Bois de Boulogne, designed by Frank Gehry and renowned for its temporary contemporary art exhibitions
- The Maison de Victor Hugo, tracing the history of the famous writer
- L’Atelier des Lumières and its immersive experiences
- Sainte-Chapelle on the Île de la Cité, because the light filtering through its stained glass windows, even under a gray sky, is striking
- The Carnavalet Museum, housed in a former private mansion
- The Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection, because the architecture redesigned by Tadao Ando is spectacular, especially with the winter light filtering through the massive glass canopy
- And even a visit to the Paris Catacombs with the kids!
What to do in Paris when it rains? Linger in a classic bistro!
There’s nothing quite like taking refuge in a good old bistro to savor a comforting dish in a friendly atmosphere. You can set the world to rights while chatting, swap stories with the staff, and go on, why not have one more glass of wine, you have time…
- Le Maquis, far from the tourist bustle of Montmartre, this tiny bistro is a true well-kept secret among locals. You can sit down sheltered from the rain to enjoy ultra-comforting and generous French cuisine.
- Le Comptoir du Relais, right in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, is a safe bet for its classics like beef bourguignon or French onion soup. The atmosphere is lively, the portions are generous, and you immediately feel right at home.
- Looking for something a little quieter? Head to Les Philosophes, in the Marais, which relies on fresh produce and flavorful cooking that smells like home, all in a typically Parisian setting.
Peoplewatch in these cafés
Paris in winter is the perfect excuse to sit in the warmth, watch the rain trickle down the windows, and observe neighborhood life. Why not take advantage of the rain to take refuge in one of these caffeinated spots and watch the Parisians stroll by for an afternoon? Although there are cafés on every street corner in the city, head to these 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 perfume or become an artist
Why not take advantage of a stay in Paris in the rain to learn something new and discover French craftsmanship through creative workshops?
- Calligraphy: La Maison de la Calligraphie offers a true bubble of calm to focus on a meticulous art form.
- Pastry making: Institutions like Le Cordon Bleu or La Cuisine Paris offer workshops to master French classics. The real bonus? 🍒 You leave with your creations and great techniques to recreate at home. Yum!
- Perfume creation: At Fragonard or Maison Molinard, you can play apprentice “nose” by blending rare essences to design your very own fragrance.
Is it worth visiting Paris when it rains? It is, when you stroll through the covered passages!
This is probably one of the most beautiful ways to stroll around Paris in bad weather and take shelter from the elements. What would the French capital be without its covered passages, well-kept secrets in the heart of the city? These discreet galleries, remnants of the 19th century, are a concentrate of Parisian charm. Sheltered from the rain, they offer a timeless atmosphere, somewhere between old-world elegance and unexpected discoveries. They are perfect places to wander peacefully, far from the hustle and bustle of the main arteries, all while staying dry. Here are a few iconic spots we suggest:
- Passage des Panoramas
- Galerie Vivienne
- Passage du Grand Cerf
- Galerie Véro-Dodat
Fashion, decor, gastronomy… everything is there for a chic, dry interlude. In short, when the skies are gray, Parisian passages have, in our opinion, everything needed to brighten your day.
Where to go out at night in Paris when it rains? A Belle-Époque cinema!
Independent theaters in the heart of the capital prove to be an enchanting refuge when the weather is uninviting. Double bonus: admission to these historical gems is quite affordable!
- Le Grand Rex: Impressive with its gilding and starry ceiling from the 1930s.
- Le Studio 28: Hidden away in Montmartre, it retains an incredible charm with its original sconces and small garden.
- Le Max Linder Panorama: The little extra? 🎬 The screening often begins with a musical interlude on the piano, just like in the great era of silent film.
These historical settings regularly screen restored versions of French cinema masterpieces. Snuggled into a red velvet armchair, let yourself be carried away by the magic of the silver screen while the rain gently drums on the Parisian rooftops. A pleasant moment you won’t soon forget, one that will undoubtedly forge great memories of Paris in the rain!
Grande Galerie de l’Évolution on a rainy day with the kids
The Gallery of Evolution, located within the grounds of the Jardin des Plantes, invites you to discover wildlife from a different angle, whether you are a natural history buff or simply curious. You can find thousands of species here, from the humblest creatures to majestic prehistoric animals, in a setting that is both modern and timeless. Each floor of this space tells the story of evolution and biodiversity. Note that it also houses a space specially designed for 6-to-12-year-olds to explore Parisian and global biodiversity in a highly playful way. Enough to make you feel like a big kid again!
Hitting the shops for a new outfit
If there is one activity perfectly suited for the gloom of a rainy day, it’s shopping. In Paris, the geography adapts to your desires, allowing you to go from a majestic ambiance to an intimate atmosphere without almost ever having to brave the rain. On one hand, the Grands Boulevards offer the quintessential Parisian experience. The legendary Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann are worth the detour, if only to look up and admire their stunning historic glass domes dating back to the Belle Époque. It is the perfect place to take shelter from the cold wind and lose yourself for hours wandering from one department to another.
On the other hand, for a trendier outing—perfect for strolling at your own pace during a solo getaway—you should head to the 3rd arrondissement. The Marais is packed with cutting-edge concept stores, independent designers, and boutiques nestled in discreet courtyards. It is a paradise for unearthing unique fashion pieces, beautiful stationery, or design objects. You can easily spend the afternoon weaving between showers, from the impeccable fashion selection at The Broken Arm to the eclectic and inspiring grand bazaar at Merci, turning a gloomy day into a genuine treasure hunt.
- The impeccable fashion selection at The Broken Arm
- The eclectic and inspiring grand bazaar at Merci
- The joyful chaos at OFR, the ultimate haven for visual art, fashion, photography, and architecture enthusiasts
Fly to and from Europe with the World’s Best
It’s no wonder Air Transat has been named the World’s Best Leisure Airline by Skytrax seven times. We’ve perfected the “little things” so you can focus on the journey ahead… And it’s always about the little things, isn’t it?
- Your carry-on is always included.
- Enjoy two complimentary meal services paired with your choice of fine red or white wine.
- Experience the warmth of our signature attentive and efficient service.
- Relax in the spacious, state-of-the-art cabins of our modern Airbus fleet.
- Our specialized ambient mood lighting syncs with your body clock to help beat jet lag before you even land.
