Looking for things to do in Paris when it rains? Don’t worry—rainy days in the City of Light aren’t a setback. In fact, they’re an opportunity to discover a more intimate and charming side of Paris. From world-class museums to cozy cafés and hidden shopping arcades, Paris offers countless rainy-day activities that keep the magic alive.

Here are the top 3 things to do in Paris when it rains.

1. Explore Paris’s World-Class Museums

Paris is home to over 200 museums, so you’ll never run out of choices when the weather turns. Rainy days are the perfect time to wander through galleries, exhibitions, and historic collections that showcase the city’s artistic and cultural soul.

  • Art lovers can marvel at masterpieces in the Louvre, explore impressionist works at the Musée d’Orsay, or admire Monet’s famous water lilies at the Musée de l’Orangerie.
  • History buffs will enjoy the medieval treasures at the Cluny Museum or the hauntingly atmospheric Catacombs of Paris.
  • Families can make rainy days fun at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, with hands-on science exhibits, or the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, where kids love the dinosaur gallery.

 Paris museums and indoor exhibitions can be the perfect activity for you when it is pouring in the city of Lights

2. Rainy Day Paris Activities: Covered Passages and Chic Shopping

Shopping is one of the best rainy day activities in Paris. Luckily, you don’t have to get wet while indulging in a little retail therapy.

  • Head to Department Stores like Galeries Lafayette or Le Bon Marché, where fashion, food, and design come together under stunning glass domes.
  • Explore the charming covered passages of Paris—like Galerie Vivienne or Passage des Panoramas—for boutique shops, antique bookstores, and cozy cafés.

These hidden gems let you experience Paris’s timeless elegance while staying warm and dry.

3. Cozy Things to Do in Paris When It Rains: Cafés, Wine, and Warm Gatherings

Few things feel more Parisian than sitting in a café on a rainy day, sipping hot chocolate, a café crème, or a glass of French wine while watching the rain streak across the windows. Paris café culture is all about slowing down, people-watching, and savoring the moment.

And for wine lovers, why stop there? Our Astra Via Tours wine tasting experience is the perfect rainy-day activity in Paris. Guided by expert sommeliers, you’ll sample exceptional French wines and learn the stories behind them—an indulgent way to turn a rainy afternoon into an unforgettable memory.

Ready to discover more? Explore other unforgettable activities with Astra Via Tours—and follow us for more insider tips on making the most of your time in Paris.