Top 10 things to do in Paris on a rainy day
As Audrey Hepburn once famously put it, “Paris is always a good idea.”
This statement certainly rings true, as the French capital is brimming with activities. However, believe it or not, it occasionally rains in Paris! Finding shelter can be tricky if you don’t know where to start. This is why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best things to do in Paris when it rains, from traditional attractions to unusual experiences.
1- Notre-Dame Archaeological Crypt
The Archaeological Crypt of Notre-Dame is a veritable time machine, transporting you 2,000 years back in time to the heart of ancient Paris. Located beneath the square in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral, this crypt reveals the remains of Lutetia, the name Paris bore until the 4th century. Meticulously excavated and artfully curated, the site offers a captivating journey through the foundations of Roman and medieval buildings, providing a deeper understanding of the ancient port of the Île de la Cité.
Duration: a few hours.
2- Catacombes of Paris
For the more adventurous and those seeking a truly awe-inspiring experience, we recommend a visit to the Catacombes. Beneath the streets of Paris indeed lies an underground necropolis, stretching for hundreds of metres through galleries originally excavated for building stone. Transformed into a necropolis in the late 19th century, the Catacombes shelter millions of bones displayed in astonishing patterns, offering a striking and unforgettable spectacle.
Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
3- Paris sewers
For those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path tourist attractions, here’s another unusual option: the Paris sewers. A safe and clearly marked tour guides you through six centuries of the city’s water history, covering topics such as drinking and non-drinking water, wastewater management, the evolution of sanitation, and purification techniques. Contrary to expectations, the experience isn’t accompanied by unpleasant smells; at most, a slightly pungent odour is noticeable, but nothing disagreeable. Duration: a few hours.
4- Parisian museums
Visiting museums is a great way to discover Paris on a rainy day!
There are too many to list them all, but the Louvre and Orsay Museum are obviously the ‘must-see’. Here’s a selection of museums offering free or discounted entrance fees (under certain conditions, of course).
Allow a full day for the Louvre, half a day for the Musée d’Orsay, and a few hours for most of the other museums.
5- Hôtel des Invalides
The Army Museums are housed in the annexes of the Hôtel des Invalides. However, the main attraction is the imposing Dôme Church, which was modified to accommodate the crypt where Emperor Napoleon is buried. Accessible from the Cour d’Honneur (Court of Honour), the Church of Saint-Louis-des-Invalides is open to the public only during European Heritage Days. Wait times are usually reasonable, and it is possible to purchase a combined ticket for both the museums and the church.
Duration: half a day
6- Paris churches
Another way to stay dry on rainy days in Paris is to visit the stunning churches scattered throughout the city. With so many options, you’ll be spoiled for choice. However, we advise against visiting the Sacré-Coeur Basilica and Sainte-Chapelle on rainy days, as the queues are usually long. Instead, we recommend exploring one of the 25 churches we’ve carefully selected for you, as each offers a unique experience.
Duration: 1-hour per church
7- Le Grand Rex cinema
If you’re a film buff and an Art Deco enthusiast, don’t miss the screenings at the Le Grand Rex on the Grands Boulevards. This iconic Parisian cinema, built in 1932, is a magnificent (but smaller) repliac of the New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Its history includes hosting the premiere of Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary film, “The Birds.” What better endorsement could you ask for than that of the master of suspense himself?
Duration: as long as the film lasts!
8- Paris cultural Metro stations
To stay dry and explore underground Paris, venture into its decorated Metro stations.
A single metro ticket per person is all you need! Valid for 90 minutes, it allows you to easily travel between stations and lines to discover these artistic marvels.
Duration: A full day, half a day, or as long as you wish.
9- Paris department stores
Why limit yourself to sunny days for a shopping spree in Paris? Why not start at iconic locations such asGaleries Layette, Le Printemps Haussmann or Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche?
And don’t forget to take a break to admire the magnificent Art Nouveau stained-glass domes and the refined interior and exterior décor that adorn these renowned shopping destinations.
Duration: Up to you!
10- Paris covered shopping galleries
or another quintessentially Parisian shopping experience, immerse yourself in the charm of the covered shopping arcades that dot the city. Built between the late 18th and mid-19th centuries, these pedestrian arcades are nestled near the Louvre Palace and along the Grands Boulevards. Designed to protect shoppers from the elements and the hustle and bustle of traffic, they offer an atmosphere steeped in a bygone era. Step inside and discover their boutiques, cafés, and bistros, far from the city’s commotion. However, be aware that although these arcades are located in the same neighbourhood, they are not connected. You’ll have to dodge the raindrops to get from one to another, but it’s well worth the effort!
Duration: once more, Up to you!
Photo via Wikimedia commons: Header by Fiesta22 CC BY-SA 4.0
