Paris is a devastatingly romantic city that enchants everyone with its spell – and not even the rain can dampen its effect. As raindrops gently fall onto cobblestone streets, the City of Light transforms into a dazzling canvas of romance, inviting you to explore its hidden treasures under the protective embrace of an umbrella. 

Join us as we unravel the city’s charm, curating a list of experiences that will turn a drizzly day into a fun-filled escapade. From cozy cafes and inspiring galleries to exhilarating indoor adventure sports and luxurious retail therapy, there are loads of things to do on a rainy day in Paris. 

Whether you choose to find solace in centuries-old churches, wander through lush botanical gardens, master the art of French cuisine in a cooking class, or do something else entirely, our tips will help you have an incredible vacation.

Sightseeing in bad weather doesn’t have to be a cold, damp experience. Add these Paris rainy-day activities to your itinerary and you’ll always be prepared, whatever the weather!

10 Fun Rainy-Day Activities in Paris, France

1. Cuddle with Kittens at Le Café des Chats

Humans aren’t the only ones who would rather stay out of the rain. Visit Le Café des Chats during bad weather and you’ll discover that cats much prefer to cuddle up to warm, dry strangers than face the outdoors.

This cute restaurant and tea room is home to 12 cats who are free to come and go as they please. When it’s raining outside, you’ll find almost all of them indoors, looking for a cozy lap to cuddle up on. So, grab yourself a hot coffee, find a comfy place to sit, and wait for a cat to adopt you for the afternoon!

Spending a couple of hours at Le Café des Chats isn’t just one of the top things to do in Paris when it rains – it’s a great thing to do whatever the weather.

2. Visit the Musée Picasso 

Visiting a few of the city’s 140+ museums is always one of our favorite rainy-day activities in Paris. And the Musée Picasso is an excellent place to start. This art gallery is entirely dedicated to the works of the famous artist and is home to one of the most comprehensive Picasso collections in the world.

You’ll find more than 500 pieces that span his prolific career. As you work your way through the exhibits, you’ll have the chance to admire original sculptures, paintings, drawings, ceramics, prints, and personal archives. Visit on the first Sunday of the month and you’ll get to enter for free.

3. Go Indoor Skydiving

A rainy day in Paris doesn’t have to be boring. If you’re looking for some serious excitement during your vacation, sign up for an indoor skydiving experience with iFLY France. This once-in-a-lifetime activity is open to everyone aged 5+, so the whole family can have a go.

To make your skydiving experience even more thrilling, we suggest you add on the virtual reality package. The scenes you see on the VR headset are taken from a real-life skydive, so you’ll feel as if you’re actually jumping out of a plane! You can even choose your setting – a Norwegian fjord, the Alps in winter or summer, a cliff in the Mediterranean, or a river in spring. 

4. Spot Sealife at the Palais de la Porte Dorée

Stay dry while watching all kinds of exotic marine life swim through watery depths at the Palais de la Porte Dorée. The city’s tropical aquarium was built way back in 1931 and today is home to around 300 species – including albino alligators. This species is incredibly rare since both parents must have the gene to be able to pass it on to their children. 

As well as the albino alligators, the aquarium is also home to tomato clownfish, pig-nosed turtles, cauliflower coral, pearl stingrays, and lungfish. There are loads of events and workshops held at the tropical aquarium, too, so check the website to see what’s happening during your visit.

5. Get Artsy at the Atelier des Lumières

Visiting the Atelier des Lumières is easily one of the best ways to spend a rainy day in Paris if you think you’re not a museum person, but you’re running out of options. This phenomenal family-friendly attraction invites everyone to immerse themselves in art and explore how it makes them feel.

All kinds of multimedia are projected onto the walls and ceilings of the museum, making you feel like you’re actually part of the artwork. The experience is surprisingly profound and emotional, acting as a great introduction to anyone who has yet to discover their artsy side. 

Themes and exhibitions change all the time, from famous artists and wildlife documentaries to historical reenactments and abstract scenes.

6. Discover Hidden Gems in Covered Passages

When you’re thinking of what to do in Paris on a rainy day, walking around the ancient streets probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But wait until you find out about the city’s covered passages. An intrinsic part of Paris’ architecture, these passages were built in the 19th century and completely protect you from the rain. 

Wander around them, and you’ll discover tiny artisan boutiques, fascinating antique stores, tempting family-run bakeries, independent coffee shops, and mesmerizing jewelry workshops. You’ll find the oldest covered passage at 11 Boulevard Montmartre, plus plenty more throughout the 9th and 10th arrondissements.

7. Fly Over the City

People say you can’t see all of the city in a single day, but Fly View 360 has changed all that. One of the top indoor things to do in Paris, this unique experience invites you to strap into a jetpack, put on a virtual reality headset, and get ready to see the entire city in just a few minutes.

Although you don’t actually move, your jetpack will, creating the sensation that you’re flying high above the city. Paris isn’t the only place you can explore with Fly View 360. 

You can fly over the whole of France, discover secret parts of landmarks people aren’t usually allowed to visit, step inside Notre Dame that’s currently being rebuilt, and explore the inside of Cairo’s pyramids.

8. Unwind at the Jardin des Plantes

If you’re wondering what to do in Paris on a rainy day, the Jardin des Plantes is a great place to go when it’s gloomy outside. Instead of exploring the outdoor garden paths, head straight for the greenhouse and you’ll stay warm and dry. This stunning art deco building is divided into various sections, each of which is dedicated to plants from a certain part of the world or a specific type.

Take a look around, and you’ll discover collections of cacti from the Sahara Desert, tropical plants from New Caledonia, rainforest plants from South America, and banana trees from Southeast Asia. The history of plants section is particularly fascinating. Here, you’ll go back 430 million years and find out how the plants we have today came to be. 

9. Learn How to Cook French Dishes

Food is always a good idea, and signing up for a cooking workshop has got to be one of the best ways to spend a rainy day in Paris. While there are countless incredible dishes to make, croissants are one of the most delicious and impressive things you can show off to friends and family.

This exciting workshop is led by a talented French chef who has perfected the art of making buttery, flaky croissants. He’ll guide you through every step of the way, teaching you the tips he’s developed so you can get this Parisian classic right every time. 

10. Stargaze at the Palais de la Découverte

When it comes to what to do in Paris when it rains, the Palais de la Découverte is fun for the whole family. This is a captivating science museum located in the very heart of the city. 

What makes this attraction extra special is that it was built in 1937 and is home to the oldest planetarium in France. Grab one of the comfy reclining chairs, gaze up at the ceiling, and get ready for a remarkable show that will blow you away.

There are around seven different showings each day, so you can enter multiple times for unique experiences. Some projections, such as ones about planets and shooting stars, are repeated regularly, while others, such as the “Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon” experience, are only shown once a week. Because of this, it’s a good idea to browse the lineup when you’re planning your trip.

There you have it – our 10 picks for what to do in Paris when it rains. What’s your favorite way to spend a rainy day in Paris? Let us know in the comments below!

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