What to do in Paris when it rains

When the rain sets in, Paris sends you happily indoors — world-class museums, galleries, covered markets and warm cafés to wait out the weather.

Museums

Spend a few hours in the city's museums — many are free, and a rainy day is the perfect excuse to take your time.

Art galleries

Duck into the art galleries; they're quiet, warm and rarely busier than on a wet day.

Historic sites

Explore the indoor historic sites and their covered galleries.

Covered markets

Browse the covered market — street-food stalls, local makers and somewhere dry to graze for an hour.

Cafés

Claim a window seat in a cosy café and watch the rain instead of walking in it.

  • Café de Flore 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France
  • Merci 111 Bd Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris, France
  • Angelina 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
  • Ground Control 81 Rue du Charolais, 75012 Paris, France
  • Generator Paris 9-11 Pl. du Colonel Fabien, 75010 Paris, France
  • Le Procope 13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris, France

Indoor shopping

Hit the covered shopping streets and centres — everything under one roof.

Venue suggestions powered by Google — tap a name for the map, and always check opening times before you go. 36 places listed; the list refreshes regularly.