What to Do in Paris on a Rainy Day: Fun Indoor Activities for All Ages
- frompariswithfun
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Paris is a city that shines in every season, but what happens when the weather doesn’t cooperate? Rain might seem like it could ruin a trip, but in reality, it can open the door to a whole new Parisian experience. From ornate opera houses to quirky museums, from food workshops to historic arcades, the French capital is filled with things to do indoors.
October often brings sudden showers, but that doesn’t mean you have to cancel your plans. With the right ideas, a rainy day in Paris can be just as memorable as a sunny stroll along the Seine. Here’s a complete guide to the best indoor activities to keep everyone entertained when the skies turn gray.
Explore Lesser-Known Museums
Rainy weather is the perfect excuse to dive into Paris’s world-class museums—but skip the obvious ones if you don’t want to face massive crowds hiding from the rain. Instead, try something a little different:
Musée Picasso (Marais): dedicated entirely to the artist, with paintings, sculptures, and sketches that trace his extraordinary career.
Musée Dali (Montmartre): smaller and quirky, this museum is perfect for fans of surrealism.
Musée des Arts et Métiers: a fascinating look at inventions, scientific instruments, and industrial design that will intrigue kids and adults alike.
These museums are compact, easier to navigate, and often less overwhelming than the Louvre or Orsay. They’re also ideal for families with children who need a balance of culture and play. What to do in Paris on a rainy day
One of Paris’s most breathtaking indoor spaces is the Opéra Garnier. Even if you don’t have tickets to a performance, guided tours let you explore its grand staircase, glittering foyers, and the famous auditorium with Chagall’s painted ceiling. It’s like walking into a palace, and on a rainy afternoon, it’s one of the most atmospheric places in the city.
What to do in Paris on a rainy day : Cozy Up With Food Experiences 🍷
When the rain falls, why not turn your Paris day into a food adventure? There are plenty of activities that will keep you dry while satisfying your appetite:
Baking classes: Learn how to roll croissants, bake baguettes, or make colorful macarons. Kids love it, and adults get to bring home new skills.
Wine and cheese tastings: Perfect for couples or groups, these experiences are often hosted in intimate cellars or historic bistros.
Chocolate workshops: Families and sweet tooth travelers can dive into the world of cocoa while decorating and tasting.
Rain becomes the perfect excuse to indulge in Paris’s culinary side.
Discover the Covered Passages 🕵️♀️
One of Paris’s best-kept secrets—and perhaps the most enjoyable rainy-day activity—is exploring the covered passages. Built in the 19th century, these glass-roofed arcades stretch through the heart of the city, sheltering cafés, antique shops, toy stores, and bookshops.
Walking through Passage Verdeau, Passage Jouffroy, or Galerie Vivienne is like stepping back into another era. The rain tapping gently on the glass above only adds to the charm.
And for those who want more than a stroll, there’s an even better option: the Covered Passages Treasure Hunt by From Paris With Fun. Equipped with a game booklet, you follow clues, solve puzzles, and uncover the hidden stories of these arcades. It’s sightseeing disguised as a mystery game, keeping kids entertained, adults curious, and everyone dry. Perfect for families, groups of friends, or even companies looking for a fun team-building activity.
Catch a Film With a Twist
If you’re in the mood for a movie, Paris has a unique option: Lost in Frenchlation. This cinema club screens French films with English subtitles, but it’s more than just a movie night. There’s often a pre-show happy hour, and sometimes a Q&A with filmmakers. It’s a cultural immersion that feels both social and cinematic.
Shop Without Getting Wet
Paris is one of the shopping capitals of the world, and rainy days are ideal for exploring its iconic indoor shopping spaces. The Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann are more than department stores—they’re architectural wonders with stained glass domes and sweeping views from their rooftops (sometimes still accessible in light rain). Even if you’re not planning to buy, window-shopping here is an experience in itself.
Why Rainy Days Can Be Magical in Paris
It may sound strange, but some travelers end up loving rainy days in Paris. The cobblestones glisten, cafés feel even cozier, and the pace of the city slows down. Locals linger longer over their espressos, and visitors discover places they might never have entered otherwise. In fact, a rainy day can be the excuse you need to see Paris in a different light.
Don’t let the weather ruin your Paris adventure. With hidden museums, the dazzling Opera House, food classes, cinemas, and historic covered passages, there’s always something to do indoors. And if you want to turn the rain into an opportunity, the Covered Passages Treasure Hunt by From Paris With Fun is the best way to combine shelter, culture, and play. It’s proof that in Paris, even a rainy day can become one of your best memories.
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