What to Do in Paris When It Rains? Top 10 Indoor Activities
IN THE CATEGORY: What to Do in Paris When It Rains? Our Top Picks
1. Board game bars: The perfect activity in Paris on a rainy day
2. The Perpette Immersive Experience: A Unique Indoor Activity in Paris Perpette.com
Discover the immersive “Perpette” experience—the ideal activity for rainy days, offering a unique and thrilling adventure that’s perfect for getting together with friends or for couples looking to create memorable moments. Perpette offers an innovative, life-size experience that plunges you into the heart of a captivating mystery—perfect for taking your mind off the rainy weather. As you immerse yourself in the scenario of this one-of-a-kind prison, you’ll experience a wild and daring story as you meet three talented actors who will guide you through the secrets of this adventure.
Your time together as a couple will be enhanced by sampling delicious signature cocktails, served throughout the experience. It’s the perfect activity for couples or friends in Paris to turn a rainy day into an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this unique, immersive activity during your next getaway under gray skies in Paris.
Our practical tip: Perpette offers sessions at set times; check out the website Perpette.com to reserve your spots. Also, be sure to arrive on time for your session to win the gatekeeper’s favor.
3. Les Petites Flèches: Darts in the Rain Shelter
For a rainy-day activity in Paris that combines fun and socializing, head to Les Petites Flèches. These bars, located in Paris’s 10th and 11th arrondissements, offer a modern take on darts—perfect for those days when you find yourself wondering, “What to do in Paris when it rains?”
These cork targets, equipped with video recognition technology, offer you an interactive on-screen experience—perfect for an outing with family or friends. In addition to this fun activity, you can enjoy a variety of drinks and cocktails, making this the perfect spot for a rainy day. Whether you’re a darts enthusiast or a beginner, Les Petites Flèches guarantees you an entertaining afternoon sheltered from the bad weather.
Our second category: What to do in Paris when it rains? The must-sees
4. Le Grand Rex Movie Theater: A unique movie-going experience—the perfect thing to do in Paris with the family when it rains.
The Grand Rex, with its Art Deco architecture and impressive facade, is the largest movie theater in Europe and one of the most iconic in Paris. On a rainy day, it’s the perfect place to take shelter and enjoy a good movie.
In addition to movie screenings, the Grand Rex offers a unique immersive experience with its “Rex Studios” tour. This interactive tour takes you behind the scenes of the theater, where you can learn about the history of the Grand Rex, explore its technical equipment, and even try your hand at creating special effects. It’s a fun and educational activity that will appeal to young and old alike.
Our practical tip: Check the movie schedule in advance and be sure to reserve your seats, especially for evening showings or previews. The Grand Rex also hosts special events such as concerts and screenings of classic films, making it a must-visit destination for movie lovers. Find all the details on their website: legrandrex.com
5. The Paris Aquarium – Cinéaqua: Perfect for a family day out
The Paris Aquarium – Cinéaqua is another fantastic option for a rainy day, especially if you’re traveling with children. Located near the Trocadéro, this aquarium is home to more than 10,000 fish and invertebrates of all kinds, as well as a large shark tank.
Kids will love the feeding shows, interactive activities, and educational workshops. Plus, the aquarium features film screenings about the oceans and marine life, offering an educational experience that answers the question, “What can families do in Paris when it rains?”
Our tip for families: Plan to spend at least two to three hours at the aquarium to explore all the exhibits and participate in the activities. There’s also a restaurant on site with a view of the tanks, perfect for a lunch break.
Have you already gone through half of our Top 10 “Things to Do in Paris When It Rains” list, and still haven’t found anything that really grabs you? Don’t worry—here’s the second part of our Top 10 “Things to Do in Paris When It Rains” list.
6. Explore the Catacombs of Paris: An Underground Adventure for the Whole Family
For a family outing on a rainy day in Paris, the Paris Catacombs offer a unique underground adventure that will captivate young and old alike. Located 20 meters underground, these former quarries—now transformed into an ossuary—house the remains of more than six million Parisians, offering an educational and slightly mystical experience that immerses everyone in a hidden and fascinating part of the city’s history. The constant temperature in the Catacombs (around 14°C) makes this a pleasant activity for families, no matter the weather. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn about the history of Paris in a fun and intriguing way, all while staying dry.
Our tip for families: The Catacombs are a very popular attraction, especially on rainy days, which can lead to long lines. To make the most of this family activity on a rainy day, be sure to book your tickets online HERE in advance. Don’t forget to bring light jackets for the whole family, as it can get chilly underground, even in the summer. Get ready for a memorable adventure that’s sure to amaze your kids while offering an educational getaway on a rainy day in Paris.
What to Do in Paris as a Couple When It Rains? The Cutest Events in the Capital
7. Relax in a historic café, sheltered from the rain
On a rainy day in Paris, nothing beats the cozy atmosphere of an iconic Parisian café for a romantic moment with your partner. The Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, are must-visit spots in the city. These historic cafés have welcomed famous figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Ernest Hemingway, and Picasso, offering the perfect setting to reconnect and savor Parisian romance. Take a seat by a window, order a coffee or hot chocolate, and watch the rain fall on the cobblestones, creating an intimate and poetic atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to share intimate moments, read together, or simply soak up the unique atmosphere of Paris in the rain.
Our Tips : For an even more romantic experience, visit these cafés early in the morning or late in the evening, when the atmosphere is calmer and more intimate. Take this opportunity to imagine what it was like back when these cafés were the heart of Parisian intellectual and artistic life, while savoring a moment of togetherness and tenderness as a couple. It’s an ideal activity in Paris on a rainy day for those looking to relax and lose themselves in the city’s romantic spirit.
8. Discover a luxury spa in Paris: A relaxing experience for couples
When it rains in Paris and you find yourself wondering, “What can a couple do in Paris when it rains?” Taking refuge in a luxury spa and enjoying a moment of relaxation and togetherness as a couple is surely the best option. Parisian spas such as the Spa Nuxe Montorgueil or the Spa de la Maison Guerlain offer luxurious and serene environments, ideal for escaping the rainy weather and putting an end to the question: What to do in Paris when it’s raining?
These spas offer a variety of relaxing treatments, such as couples’ massages, private hot tubs, and exclusive facials, designed to soothe the mind and revitalize the body. Sharing a spa treatment together is a romantic activity on a rainy day that allows couples to reconnect, unwind, and enjoy a moment of well-being.
Our Tips : For an unforgettable experience, choose a spa package that includes personalized massages and access to facilities such as a sauna or steam room. Some luxury spas also offer herbal teas and gourmet snacks to enjoy after your treatment. It’s an ideal activity in Paris on a rainy day—a chance for couples to retreat to a haven of tranquility and comfort while enjoying the city’s elegance and sophistication.
What to Do in Paris When It Rains with a Baby?
9. Explore the Children's City at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie: A perfect activity that will give us ideas for what to do in Paris when it's raining and you have a baby.
For a rainy-day activity in Paris that’s perfect for toddlers, head to the Cité des Enfants, located at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie. This space dedicated to children features interactive areas specially designed for babies and young children, with sensory and playful activities that stimulate their curiosity while keeping them sheltered from the bad weather.
When the question “What can you do in Paris with a baby when it’s raining?” comes to mind, consider the Cité des Enfants. It’s the perfect place to explore as a family and let your baby discover age-appropriate environments. With early learning corners, safe water play areas, and cozy spaces, you and your baby can enjoy a rewarding and pleasant day, even in the rain.
Don't miss this indoor activity in Paris—it's perfect for a day of exploration and learning with your little one.
10. Rediscover the Jardin d'Acclimatation indoors: A gentle, sheltered activity for babies on rainy days
When you’re wondering what to do in Paris when it rains, visiting a garden isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. And yet, the Jardin d’Acclimatation remains an excellent option for an indoor activity with a baby. Although it’s best known for its outdoor spaces, the Jardin d’Acclimatation also has covered play areas suitable for toddlers.
On a rainy day, you can take shelter at the Maison de la Marionnette, where interactive shows captivate babies with bright colors and lively music. In addition, the Petit Palais des Enfants offers early learning activities and safe play areas. It’s the perfect activity for a rainy day in Paris, combining exploration and relaxation in a safe and pleasant environment for your baby.
BONUS: Here are some other activities that will answer your question, "What to do in Paris when it rains?"
In addition to these 10 activities, Paris offers plenty of other options for things to do on rainy days. Here are a few more suggestions for what to do in Paris when it rains:
- Visit the Musée de l’Orangerie : This intimate museum, located in the Tuileries Garden, is home to Monet’s famous Water Lilies, a collection of Impressionist paintings that immerse visitors in a world of color and light—the perfect escape from gray, dreary days.
- Discover the Opéra Garnier : Take a guided tour of the Opéra Garnier, a 19th-century architectural masterpiece. Explore the famous auditorium with its ceiling painted by Marc Chagall and its grand marble staircase.
- Explore the Saint-Ouen Flea Market : Although part of the market is outdoors, many stalls are covered. It’s a great place to hunt for antiques, vintage furniture, and unique collectibles.
Conclusion
Paris offers a wide variety of things to do, even on rainy days. Whether you’re passionate about art or culture, or simply looking for a cozy place to take shelter, there’s always something new to discover in this extraordinary city. So, when you ask yourself, “What can I do in Paris when it rains?” you’ll find the answer in this selection of activities—ensuring your visit is a memorable experience, no matter the weather!
