What is there to do in Paris when it rains?

Head indoors to the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay, explore the covered passages, visit Galeries Lafayette’s dome, or book a chocolate, cheese or wine tasting and a pastry workshop.

Which Paris museums are best on a rainy day?

The Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay are the top picks, along with the Centre Pompidou and the Musée de l’Orangerie. Reserve timed-entry tickets to skip the queues.

Are indoor food tastings available in Paris?

Yes — many wine, cheese, chocolate and pastry experiences take place fully indoors and are ideal when the weather turns.

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Rainy day · Paris itinerary

Rainy Day in Paris: Best Indoor Things to Do

Rain in Paris is no reason to stay in — the city has world-class museums, covered arcades and cosy tasting rooms made for grey days. Here are the best indoor things to do in Paris when it rains, with top-rated tickets and tours to book.

At a glance

1Louvre or Orsay, reserved entry
2Covered passages of the 2nd
3Galeries Lafayette dome
4Patisserie tasting indoors

World-class museums

A rainy day is the perfect excuse for the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay. Reserve a timed-entry ticket and spend hours among the masterpieces while the weather passes — guided tours help you focus on the highlights.

Covered passages and the grands magasins

Explore the 19th-century covered passages of the 2nd arrondissement, then admire the stained-glass dome of Galeries Lafayette. Both keep you dry while showing off a different, elegant side of Paris.

Indoor tastings

Settle in for a chocolate, cheese or wine tasting, or a hands-on patisserie workshop. These cosy, guided experiences turn a wet afternoon into a highlight of the trip.