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How to enjoy Paris in the rain

The best things to do in the French capital when the weather ain’t playing ball

Written by
Time Out editors
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If you’re as clumsy and inattentive as us, dodging the pointed ends of umbrellas and puddles along the narrow Paris pavements can feel incredibly perilous. Faced with a light pitter-patter or an ominously grey sky, you may opt to stay at home and snuggle up under the duvet with Netflix and a warming cup of tea instead.

Which is always sensible and stuff, sure, but if you’re visiting Paris, this may feel like a bit of a waste. So that’s why we’ve come up with a short list of ideas of things to do in the city that involve minimal or no interaction with the outdoors. Enjoy!

Recommended: 25 romantic things to do in Paris

What to do in Paris when it rains

Bars with board games

Bars with board games

What’s your poison? Get involved in everything from brain-bending French dictation to Star Wars-themed sushi.

Les Catacombes

Les Catacombes

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‘Stop! This is the empire of death.’ So reads the welcome sign to these public burial pits which overflowed in the era of the Revolutionary Terror.

The best patisseries in Paris

The best patisseries in Paris

It pays to be selective in the face of all this bounty – here's our pick of Parisian patisseries, bakeries and chocolatiers to die for.

Bustronome: the gourmet sightseeing tour

Bustronome: the gourmet sightseeing tour

Bustronome is a fine dining experience on a double decker bus, with dishes created by former Topchef (the French version of Masterchef) contestants and a route...

Les passages couverts

Les passages couverts

In 18th and 19th century Paris, the area around today’s Grands Boulevards was packed with these glass-roofed shopping galleries.

15 unmissable alternative museums

15 unmissable alternative museums

When it comes to culture, the City of Light has two faces: one overrun by millions of people seeking out the many masterpieces Paris has to offer - and...

The 100 best shops in Paris

The 100 best shops in Paris

Bad weather provides the perfect opportunity to seek out some of these 100 essential boutiques, reviewed and ranked by our editors.

Art deco museums

Art deco museums

The five museums listed here all pay homage to the 1920s and 30s movement with rich collections of art deco art and furniture.

Museums for kids

Museums for kids

Families are well catered-for in Paris with dozens of museums offering regular kids’ activities.