Hi, my fellow travelers! Don’t go anywhere as I’m about to take you on a mesmerizing tour of Paris while it’s drizzling, so grab your favorite coffee and sit tight! Now, I get that it’s a bit hard to imagine the possibility of Paris in the rain but trust me it is worthwhile as well!
Now I know what you may be thinking, Rain in Paris? Isn’t that a little bit dark? But trust me, when the clouds gather and the rain starts. The City of light is a sight worth beholding.
Picture this: you’re walking on the Seine, raindrops fall on your umbrella and that’s the only sound you can hear while the city decorates itself for you. That’s a different kind of charm, isn’t it?
So without any further ado, grab those parasols and let’s dive into my favorite, Which brings me perfect bliss during my Paris visit and you should definitely try these too: how to enjoy Paris in the rain. And I assure you what this city has to offer is even better when it’s drizzling.
Best Ten Experiences To Try In Paris During Rainy Days
- Café de Flore
- Musée d’Orsay
- The Louvre Museum
- Ste-Chapelle
- Le Marais Shopping
- The Palais Garnier
- Covered Passages
- Wine Tasting Room
- Cruise On The Seine
- Markets Indoors
Enacting Every Experience
Café de Flore: You Will Not Regret It
The well known ‘Café de Flore’ is famous among the visitors all around the globe. When hungry people admire the view while drinking a cup, let alone the free atmosphere while working, students become enlightened.
For all the individuals that work to become someone big, this atmosphere alone will give you the sense of belonging you’ve always longed for. Lots of good things come in a big package much like the life changing experience of the cafe all while allowing you to appreciate hot chocolate up to a 1000 times more.
The frozen tears of the sky while you just sit down with a croissant in one hand and staring out at the world hearing its sound. It cannot get better than this.
Musée d’Orsay: Indoor Art Exploration
‘Space’ this word has a very diverse blend of meanings. With the members being armed with true passion and determination for art, the dedicated Musée d’Orsay Is all set to embrace visitors. It was founded in a train station which allowed art to flow.
The fragrant art of viewing what the greats have created is nothing short of spectacular. There’s a truth in saying that ‘beauty lies in the hands of the beholder’. All the great artists have once made a big name for themselves strong and dedicated enough to come up and taint the world with their imagination. All hail imagination.
Louvre Museum: World-Renowned Museum
Paris is magical, and one of the most thrilling parts of this city is its Louvre Museum. Strategically positioned, Woodstock was able to combine a short line to view the collections and a huge room where Art can be viewed.
Even if you are not planning to see the legendary Mona Lisa or the ancient Egyptian pieces, it is still highly enjoyable to browse around in order to stay out of the rain.
Sainte-Chapelle: Admire the Church with a Stained Glass
Within close proximity to the famous Notre-Dame is the architectural spectacle that is Sainte-Chapelle, which is a Gothic style church which is best known for its remarkable stained glass windows.
It probably would have been better without the wind because the colors are better when it is wet, but they ended up complementing each other. The Mona Lisa, among others, will be surprising everywhere.
Le Marais – Shopping: Going to Boutiques
If you like to shop, then Le Marais is a nice area to visit even when it’s raining outside. You will appreciate most of its alluring boutiques and vintage shops for you can move from shop to another while keeping dry and searching for exceptional items. Remember to visit some previous points to a bakery and order some pastries there!
Palais Garnier – Visiting Opera House
If you wish to get a fair share of sophistication, then one place for you is Palais Garnier. This great theatre building of the old times speaks volumes with its exquisite construction and luxurious interior.
You can request a guided tour and find out about the opera house’s past while admiring beautiful chandeliers and a great staircase. This is an outdoor event that makes you genuinely feel like you are inside a fairy tale.
Covered Passages – Unique Shopping Arcades
Exploring the covered passages of Paris manifests as though one is moving in the history of Paris. These are some of the stunning arcades of glass roofs laden with exceptional shops and cafes to pamper every visitor while keeping them dry. Each passage is different from the other and other items like antiques and even handmade chocolates are available.
Wine Tasting and Sightseeing: Indoor Wine Bars and Cellars
You can also kill the rain’s vibe by wine tasting as Paris boasts of several wine havens where guests can warm themselves up with a fine cheese and some strands of their local sparkling wines. If you like having some wine with food, you will surely have a nice time as many include wine tasting sessions along with food. Sounds great, right?
Seine River Tours: An Umbrella Would Come In Handy.
Although the weather outside is scary and the rain is pouring, how about setting sail on the beautiful Seine with some top local companies which offer covered boat tours that let you see the best of the city’s scenery from the comfort of your seat.
You don’t have to worry about the rain nor have to be scared of missing breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, leaving the city with the fear of missing out is not a lot to be worried about.
Indoor Markets: Local Flavors Await
Apart from dining out at exquisite restaurants, indulging yourself in various authentic French street food by visiting places like Marché des Enfants Rouges would be a fun activity while giving a little bit of dining experience a shot while also letting guests try our exquisite range of local cheeses and even meat to take back home to have a lovely time back at your hotel.
Whether the sun is shining bright or it’s pouring outside, it does not matter as Paris would be a lovely experience regardless.
My Personal Experiences: The Unique Paris Rain
I can tell you that standing among the streets of Paris equipped with an umbrella makes one nostalgic about the years long gone. The experience of how the city of Paris appears and behaves itself while it is pouring down is something remarkable in its own right. It has a way in which the roads sparkle and the air becomes lighter and a slice of romance still hangs there.
During my visit to the Café de Flore, I was able to have a nice chat with a Parisian who appreciates the city when it rains. I even learned that this local likes the way the city quiets down during the rain.
I learned that most natives do not mind getting wet. It shifted and changed my perception because every season, every type has its own beauty too.
But be sure that I had a wonderful time walking through the bustling crowd created thanks to the drizzle on the streets! Children leaped about in puddles, wives wrapped up their husbands while couples held onto umbrellas, and painters dragged their supplies out to make Paris artistic when it was pouring down. It made me realize that rain is just a foil to the add-ons of Paris.
Now you know my secret, my cheats to survive the foggy and rainy weather, what to do in Paris when it rains, you will not get bored while being in the city of love as there are so many places to visit including coffee shops, beautiful art galleries or even some indoor activities opening hours includes a lot of indoor activities.
The next time, there is a cloudcast over the city of Paris while you are in the city, don’t let the rain get you down, remember that this is your chance to see the city from a different lens, yes it would be Paris but with the rain and would help build memories fresh and new.
My Observational tips:
- Invest in a nice pair of waterproof shoes, they will be useful in so many moments.
- If I expect rain I always pack a small umbrella, it keeps the rain out, literally.
- In slow cities such as Paris, there is no reason to rush really.
- If possible go there off seasonal, way less busy which allows for a more genuine experience.
And what are you waiting for? Gather your belongings because you are about to embark on a rainy-day experience that you will remember for the rest of your life in Paris!
FAQs:
Is it worth visiting Paris in the rain?
For sure! Even in the rain, Paris maintains its distinctive beauty in the sense that it does not have that many tourists and has a more intimate setting.
What should I wear in Paris when it rains?
Waterproof shoes, a light raincoat or umbrella, and layers would be the best for comfort.
Are outdoor attractions still enjoyable in the rain?
In my opinion, outdoor attractions may be less enjoyable, however, there are many indoor attractions such as museums and cafés that you can visit in the rainy weather that have so much to offer.
Can I still enjoy a Seine River cruise in the rain?
Certainly! There are plenty of cruises that have covered areas where you can enjoy the view.
What are some cozy indoor activities in Paris?
You can go to some art galleries, take some cooking classes or go to local bars and enjoy a wine tasting which will keep you warm.
Keep in mind that the more the rain pours, the more beautiful Paris becomes so make sure you go out and experience it!
