It's raining, we know the feeling, you don't want go out. In Paris, we know exactly how to chase away the boredom. Get your umbrella out and put on your boots. Find out what to do, what to see and where to go when it rains!
Stroll through arcades and galleries
The capital has no shortage of little-known galleries and arcades. They were built in the first half of the 19th century to offer wealthy customers a shopping route sheltered from the elements. You can still take advantage of them years later to window-shop, bargain-hunt, take photos, drink tea or just admire the sumptuous decor. Some places are home to architectural treasures. We recommend the Bourse/Grands Boulevards, Madeleine or Palais Royal districts…
Sneak into the catacombs
Dark, labyrinthine corridors, piles of bones and metaphysical engravings… Housed in the galleries of former quarries, the Catacombs are the bowels of the capital. This 1.5 km tour offers a tiny but fascinating glimpse of the 300 km of galleries that make up the Catacombs, where the bones of over six million Parisians lie. It's not for the faint hearted.
Reservations required HERE
Published on Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Leaf through a rare book
An old bicycle journal from 1892, a fashion magazine from 1970, the very first edition of the Guide du Routard or the prints that illustrated Balzac's writings: Paris' specialized libraries are brimming with treasures that you can't always borrow. A good reason to get out and consult them on site.
Discover Paris' sewers
Closed for renovation for several years, the Musée des Égouts reopened its doors in October 2022. A renovated building, now visible from the Seine, and a completely redesigned tour route put the spotlight on the sewers.
Escape to tropical climes at the Serres d'Auteuil
Looking for warmth and escape? Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Parisian tropical greenhouses of the Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil, part of the Jardin Botanique de Paris. Cacti, lianas, ferns, orchids, climbing plants, palms, banana trees and other exotic plants guarantee a change of scenery and a chance to escape from the bad weather!
Accès : 1 avenue Gordon Bennett, 2 boulevard d'Auteuil ou par le square des Poètes.
Lors de match au Parc des Princes, l'accès au jardin par le boulevard d'Auteuil est fermé 4 heures avant le coup d'envoi. Les autres entrées restent accessibles.
Relax over a 1€ coffee
There was a time when a cup of coffee in Parisian brasseries, bistros, cafés, and restaurants cost just one euro. Those days are gone… Or are they? We asked for your favorite spots to find an affordable espresso, and you shared nearly 200 hidden gems with us.
Experience an old fashioned cinema
Going to the cinema on a rainy is probably the go-to activity. But why not change up your habits? With its neo-Egyptian style, Le Louxor (18th arrondissement) is certainly not your average cinema. Alternatively, take a look at Cinémas Christine (6th arrondissement) to discover classic French, Italian and English films on the big screen…
Treat yourself to a gourmet break
In addition to their high-quality Art & Essai editorial line, le Cinéma du Panthéon and Studio 28 have irresistible tea rooms… One is chic and modern, decorated by Catherine Deneuve and Christian Sapet, the other, warm and colorful, opens onto a terrace where famous French cinema figures tease each other on a vast fresco.
Get a free exhibition
Check out the latest free exhibitions! Contemporary art enthusiasts are sure to find something they love!
Watch our video for more tips
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