What to do in Paris when it rains?

The archaeological crypt of the Ile de la Cité

It's not just to take the metro that you go underground in Paris! Under the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral, visit this extraordinary museum which traces the evolution of the Ile de la Cité through archaeological remains unearthed during excavations carried out in the late 1960s. From antiquity to the present day, it is a real journey through time.

The Parisian department stores

A quick tour of the Parisian department stores and it is easy to understand why Paris, along with London, Milan and New York, has the title of "fashion capital"! You only have to enter the Galeries Lafayette on the Boulevard Haussmann and observe its sumptuous Art Nouveau glass roof to go back to these temples of consumption that appeared under the Second Empire. A great way to combine window-shopping and a little history lesson!

The covered passages of the French capital

In the middle of Haussmannian buildings, don't hesitate to take a typically Parisian curiosity: covered passages topped with glass roofs, bathing these often shopping galleries in light. Most of the twenty or so covered passageways in the capital are located along the Grands Boulevards. These include the Passage des Panoramas, the Passage Brady (nicknamed "Little India") and the Passage du Grand-Cerf.

Parisian ice rinks

No chance to go to the mountains this winter? Then go for the immaculate white of the Parisian ice rinks, whether they are ephemeral or open all year round - like the Pailleron ice rink or the Sonja Henie covered ice rink, in the heart of the AccorHotels Arena, in the 12th arrondissement.

⋙ General knowledge quiz: do you know the secrets of these Paris monuments?

Visit to the museum

With a programme as rich as it is varied, the Parisian museum scene should satisfy the whole family to occupy a rainy day! Whether you're an art, science, history or architecture lover, don't hesitate to visit http://www.parismusees.paris.fr/fr to find out about current exhibitions, and why not take a guided tour through the rooms of the most beautiful Parisian museums.

The Great Greenhouses of the Jardin des Plantes in the 5th arrondissement of Paris

To enter the greenhouses of the Jardin des Plantes is to travel to the four corners of the world to discover the richness and subtleties of the flora. Whether it's tropical rainforests, which are the focus of the first greenhouse, or plants from Africa, America or South-East Asia, let yourself be carried away by banana trees, ferns and other specialities from the most arid of deserts. A sensory and playful stroll suitable for the whole family.

Auction sales

Have you always dreamed of hearing an auctioneer say the famous "sold "? Go and attend an auction, completely free of charge, in one of the Parisian auction houses. Paris is home to Drouot, the oldest auction house in the world, as well as Artcurial, in the Champs-Elysées district, Christie's and Sotheby's.

The Marché des Enfants Rouges in the Marais

Bite into a foccacia, enjoy a couscous or taste Lebanese specialities... to each his own at the Marché des Enfants Rouges, a friendly covered market with numerous food stalls in the heart of the Marais. Rain or shine, the scents of the world will enchant passing visitors and warm you up for sure!

Visit the backstage of a cinema

Aficionados of the 7th Art, this activity is made for you! How about going on the other side of the screen and discovering the backstage of a monument of French heritage, which has remained in its original state since 1932? This is what the Grand Rex is offering, with an interactive visit to the heart of film creation. A tour that will undoubtedly captivate young and old alike.

The catacombs

Did you know that the Parisian subterranean passages contain the largest ossuary in the world, in former quarry galleries? This is what you will discover, among other things, by walking through the labyrinth of the catacombs, which are 1,500 metres long and 20 metres deep. This is where the remains of several million Parisians lie, stored here as the capital's parish cemeteries were closed.

The Philharmonie de Paris

Since music softens the mood, why not attend a concert in one of the halls of the recently built Philharmonie, located in the heart of the Parc de la Villette? The building, designed by the architect Jean Nouvel, mainly hosts symphonic music concerts. A treat for the ears of the whole family!

The Pailleron swimming pool

At the foot of the Buttes Chaumont, breaststroke and crawl enthusiasts will put on their swimming caps to go swimming in a pool dating from 1933, making the Pailleron pool a listed building.

Also read:

⋙ What are the best destinations within 100 kilometres of Paris?
⋙ What to do in Rennes when you like outdoor activities?
⋙ What to do in Poitiers when you like history?