Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Paris

THE 10 BEST Indoor Things to Do in Paris on a Rainy Day

Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Paris

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  • James G
    Mill Valley, CA8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the world’s great museums, it seems presumptuous to comment on the Louvre. But several helpful hints can be made about visiting it. Possibly the most important is to enter from the Rue de Rivoli at the Carrousel entrance. This ensures a shorter wait—and one potentially out of the rain. Nothing is quite so poignant as to look down on a shuffling line of visitors huddled under their umbrellas, patiently waiting at the Pyramid entrance. Accept the fact that the Museum simply is too large be seen in a single day. Even two days might just be enough for the Sully and Richelieu galleries. A Paris Museum Pass makes repeated visits more practical but will not get you to the head of the queue. Once inside, do try to avoid the madness of Room 711, where there is a scrum to see the Mona Lisa. Even when you come to a point where there is nothing between you and the painting, it still is ten feet in front of you. Before then, all you will see are those looking in the other direction as they preen and pout for an endless number of selfies. It truly is a dispiriting moment. Fortunately, Leonardo’s “The Virgin of the Rocks,” “Saint Anne,” and “Portrait of a Woman of the Court of Milan” are as beautiful and can be enjoyed in Room 710. Then, at some point, wend your way to the paintings of Northern Europe, where in Room 837 you will see Vermeer’s “The Lacemaker” and, next to it, “The Astronomer.” Finally, back down on the ground floor, note that Roman Antiquities are closed and the permanent collection replaced (until January 2025) by “Masterpieces from the Torlonia Collection.” In Greek Antiquites, there is, of course, “The Venus de Milo.” If one hurries to Room 345 upon opening, it may be contemplated in peace for a few minutes before others arrive. Don’t overlook the case nearby where the apple awarded to the goddess in the Judgement of Paris is displayed.
    Written October 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zapryan D
    London, UK326 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited the Musée d'Orsay with my girlfriend in July earlier this year and I was simply astounded by the beautiful building and the magnificent artworks on display. The museum has an amazing collection of works by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists such as Monet, Degas, Cezanne, Pissaro, Van Gogh, and Berthe Morisot. The museum's building is a work of art itself - a beautiful old train station with a gorgeous clock. Make sure you check out the great collection of sculptures, especially the ones by Rodin, including the original plaster cast of the Gates of Hell. If you're in Paris on the first Sunday of the month, take advantage of the free entry, though take note that this is very popular so you should make sure you book your tickets in advance.
    Written October 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alice Astrid
    Oslo, Norway35 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We didnt get the chance to go inside as it was under construction.The buildingis so beatiful.we just viewed it by outside.
    Written October 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Smeaters
    Venice, Italy127 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The guided tour is wonderful; so worth signing up for instead of a self-guided visit. Our guide, Stéphanie, was enthusiastic and knowledgable - she gave great detail on the building itself, the performances, the architect, the history… visiting the Palais Garnier was one of the highlights of my trip to Paris. Tours are available in various languages and ours was in English - Stéphanie’s English was near perfect.
    Written October 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lisa P
    Katy, TX211 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We purchased tickets online for our own self-guided tour of Sainte-Chapelle as soon as we arrived because we had not pre-booked. It would not have mattered anyway because the queues are long and very confusing. If you arrive without a ticket, IMMEDIATELY go online and purchase a ticket for a specified entry time, especially if you’ve purchased the Paris City Pass. There are lines for those with tickets showing entry on the hour: 10, 11, 12, 1, etc. and a separate line for those with tickets showing entry on the half-hour 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, etc. There were many confused people jogging from one line to the next because there is no clear direction. That being said, DO NOT MISS THIS TOUR!
    The building is absolutely spectacular, the architecture stunning, the stained glass is absolutely breathtaking and the combined effect is absolutely transporting.
    Written September 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zapryan D
    London, UK326 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Musée de l’Orangerie is a beautiful art gallery with a lovely collection of works by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters. Its collection includes the famous Water Lilies series of eight large paintings by Claude Monet, as well as paintings by Modigliani, Rousseau, Cezanne, Picasso, and Matisse. Sadly, the works of Renoir and Cezanne were on tour when my girlfriend and I visited in July earlier this year, but they'll be back by the end of the year, I think.
    Written October 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Smeaters
    Venice, Italy127 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went to see the famous cupula and it is beautiful. You can get right under it on the ground floor or there is a little viewing platform a few floors up.

    I recommend a trip to the roof for a view of the city and the Eiffel Tower. We also had champagne and lunch in one of the bars in-store which was very nice.

    I’ve marked it down a star because the public toilets were difficult to find and absolutely vile.
    Written October 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kaylee
    Paris, France606 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A peak into the dark side of French history. Well organized entry and you can expect to spend between 45 minutes to an hour here. A little expensive for the amount of time the visit takes.

    Make sure to buy tickets in advance as it is always almost sold out.
    Written September 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Patricia H
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Easily accessible via metro anchor 5 min walk. Gem of museum and not at all crowded even during a day with pouring rain. Excellent history of Monet and tremendous selection of his paintings! Also Berthe Morisot as well . Worth the trip and cute cafes by Metro for a treat afterwards. Small and intimate museum!
    Written October 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hilary A
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great museum showing the history of the French Army. From early days with suits of Armor to WW2. Also includes Napoleon’s Tomb.
    Written October 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maria K
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Definitely it’s a must-see. I almost dived into a tale, everything was so beautiful and seemed magical.

    We had a 5 yo kid, who hardly understood English, but a 1,5h excursion was fine for her, as there were a lot of activities (we rode 3 or 4 carousels and played a couple of games there). Adults also had much fun, and our guide was fantastic.

    Plan in advance, you can’t get here without a booking and excursions in English are provided only once a week.
    Written October 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • k2j2neis
    Philadelphia, PA333 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The building alone is worth a visit, but it also houses a wonderfully curated art collection. The cafe and outside garden is an oasis of calm and caffeine. Really enjoyed it here.
    Written October 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Philippa G
    London, UK1,151 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow!!!! This place is absolutely stunning, it's impressive from the outside but as soon as you walk in it takes your breath away. Thwr3 was an option for a further tour but sadly it was sold out when we visited but worth every penny to look around inside.
    Written September 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • rojonev
    Sacramento, CA18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A beautiful mansion, now a museum with quite a history background. It is next to the lovely Parc Monceau and well worth your visit. The day I was there there were only 3 other people- such a nice experience after so many lovely but crowded museums
    Written May 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeremy C
    Atlanta, GA948 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Broad collection of modern art in well-laid out rooms. Also great views from the various terraces on the different floors, and from the exterior escalators. Be aware that the Paris Museum pass will let you see the permanent exhibits, but not the temporary exhibits on the top floor.
    Written September 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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