Discover the best indoor free stuff to do in Paris when the weather turns wet. Our guide reveals engaging fun activities to do in Paris that won’t cost a euro but will keep you dry and entertained.
Free Museum Days: Culture Without Cost
Many of Paris’s world-class museums offer regular free admission days. The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou are free on the first Sunday of each month (arrive early, before 9:30 AM, to avoid long queues). The Petit Palais and Museum of Modern Art offer free permanent collections year-round. For contemporary art enthusiasts, the Bourse de Commerce-Pinault Collection offers free entry on the first Saturday of each month. These cultural institutions represent the perfect free stuff to do in Paris when rain clouds gather.
Library Explorations and Literary Treasures
The magnificent Richelieu Library (Bibliothèque Nationale) features stunning reading rooms open to visitors without charge. The ultra-modern François Mitterrand Library offers free exhibitions throughout the year. For English speakers, the historic American Library in Paris welcomes visitors to browse its collections during designated hours (typically weekday afternoons). These architectural wonders provide both shelter and intellectual stimulation during inclement weather.
Cathedral Interiors and Sacred Spaces
While Notre-Dame’s interior remains closed for restoration, many other magnificent churches welcome visitors free of charge. Saint-Sulpice features remarkable murals by Delacroix, while Saint-Eustache offers some of the finest Gothic architecture in Paris. The Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church houses a unique rood screen and Pascal’s tomb. These sacred spaces are most peaceful for visits during weekday mornings (9-11 AM).
Covered Passages and Hidden Arcades
Among the most charming fun activities to do in Paris during rain is exploring the historic covered passages. These 19th-century shopping arcades feature glass roofs, ornate details, and vintage shops. Passage des Panoramas, Passage Jouffroy, and Galerie Vivienne form a network of weatherproof walkways perfect for rainy days. Visit between 11 AM and 6 PM when most shops are open, creating the liveliest atmosphere.
Free Cultural Events and Workshops
The Forum des Images at Les Halles frequently hosts free film screenings and media events. Many bookstores like Shakespeare and Company offer free readings and literary events (check their online calendars). City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) typically hosts free exhibitions on Parisian history and culture. For musical performances, churches like Saint-Merri and Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre host free lunchtime concerts several days each week.
Department Store Window-Shopping
Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores on Boulevard Haussmann offer spectacular interiors featuring stunning Art Nouveau architecture and dome ceilings. Both locations provide free fashion shows on Thursday or Friday afternoons (reservation required) and seasonal decorations worth exploring regardless of your shopping budget. The gourmet food halls also welcome browsers with occasional free tastings.
Paris offers abundant indoor free stuff to do in Paris that reveal the city’s cultural depth while providing shelter from its notoriously unpredictable weather.
Links to Referenced Attractions:
- The Louvre
- Musée d’Orsay
- Centre Pompidou
- Petit Palais
- Museum of Modern Art
- Bourse de Commerce-Pinault Collection
- Biblioth̬que Nationale РSite Richelieu
- François Mitterrand Library
- American Library in Paris
- Saint-Sulpice Church
- Saint-Eustache Church
- Forum des Images
- Shakespeare and Company
- Galeries Lafayette
- Printemps Department Store