Let’s be honest : the moment the sky turns grey, we dream of blankets, hot tea and a Netflix series on repeat. But Paris never lets a little rain get the best of it and is full of delightful indoor activities to keep you warm and entertained. On the agenda: a gourmet workshop, a cultural outing, a painting class, a movie session in a stylish cinema to catch the latest releases, or even a well-priced lunch at a legendary Paris address. We promise : the bad weather won’t win!
Treat Yourself to a Breakfast + Secret Spa Combo
When the rain turns our beloved capital into a grey postcard and you’re craving an escape, head to Hôtel Duquesne Eiffel for a cozy retreat. Nestled in the 7th arrondissement, this discreet hideaway offers a getaway that’s as indulgent as it is relaxing.
Start with a generous breakfast to ease into the morning, then warm up in the infrared sauna before sinking into the whirlpool bath with its hydromassage jets to soothe both body and mind. A 1 hour 45 minute wellness bubble to enjoy solo or as a duo : perfect for turning a rainy day in Paris into a pure moment of comfort.
Hôtel Duquesne Eiffel, 23 avenue Duquesne, Paris 7e. +33 1 44 42 09 09. From €130 for 1h45. Open daily.
Slow Down in a Cozy Coffee Shop
Mini Café has grown, and “mini” now only refers to the name ! Located just steps from Saint-Paul, the big brother of the tiny Île Saint-Louis coffee shop promises delicious moments in a bright space with stunning wooden beams.
From classics like Cappuccino (€5), Latte (€6) and Matcha (€6) to more original creations such as Vietnamese Coffee (€5.50), Peanut Butter Latte (€6.50) and Dirty Ubé Latte (€6.50), there’s an array of hot drinks perfect for warming up on a rainy Paris day.
Feeling peckish ? The sweet treats are pure comfort : cinnamon rolls (€4.50), flan (€5), cookies (from €4.50), granola bowls, and our favorite : the indulgent oat chocolate banana sesame cookie (€4.80). Planning to stay a while ? There’s also a savory selection, including delicious sandos – Japanese milk-bread sandwiches. Bring your book and settle in for hours.
Mini Café, 10 rue des Barres, Paris 4e. Open Monday to Friday 10am–6pm, weekends 9:30am–6:30pm.
Travel Through Flavors in a Stylish Bistro
When everything feels gloomy, we crave sunshine, at least on our plates. Just steps from the Folies Bergère, the charming bistro Patsy offers a “cosmopolitan” culinary journey between Italy and the Mediterranean.
Run by Alexandre Bongibault and Vasyl Andrusyshyn, the kitchen focuses on precise, seasonal dishes. On the menu : roasted squash with cacio e pepe sauce, Padrón peppers and lardo (€16); catch of the day with beurre blanc-bergamot sauce, orange and fennel condiment (€34); pork belly with sweet onions, black garlic, mango and lemongrass sauce (€34); or an irresistible dark chocolate crémeux with bread crisps, olive oil and Maldon salt (€14). For an express lunch, enjoy the weekday set menu (starter, main, dessert) at €38 depending on the day’s inspiration. Always excellent.
Patsy, 26 rue Bergère, Paris 9e. +33 1 42 26 00 38. Open Monday to Thursday lunch & dinner, Friday dinner only.
© Delphine Constantini
Lunch at a legendary bistro for just €34
Founded in 1932 by Marthe Allard, a Burgundian who brought her family’s secret recipes to Paris, Allard is one of those iconic bistros in Saint-Germain-des-Prés you must try at least once in your life. Known for its legacy of female chefs, Alain Ducasse has entrusted the kitchen to Lisa Desforges, who continues the tradition in the unchanged decor of red velvet banquettes, vintage frames, and floral wallpaper. You’ll love the weekday lunch menu for €34 (starter, main, dessert): grilled Chalosse black pudding with quince, herring with potatoes, Tarn sausage, and braised pork cheek with lentils, or Banka trout confit with spinach and Nantais butter. For dessert lovers, there’s apple and walnut cookpot with crème fraîche or a decadent chocolate mousse (from Ducasse’s own chocolate factory, naturally).
Restaurant Allard, 41 rue Saint-André des Arts, Paris 6th, 01 43 26 48 23. Open Monday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations online.
© Bertille Chabrolle © ilyafoodstories © Pierre Monetta
Unleash your inner Picasso for an afternoon
They say rain sparks creativity, so what better way to channel it than a painting class? For two hours, immerse yourself in a laid-back group workshop with an aperitif, where Clémentine guides you through painting techniques. Whether you’re solo, with friends, a novice, or a budding Michelangelo, all are welcome—no strict rules here! Bonus points for the option to bring your own project and refine your skills in drawing or sculpture. At the end of the session, take home your masterpiece... until a collector comes calling!
Painting classes at La Petite Académie, 43 quai des Grands Augustins, Paris 6th. From €50 per person. Reservations online.
Make your own burrata and stracciatella
Buongiorno, Italian food lovers! Julien and Franco invite you to one of the most delicious workshops around. After an intro about their sustainable cheesemaking, get hands-on with crafting burrata and its creamy sibling, stracciatella. Stretch, shred, mix with cream, and voilà—a ready-to-eat stracciatella. Then shape your burrata and let it rest in brine for ten minutes. While you wait, enjoy a glass of wine and some Italian treats (charcuterie and cheese). Bonus: take home your handmade burrata, a jar of stracciatella, and some tasty memories.
Burrata and Stracciatella workshop by Julien, 151 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, Paris 9th. €59 per person. Reservations online.
Catch a Movie, Warm and Cozy
When the rain keeps pouring, it’s the perfect excuse to hide away in a Paris cinema. Slip into your favorite leggings, wrap up in a chunky sweater and sink into the plush seats of your favorite movie theaters. Now showing : the highly anticipated biopic Marty Supreme starring Timothée Chalamet, Lol 2.0 – the sequel to Lisa Azuelos’ iconic film with Sophie Marceau – and Urchin, the directorial debut of British actor Harris Dickinson, seen last year in Babygirl. Head to Le Balzac, Christine, or the brand-new Pathé Palace for a next-level cinema experience.
Cinéma Le Balzac, 1 rue Balzac, Paris 8e. +33 1 45 61 02 53. Full price: €11.50
Pathé Palace, 2 boulevard des Capucines, Paris 9e. Full price: €25
Christine, 4 rue Christine, Paris 6e. +33 1 43 25 85 78. Full price: €10
Discover also the table that bets on grandma’s delicious dishes and a delicious honey-glazed pork roast recipe.
