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A Rainy Day in Paris
As I torture myself checking the weather for the upcoming few days....I'm seeing LOTS of rain in Paris. This will be my 17 year old daughters first trip to Paris and I of course want it to be a special trip. I remember Paris a beautiful "walking city" whose charm is finding the little bakery, or walking through a random garden. Celarly not a good plan in the rain. So other than visit museums any stellar ideas? I'm thinking we do a tour that will bring us through all the Paris tourist stops in one day and then we can opt to revisit any that stand out. As well wanted to plan a day trip.
We will be in the city Wednesday thru Sunday. Staying in Opera (9e). Would spend up to $100 each for a tour tha is full day. |
Do a search here for a walking tour of the various 'passages' in Paris - I think it was done by Degas. The passages are Victorian (I think) covered shopping areas - many are very pretty themselves with unique stores. And I think that a lot connect so you would be under cover by walking in the rain.
In many cases I have foudn it doesnt rain continuously - so ducking into a store or cafe for a hot chocolate so the rain passes might get you by! Paris is lovely, even in the rain! Enjoy! |
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Hop On Hop Off bus to orient yourselves? We did this in December on a very cold, snowy couple of days and it was very worthwhile as we covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time and allowed us to figure out what to see for the remaining 5 days.
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I would really not recommend the hop on/off bus in the rain. Its main attraction as far as I'm concerned is a nice bus ride with good views from the top, as you can't get those when youa re walking around. And it can be relaxing just for that purpose. It is not a good way to get around the city in any expedient time frame. Anyway, I wouldn't do it if it were raining and you can't sit in the open air, what's the point, just ride a regular bus.
Unfortunately, I think you are stuck if it really rains a lot, there isn't anything other than the usual to do which you can guess -- stores, museums and movies. I've been in Paris when it was cool and gray and rained a lot, and it is kind of a bummer when that is your vacation. At least I don't think my first time was like that. |
Are there covered buses? I like the idea of a bus ride< I know I won't want to walk in the rain for sure.
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If you want to check the weather in Paris use the website www.meteo-paris.com. And then realize that every source you check will give a different forecast. The meteo-paris.com website differs from what I watched on the TV weather tonight.
Yes, there have been some rainy days in Paris recently when it rained for most of the day. But in watching the forecast on TV tonight it doesn't look like day long rain events in upcoming days. Wednesday and Thursday are looking iffy (may or may not have day long rain). Friday and Saturday didn't look too bad (may or may not have periods of showers) and starting Sunday it looks like we're moving towards a better weather pattern. Weather here is highly unpredictable, especially more than 24 hours in advance. My advice is to wake up, walk outside and see what the weather is up to, and then realize that could change later in the day. Bring an umbrella and don't be afraid to walk in the rain. If it gets too heavy stop in a café (or visit a museum) until it lightens or stops. |
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Hi Varbarone,
Have you and your daughter seen MIDNIGHT IN PARIS? A must see spoof on Paris today and in the 20s. With that in mind, I would suggest doing a “Paris Walk” which features the Mouffetard area where Hemingway, Orwell, and James Joyce lived in the 20s-30s. Takes about two hours. Includes the site of a pivotal scene in the film when Gil, the main character, is transported back in time. You can check the “Paris Walks” schedule. When I went in June, the tour met at Cardinal Leomonie Metro (sp.?) in the 5th at 10:30 on Friday morning. Another place to check out is SHAKESPEARE & CO., the famous bookstore across from Notre Dame. The Rodin Museum (fabulous) is also featured in the film. I watched the movie twice before my trip. All locations are described on line. Exploring these sites may provide a fun framework for you and your daughter as you wander about the city. Enjoy Paris… |
<<I know I won't want to walk in the rain for sure.>>
Well, that's quite a limiting perspective, whether it's Paris or anywhere else. As I mentioned on another thread, rain is just water. I can see it being an annoyance, but not ruining a vacation to one of the most wonderful cities on earth. Gear up and get out! It's Paris - you're LUCKY! And what are the alternatives? Staying in your hotel room? And frankly, it's unlikely to be a constant downpour, just periods of rain, during which you duck into wonderful places and enjoy! The HOHO buses are open on top, closed below. The RATP buses are all closed. I wouldn't do the HOHO bus on a rainy day, either - if I understand it (and I've never taken it), the point is to get on and off at various spots, then catch the next one passing to move on to the next spot. If you're just wanting to ride around the city on a bus, get on one of the regular city buses like the #69, which goes by a lot of the main sights. |
We had rain during several of the days during our recent visit. There were a few heavy downpours, but they didn't last long. It was mostly light rain off and on, not enough to put a damper on our plans. Just bring a lightweight raincoat and an umbrella with you each day.
Regarding things to do in the rain. If you are staying near the Opera House they have English speaking tours on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. And of course Printemps and Galerie Lafayette are nearby. |
There is always visits to the Catacombs and the sewers tour. :o)
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We arrived this past Sunday in the rain. It was so foggy in fact we didn't know we were close to landing until we felt the thunk of the wheels. It was a gray drive all the way to our apartment.
We just pulled out our umbrellas and hit the streets along with lots of others. Had lunch and went back to our apartment for a nap. Went out later in the evening for dinner and the rain was gone. Yesterday there was no rain but there were periods of wind and cooler temperatures. Today I woke up and it had rained in the night. It's not raining now and in fact is a bit humid and I was quite warm on my jaunt for cafe and croissant. Just go with the flow and you should have a wonderful time in this great city. |
I had a lovely day today doing the Degas' passages, as posted above. Visited the National Library as well as eating lunch at Le Grand Colbert (delicious two courses and a glass of wine for 33 euros). Also scored some beautiful art books at a store in one of the passages. Thanks to Jamikins for bringing that post back.
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On our very first trip to Paris, hub and I used HOHO bus and found it very good for giving us a general review of the city and it stopped right at the sites we wanted. The bad part was if it was a popular spot (like Notre Dame), there could be a long long wait for a too full bus. You wouldn't want that in the rain! Maybe do a full circuit first (in the lower level!).
Of course there are more than enough museums for you to visit on those rainy days, yes? |
We're going to Paris for the first time on Nov. 1st time!
I'm anticipating it probably will rain, but for us, we won't be discouraged! In fact, I think the rain may even add to the romance and atmosphere. Ducking into a cafe in Montmartre or Place des Vosges or in a shop will be an experience. Just being there is enough for me. Besides, this will be no ordinary rain! It will be Paris in the rain! We may even do some singing with our parapluie, a la Gene Kelley! Have a wonderful time no mattter what the weather and celebrate what would otherwise be the ordinary! You'll be in Paris! |
One of my favorite outings might be nice for a rainy spell. It is the Musee Jacquemart-Andre, the 19th century home of a wealthy, well traveled, art focused couple. Not only is the mansion lovely without being overwhelmingly ostentatious but they have a wonderful tea room where I always stop after my tour. Lunch there is lovely and alot of workers in the neighborhood come just for a nice lunchtime meal. Not sure if it would appeal to you or your daughter, but it is a bit different than the mainstream museums.
http://www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com/en/home |
Frankly, unless you have real downpours I don;t know why you can't just go ahead and do whatever ou want. It;s not like you'll be camping in Paris. Just go ahead and enjoy the city. As long as you have comfy waterproof shoes (2 paris), sturdy folding umbrella and some sort of waterproof jacket (and I would never go anywhere in europe without all of those at any time of year) you should be fine.
As to what to do indoors - Paris has a plethora of museums - about every possible subject. After the biggies: Notre Dame St Chapelle, Louvre Musee D;Orsay Pompiou Cluny Museum Invalides and a host of others You might consider doing some shopping. |
We just spent a really nice, full day walking in the rain last Saturday in Paris. During the early light drizzle we visited the wonderful Promenade Plantée (I highly recommend that walk), then we visited the Musée Carnavale. As the rain poured down, Tracy and I wandered over to Chez Fernand on rue Christine near the St-Michel metro (I think boeuf bourguignon tastes even better in the rain). Umbrellas in hand, we walked in an even more pouring rain to the Musée de Cluny.
Afterward, it was then time to go to Hediard near La Madeleine for our last minute Herbes des Provence shopping. Back at our hotel in the 11th, as the skies cleared in the late afternoon, I strolled over to the Place des Vosges to check out some zombies (you'll have to wait for the trip report). Walking in the rain in Paris is a great experience. Park yourself at a sidewalk café table (under cover) and watch the multitudes of people with colorful umbrellas go about their daily business (while sipping a carafe of vin rouge). People in L.A. freak out in the rain. Parisians seem to embrace it. I think I would be disappointed if I didn't get rain on a trip to Paris. ((H)) |
The Cent Quatre in the 19th arrondissement is an interesting place if you have any inclination to explore the outlying areas.
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