Paris is a gorgeous city to explore in any weather, but let’s face it, when it’s raining cats and dogs, strolling around outside is much less appealing. The good news? Paris is packed with incredible museums, so you can stay warm, dry, and surrounded by jaw-dropping art all day long. From huge world-famous museums to lesser-visited gems filled with colorful art, here are my top picks for Paris museums to visit when it’s rainy and cold.
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(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
Le Louvre
If the rain is really coming down, there’s no better place to hunker down than the Louvre. The world’s largest art museum, it’s the kind of place you could spend an entire day in and still not see everything.
Sure, the Mona Lisa gets all the attention (and yes, she’s smaller than you think), but the rest of the museum is equally mind-blowing. The building itself used to be a royal palace, so you’re basically sightseeing and art-gazing in one go. Don’t miss the Napoléon III Apartments, which have dazzling chandeliers, tons of gold, and an over-the-top royal vibe. They’re perfect for brightening up a gloomy day.
If you’d like to learn more about the museum’s history and masterpieces, join one of these stellar private Louvre tours, led by art historian guides. You’ll hear all the juicy stories and glide past the crowds. If you’re visiting by yourself, be sure to check out my super detailed guide to the Louvre.
Le Louvre | 1st Arrondissement | WA
Image Courtesy of L’Orangerie via Get Your Guide
L’Orangerie
Even if it’s grey and drizzly outside, stepping into L’Orangerie feels like a little burst of sunshine. Located in the Tuileries Gardens and included on Day 1 of our Paris Itinerary, this lovely museum was once a greenhouse for Napoléon III’s orange trees, so it’s filled with beautiful light, even on a gloomy day.
The big stars of the museum are definitely Monet’s Water Lilies. You’ll find two oval rooms lined with his dreamy paintings, which are truly visual therapy for rainy-day blues. Don’t leave before popping downstairs, where you’ll find works by Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, and Matisse that’ll keep your mood as bright as the art.
Orangerie | 1st Arrondissement | WA
Image Courtesy of Musée D’Orsay via Get Your Guide
Musée d’Orsay
If you love Impressionist art, you’ll adore the Musée d’Orsay. It’s housed in a stunning former train station, and a lot of people actually prefer it to the Louvre because it’s smaller, easier to navigate, and honestly just cooler.
Head straight to the top floor for those pastel-toned Monet, Renoir, and Degas masterpieces. However, if the rain’s still pouring down, take your time and explore the lower floors too. There’s so much to see, from vivid sunflower fields to shimmering seaside scenes that’ll make you forget the grey skies outside.
Want to dive deeper? Check out this Meet the Impressionists small group tour. Your art historian guide will fill you in on all the backstories to the museum’s more famous works, and skip-the-line tickets are included, so you won’t have to wait outside in the rain.
Musée d’Orsay | 7th Arrondissement | WA
Image Courtesy of Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris via Facebook
Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris
Looking for a free museum to save your rainy day? Head to this lesser-known gem not far from the Eiffel Tower. The Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris is a bit under the radar, but it’s packed with color and creativity. Since the Centre Pompidou is closed for renovations, this museum has stepped into the spotlight — and it totally deserves it. You’ll find bold, beautiful works by Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani, and more. It’s bright, quirky, and guaranteed to lift your mood.
Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris | 16th Arrondissement | WA
Image Courtesy of Musée Picasso via Facebook
Musée Picasso
If you’re a fan of Picasso, this one’s for you. Tucked in the North Marais, this museum is entirely dedicated to the Spanish master and is filled with all kinds of his zany, colorful works. The building itself is a gorgeous old mansion, so you get that “historic Paris” vibe as you wander from room to room. When you’re done, you can hop between the area’s contemporary galleries and great clothing boutiques, which will help you stay out of the rain most of the day.
Musée Picasso | 3rd Arrondissement | WA
Image Courtesy of Musée Carnavalet via Facebook
Musée Carnavalet
If you’re more into history than art, pop by this fabulous museum, which is one of my absolute favorites in the city, and it’s also free. Included on Day 3 of our Paris Itinerary, it’s spread across two beautiful old mansions in the Marais and is filled with art, furniture, and artifacts that trace the story of Paris from its earliest days. You could easily spend a few cozy hours as you time-travel through the city’s thousands of years of history. Because it’s free, it’s a great “backup” place to keep in mind for those rainy days during your trip.
Musée Carnavalet | 4th Arrondissement | WA
Image Courtesy of Musée Jacquemart André
Musée Jacquemart André
I really LOVE this unique museum that’s set within a drop-dead gorgeous former mansion near the Parc Monceau and included on Day 5 of our Paris Itinerary. Once the home of a super-wealthy banker and his artist wife, visiting it feels like stepping into their glamorous world. In addition to the stunning decor, think marble staircases, gilded salons, and chandeliers galore, its rooms display a fantastic art collection. It also puts on great temporary art shows, and you can finish your tour with a hot drink in the museum’s cozy tea salon.
Musée Jacquemart André | 8th Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of Musée de Cluny via Facebook
Musée de Cluny
If you’re craving a cozy place with a dash of magic, head to the Musée de Cluny, the national Medieval art and history museum. The building itself dates back centuries, so you already feel like you’re in another era. The highlight? The breathtaking “Lady and the Unicorn” tapestries — six enormous, hand-woven pieces that are 500 years old and completely enchanting. It’s one of those spots that makes a rainy afternoon feel extra special. The museum is actually pretty big, and it’s super cozy, so you could easily spend a few hours here.
Musée Cluny | 5th Arrondissement
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