Although according to the Mairie of Paris it only rains in Paris 10% of the time (but sometimes doesn’t feel like it!) there are still plenty of cloud-filled skies and plunging temperatures to make outside fun a distant dream in the year’s colder and wetter months. But there’s still a long list of things to do that involve being indoors in the warm and dry that both kids and adults alike will love!

Wrap your hands around a hot chocolate

The French are renowned for their sweet tooth so you’ll never find it hard to search out a café with hot chocolate on the menu. Some of the most decadent choices include Angelina (226 Rue de Rivoli), Carette (Place des Vosges) and Ladurée (75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées) where you can enjoy a luxurious cup of velvety pleasure with a delicious pastry on the side to be walked off later. Most cafés and brasseries will help you find your chocolate fix however, most with heated terraces to keep your feet warm too.

Shopping – got it covered!

Centred around the 2nd, 9th and 10th arrondissements, Paris offers up a number of charming and historic covered shopping arcades like the Passage de Panoramas or Galerie Vivienne, just begging to be strolled through when the weather’s gloomy. With a whole host of delightful independent shops offering a whole range of goodies to be snapped up, you can find books and toys for the kids, or even stop for a warming drink or bite to eat when you need a break from all that browsing.

Market time

Autumn brings with it some wonderful produce, from golden squashes and earthy mushrooms to sweet parsnips and succulent pears. Why not get the kids helping out in the kitchen preparing a delicious meal after you’ve visited one of Paris’ 13 covered markets to stock up on fresh ingredients? 

Take in the lights

At this time of year Christmas is truly in the air as the city begins to put up its decorations, with some of the best to be found in its big department stores, most famously Galleries Lafayette, Printemps, BHV and Bon Marché. Their window displays are not to be missed, but head inside to dodge the rain and you’ll be greeted with some gorgeous Christmas decorations spreading their sparkling charm which the little ones will just love. Credit card exercise optional!

Get your boots on!

As long as you’ve got a pair of boots, a warm coat and an umbrella, why not embrace the rainy weather? The city’s streets will be quieter when it’s wet and grey, and a bracing walk will certainly put colour in your cheeks! There’ll be plenty of puddles for eager kids to jump about in too – who said the rain was all bad?

Come rain or shine, our Family Space team are always on hand to look after your little ones or offer housekeeping support, if only on a casual basis. To find out more check out our Childcare and Housekeeping pages.

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