Two of the most famous museums in Paris have been shut due to rising floodwaters.
The Louvre and Musee d’Orsay have been closed so staff can move priceless artworks to safety.
Floodwaters in the French capital are forecast to peak today (Friday) with the Seine due to reach 19ft above its normal level.
Flooding across France and Germany has left at least 11 people dead and forced thousands from their homes.
More downpours are forecast through the weekend across Europe from France to Ukraine. As much as two inches of rain is expected to fall in some regions in just a few hours.
French president Francois Hollande is to declare a state of natural disaster in the worst-hit areas, which will free up emergency funds.
The bad weather has compounded problems in France with striking workers disrupting flights and rail travel ahead of the Euro 2016 tournament which starts in a week’s time and is expected to draw about 1.5 million football fans.
Emergency barriers have been put up in Paris along the Seine, which burst its banks in places.
Rail operator SNCF has closed a line that runs alongside the Seine in central Paris.
Rising waters are also likely to affect river cruise vessels on the Seine.
About 25,000 people are without power in Paris and central France, the BBC reported.
A Eurostar spokesman said: “We can confirm Eurostar trains are not currently affected by the flooding in France; we’ll continue to monitor the situation today.”