Along with drawn-out meals, coveted tables at cafe terraces in the sun, and freshly baked, still-warm bread straight from the localboulangerie, Sundays are essentially sacred among Parisians. This is not necessarily in a religious sense, although some people do observe it that way. For most locals, Sunday is the day set aside to amble the streets freely, share a lazy brunch with friends, hit one of Paris' many charming cinemas, or spend an afternoon at theCentre Pompidouenjoying the latest exhibit there.
What's Open on Sundays, Anyway?
Contrary to popular belief, most of the city stays open on Sunday, including restaurants and cafes, museums, monuments, bakeries, etc. Most shops and some supermarkets are a noteworthy exception, as explained further down.
In less tourist-heavy areas, too, you'll be more likely to see things closed on Sunday. You shouldn't have any trouble finding something to do, whether you're angling to hit tons of sights, shop, have an impromptu gourmet picnic, Parisian-style, or just roam aimlessly around the capital's endlessly fascinating neighborhoods. If you want to visit a museum, monument or other major attraction, wehighly recommend visiting the appropriate official website to confirm whether they're indeed open.
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Boutique-Going and More: Where to Sunday Shop in Paris
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While most shops specialized in clothing, home items, accessories and other items do close, there are several areas and shopping centers that stay open. The Marais district is one such area that's a favorite for Sunday window shopping, followed of course by lazing and people watching at a cafe, and perhaps someincredible gelato at Pozzetto,one of the city's bestgelaterias. The beloved Mariage Freres teahouse (pictured above) is also open.
You might also consider spending a morning or afternoon at one ofParis' manypuces(flea markets), admiring antiques, sifting through cartons filled with dusty old records, or just enjoying the bustling, cheerful ambiance of sellers calling out deals and displaying their often-curious wares.
Hungry? Where to Stock Up On Sunday Goodies
Want to stock up on picnic goodies or find a unique gift? Take a whirl at an open-air Paris food market, including the colorful and coveted Marché Aligre (tons of pictures here).It'sfull of some of the best fruit and vegetable stands and lined with traditional shops, all open on Sunday morning to early afternoon.
Love books? Check out thetraditional Seine Riverside booksellers, instantly recognizable by their famous green metal boxes.
If you're into the weird and the unusual, browse our guide to the city'sstrangest and quirkiest shops for suggestions on where to head.
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Exploring the City: Roam at an Easy and Aimless Pace
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The French language has a culturally specific word for random ambling that can't exactly be translated into English: laflânerie. It means, roughly, roaming aimlessly and anonymously in a cosmopolitan place, while taking on an air of curiosity mixed with cool detachment. Sunday is a perfect time to practice the art of the "flaneur", so dear to nineteenth-century romantic poets like Verlaine and Baudelaire. Dare to explore the city without a particular aim or destination, and I can nearly guarantee that surprises and inspiration will surface in unexpected places. Perusethe following guides to launch your Sunday adventure:
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Enjoy a lazy brunch, or loaf around one of these classic cafes
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As mentioned earlier, Parisians tend to spend their Sundays in one of two ways: either indulging in a long Sunday lunch with their families, or loafing around at cafes, brunching, nursing drinks and, of course, people-watching. Visitthis guide for some great ideas on brunch in the city of light, and then explore these additional resources for more ideas on cafe- and bar-loitering, Parisian-style:
Top Traditional Parisian Sidewalk Cafes: What could be more truly Parisian than stealing one of the best tables for people-watching in the city? In particular, you can aim to dominate at these5+ fantastic cafe terraces.
Winebars are frequently open on Sundays, and offer an excellent way to wind down the week with a delicious glass or two, accompanied by local cheeses and charcuterie. The ambience is friendly and convivial, and it's certainly a cultural experience worth having.
Iinterested in literary or cultural history? Check out this self guided tour to the10 Best Writers' Haunts in Paris, and have a drink or coffee in the legendary places where the likes of Voltaire, Simone de Beauvoir and James Baldwin met and wrote.
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Take a Day Trip (And a Breather From the City Grind)
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Since the city runs at a slower pace on Sundays, getting out and into the environs for aday trip from Pariscan be a great idea. ExploreClaude Monet's gorgeous gardens at Giverny, or pop over to Versailles to see how French royals once lived.Also consider a trip tothe Basilique Saint-Denis,featuring an amazing royal necropolis (burial site of kings and queens).
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Spend Sunday in an old cinema, or at a show...
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Especially if and when it's rainy or cold, this makes for a wiseSunday plan. A true cinephile's paradise, Paris boasts more cinemas per capita than perhaps any other major city, and Sunday is a perfect time to enjoy a good film or two. Hit theCinématheque Française (French Film Center)for a double treat of movies and a fascinating film museum exploring the history of celluloid, or check out ourcomplete guide to the best cinemas in Paris, from multiplexes to old arthouse venues.
Alternatively, you might book a show (and perhaps dinner) at one ofParis' best traditional cabarets, including theMoulin RougeorLido. This can be an entertaining and relaxing way to spend a Sunday evening.
