Sunday is the day of rest and family in Paris. Many shops and offices are closed this day. It is nowadays a day devoted to gastronomy and culture but if you are a fashionista, you will find easily the possibility to do shopping. Read our selection of best things to do in Paris on Sunday.
What Is Open in Paris on Sunday?
Many of Paris’s main tourist attractions welcome visitors on Sundays, including the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay and the Arc de Triomphe, subject to their individual opening schedules. Restaurants, cafés, bakeries and food markets also provide plenty of options for a Sunday outing.
Shopping is possible in several areas, particularly the Marais, the Champs-Élysées and selected shopping centres. However, opening hours vary from one shop to another.
Before planning your visit, check the official website of each attraction or business. Some museums close on Sundays, while others close on Mondays or Tuesdays. Public holidays can also affect opening hours.
Visit museums and monuments
Sunday is a good opportunity to explore Paris’s museums, particularly if the weather is cold or rainy. The city offers collections covering art, history, fashion, architecture and photography.
The Musée d’Orsay is known for its Impressionist collection, while the Musée de l’Orangerie displays Claude Monet’s Water Lilies. The Musée Rodin combines sculpture galleries with a garden, and the Musée Carnavalet explores the history of Paris.
The Louvre is another major option, but it is normally closed on Tuesdays rather than Sundays. The Centre Pompidou, meanwhile, is closed for a major renovation programme, so check its reopening status before planning a visit.
Practical tip: Check opening times and ticket availability in advance, especially during school holidays and busy tourist periods.
See our guide to Paris museums, opening hours and ticket prices.
Go to the market like a Parisian
Paris’s street markets offer a glimpse of everyday local life. They are good places to discover seasonal produce, regional cheeses, bread, flowers and other French specialities.
Depending on the day and season, visitors can explore food markets such as Marché Bastille or Marché d’Aligre. For second-hand goods, vintage objects and antiques, some flea markets and brocantes also operate on Sundays.
Markets have different schedules, and not all of them open every Sunday. Check the location and opening hours before setting out.
Practical tip: Arrive in the morning for the widest choice of produce and a livelier atmosphere.
read more: all Sunday markets in Paris by neighborhood
Discover the Flea Markets
All flea markets are open on the weekend in Paris. You have choice, Saint Ouen flea market, Porte de Vanves for brocante, painting, and vintage fashion and furniture. For sportswear go to Porte de clignancourt Flea market.
You can also discover Porte de Clignancourt Flea market in 18th district for sportswear.
Drink coffee or have a brunch at a typical terrace of Paris
Brunch is a popular way to spend a Sunday in Paris. Options range from traditional café breakfasts and bakery stops to hotel brunches and restaurants serving more elaborate menus.
For a relaxed morning, look for cafés in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Marais or around Canal Saint-Martin. Some establishments offer set brunch menus, while others serve breakfast dishes à la carte. Reservations are advisable for well-known brunch spots, especially if you plan to visit between late morning and early afternoon.
Practical tip: Check whether the restaurant offers a dedicated brunch menu on Sundays rather than assuming its regular menu is available.
Have a wonderful walk in one of the charming quarter of Paris
You can do like Parisians and enjoy wonderful sights of their city by doing a walking or biking tour in one of the touristic neighborhood.
Find examples of walks with selections of things to do in many neighborhoods there: Montmartre, Saint Germain des Prés, the Marais, the Latin quarter, or the covered Passages.
Have a Lunch or a Brunch on the Seine River
A sightseeing cruise is an easy way to discover Paris’s main landmarks without walking between them. From the river, you can see monuments and historic buildings along the Seine, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre’s riverside façade and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Several companies operate sightseeing cruises on Sundays. Some offer short panoramic trips, while others provide longer experiences with refreshments or meals. Departure points, frequencies and ticket prices vary by operator and season. Check the timetable before visiting, particularly in winter or during periods of high water.
Practical tip: A daytime cruise is useful for sightseeing, while an evening departure offers views of Paris illuminated after dark.
Read more: Our selection of Boat tours and gourmet cruises in Paris.
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Go to Theater of to a Musical
Many cultural activities are possible on Sundays. Going to the theater or to a musical is one of them. Of course, you might think that it is preferable to speak French to understand the play. But some shows are in English, like “Mamma Mia.”
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in a Parisian Spa
You could spend a timeless afternoon in one of the best Parisian Spas. Many options are possible, from the simple hammam/sauna to full treatments, including relaxing massages.
Good news, Nuxe, Sultan de Saba, have selected the best Spas in Paris for you.
Have Sunday shopping session
Although many independent shops close on Sundays, shopping is still possible in several parts of Paris.
The Marais is a popular choice for fashion boutiques, concept stores and independent designers. The Champs-Élysées offers a mix of international brands and major retailers, while selected department stores and shopping centres open on Sundays.
Opening hours differ between stores, even on the same street. If you are looking for a specific brand or shop, confirm its Sunday schedule before travelling.
Practical tip: Combine shopping with a walk around the Marais or a visit to a nearby museum to make the most of your day.
Read our Paris Sunday shopping guide
Explore Art Galleries and Temporary Exhibitions
Paris has numerous art galleries and temporary exhibitions, ranging from contemporary art to photography, design and historical collections.
You can explore galleries in the Marais, visit a temporary exhibition at a museum or look for a cultural event taking place during your stay. Smaller galleries have individual opening schedules, and some are closed on Sundays or Mondays.
For exhibitions with timed entry, booking ahead can help you avoid disappointment.
Find a Selection of Art Galleries
Enjoy a Film or a Relaxing Café Stop
If you prefer a quieter Sunday, consider watching a film or spending time in a Parisian café.
Paris has cinemas showing mainstream releases, independent films and international productions. Some specialist cinemas also screen classic films or films in their original language with subtitles.
Alternatively, choose a café in a neighbourhood you have not yet explored. A coffee and a pastry can be a simple way to take a break between visits.
Practical tip: Check the screening language and subtitle information if you do not speak French.
Free Things to Do in Paris on Sunday
You do not need a large budget to enjoy Paris on a Sunday. Several activities are free, although some museums, exhibitions and special events require tickets.
- Walk along the Seine and admire the bridges and historic buildings.
- Explore Montmartre and its public squares.
- Stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg or the Tuileries Garden when open.
- Discover the streets of the Marais and the Latin Quarter.
- Browse a food market or flea market without making a purchase.
- Admire the exterior architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral and other historic monuments.
- Look for free exhibitions, gallery events or cultural activities scheduled for your visit.
Some museums offer free admission on specific dates or to eligible visitors. Conditions vary, and free admission does not always include temporary exhibitions. Check the official website before travelling.
Read also : Romantic things to d in Paris
Some shops open on Sundays, particularly in the Marais, along the Champs-Élysées and in selected shopping centres. Many independent shops close, and opening hours vary by business.
Many major museums open on Sundays, but not all of them. The Louvre is normally closed on Tuesdays, while other museums have different weekly closing days. Always check the official schedule for the museum you want to visit.
You can walk along the Seine, explore historic neighbourhoods, visit public gardens when open, browse markets and admire the city’s architecture. Some museums and cultural venues also offer free admission on certain dates or under specific conditions.
Most of restaurants and cafés open on Sundays, especially in tourist areas and busy neighbourhoods. However, some independent restaurants close one day a week, so it is best to check opening hours and reserve ahead when necessary.
The Eiffel Tower generally welcomes visitors on Sundays, subject to its operating schedule and exceptional closures. Booking tickets in advance is advisable during busy periods.
