(Last Update: 04.06.2025) In the past, almost everywhere in Paris was closed on Sundays. I published this article to make suggestions for spending today in Paris in the most productive way, but over the years Paris Sundays have not lost their liveliness. Therefore, I have revised this article, which used to be very long and detailed, and What to do in Paris on Sundays and Public Holidays I have compiled the answer to the question in summary information.
Before starting my European travels “In Europe, everywhere is closed on Sundays, people do their shopping on Saturday, because no shops are open the next day, everywhere is dead." I've heard the legend a lot. Yes, There was once some truth to this legend.Because the social state structure was stronger at that time, in order to defend the working class' right to a holiday, all workplaces were closed on weekends, at least on Sundays, and the working class' right to a holiday was protected.
The evolving competitive market, or rather capitalism's insatiable greed for profit Because of this, European countries could not withstand this competition any longer, and in many cities, especially in large metropolises, the pace of life on Sundays began to increase, although not as much as on other days.
First of all, I would like to underline that I I am against people being forced to work on weekends.. As someone who has had to work on weekends (at least on Saturdays) for most of my life. I think resting on the weekend is a human right.. That's why, especially in the countries I visited in Europe, when I saw closed shops and shopping malls if my trip fell on a Sunday - although I admit that I felt sad - I always defended the correctness of this practice. In the French courses I attended, everyone from seventy-two nations in the world despised this practice, since shopping malls were open 24 hours a day, seven days a week in their countries. proudly There were those who talked about it, but I always argued that this system serves no purpose other than enslaving people.
Anyway, that's not our topic; I just said, "Why are the shops closed on Sunday?" I just wanted to share my thoughts in case anyone asks. But don't worry, Paris couldn't withstand this crazy competition of capitalism for long...
Sundays before Galleries Lafayette, Spring, Le Bon Marché, ER, Samaritaine, Forum des Halles, Carrousel du Louvre Most of the big shopping malls like these used to be closed but now explainsThe majority of boutiques and stores in many parts of Paris do not normally open on Sundays, but they have slowly started to open recently.
Here are the places I can recommend to see a livelier Paris on Sunday, to shop and go to shops: Champs-Elysees, Marais District ve Châtelet It will happen. These areas are as lively and lively on Sundays as they are on weekdays, most of the shops are open until 18:00 in the evening, some until 20:00. Even Car Free Day in Paris on the first or second Sunday of each month within the scope of the event Champs-Elysees It is closed to vehicle traffic. As part of this event, it might be interesting to walk around the world's most famous boulevard in a car-free environment.
Same way Montmartre Hill It is a region that does not lose any of its liveliness on Sundays; It is possible to have a pleasant time there too. In fact, it has become too crowded in recent years; If you are someone like me who does not like crowds, try to be there early on Sunday. Notre Dame Cathedralwhere is located Cite Island, right behind Saint Louis Island and across from Notre Dame Saint michel The area is also very lively on Sundays. just nearby Boulevard Saint Germain It is also a place where you can have a good time on Sundays, but it should be noted that most of the shops in this area are closed.
And it's one of my favorite places in Paris. Rue Mouffetard It can also be one of the places where you can spend time on Sunday. Although it is not a very long street, it has such a unique atmosphere that if you have seen the places I have mentioned above, you can easily spend a Sunday here. Same way Saint Martin Canal A walk along it will give you a very different Paris experience.
If you are not shopping focused, there are tons of things to do in Paris: First of all, beautiful parks and gardens are waiting for you. in the center of the city Tuileries Garden ve Luxembourg GardenIf you haven't been to , I would definitely say go there or depending on the location of your hotel. Parc Monceau, Buttes-Chaumont Park, Montsouris Park, Jardin des Plantes, Parc de la Villette Parks like these are very enjoyable places to walk around and get fresh air.
One of the best things to do in the middle of Paris on a Sunday (if the weather is not rainy) is Seine River is to walk along. Especially Bastille Eiffel Tower You can enjoy walking on the right or left bank, depending on the position of the sun, in the region between. Especially since it was closed to traffic in April 2017 and reorganized as a pedestrian path, park and recreation area. Rives de Seine ParkI definitely recommend you to take a walk in . If you don't have the strength to walk or want to get to know Paris from another aspect, then you can take the Seine River cruise boats. Bateaux Parisiens, Bateaux Mouches or Batobus You can choose one of the options such as and schedule your boat trip on a Sunday.
Magnificent woodland west of Paris Bois de Boulogne Pleasant park and entertainment area in this forest with Jardin d'Acclimitation and the forest area on the east side Bois de Vincennes ve Paris Floral Park These are heavens right next to the city; You can have a wonderful Sunday here.
If you have finished inside Paris, you can see many beautiful places if you go outside Paris on Sundays. Defense If you come to the side, you may not see the business life crowd on weekdays, but Westfield – Les Quatre Temps ve Westfield–CNIT Shopping malls are very lively; And my neighborhood right next to it CourbevoieYou can see how life flows around Paris by wandering around.
If you can afford to go a little further away (which are great opportunities to get to know Paris) RER or by commuter train you can easily reach, Parc de Sceaux, Grand Lac des Ibis, Le Vésinet – Le Pecq, Parc Saint Germain en Laye, Maisons-Laffitte, Enghien les Bains Beautiful places like these are waiting for you. Then, if you really want to go shopping, visit the famous outlet shopping mall in Paris. The Valley VillageIt might be a nice day to go to…
All museums in Paris are open on Sundays unless it falls on a public holiday. Therefore, when planning your Paris trip, dedicating your Sundays to museum visits may also be an option. If you are coming to Paris for the first time Louvre or Orsay You can visit the museums on Sunday. If you have seen these museums before, you can read all the articles I wrote about tons of museums to visit in Paris. at this link you can find. Also The Turkish first Sunday of every month many museums Don't forget that you can visit for free..
In your itinerary DisneylandIt might also be nice to add , but depending on the season, Disneyland can be more expensive on Sundays (more precisely, on weekends) than during the week, and in some periods, it does not matter which day you go. Details about this How to Buy Disneyland Tickets? You can find it in the article.
On public holidays In general, the situation is like Sundays, but in terms of shopping, it is deadlier. Especially January 1, May 1 and December 25 are the deadliest times in Paris for shopping and museum-oriented trips., because almost everywhere is closed on these dates. Some of them are also closed on other public holidays, but it is very difficult to write down here one by one and make a list of which ones are closed on which days. You need to read the articles of the museums that interest you, one by one.
In summary, if your arrival coincides with these dates, then it would be more logical to give priority to outdoor trips. It's probably one of the activities you can do every day of the week. Eiffel Tower'what or Montparnasse SkyscraperAnother is to go out to with hop on – hop off buses is to circumambulate the city. What I know about these buses Open Tours, Big Bus and City Sightseeing…As a matter of fact, I also VélibI recommend you to rent a bike from and travel around the city. I'm sure you'll enjoy the city in a different way, regardless of whether it's a public holiday or a Sunday.
There are tons of things to do in Paris on Sundays and public holidays. What else can I tell you? go Tops of Parisdiscover what, Paris' Giant Flea Market travel, Old Book Market – Le Marché du Livre Ancienwander around in, installed on the streets brocante – flea markets Try to catch up, witness daily life in the street markets, wander from street to street and get lost as you wish. You don't need to spend your life in shopping malls and living in fake lighting and air conditioning like in big cities in Turkey.
You are in Paris, I suggest you take advantage of these opportunities.
Enjoy life, experience Paris to the fullest...
Pleasant trips, pleasant discoveries
