How Does Sunday & Holiday Hours Work in France?
Last verified: 2025-01 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Most shops close on Sundays. Supermarkets open limited hours. Paris tourist areas have exceptions. Restaurants and bakeries open Sunday morning.
2What You Need to Know
France has Sunday trading restrictions, though less strict than Germany. Most shops and department stores are closed on Sundays. Supermarkets may open until midday in some areas. In major tourist zones of Paris (Champs-Élysées, Marais, tourist areas), shops can open on Sundays. Bakeries (boulangeries) are often open Sunday mornings — it's a French tradition to buy fresh bread for Sunday breakfast. Restaurants, cafés, and museums are generally open on Sundays. France has 11 official public holidays per year — on these days, most businesses close and transport runs on a reduced schedule.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Sunday morning at a French bakery for croissants and bread is a cultural must-do — they're open
- 2In Paris tourist areas (Champs-Élysées, Marais, Montmartre), Sunday shopping is mostly possible
- 3Supermarkets close at noon on Sundays in many areas — do your weekly shop Saturday
- 4Musée du Louvre and most major Paris museums are open Sundays but closed Tuesdays
- 5July 14 (Bastille Day) is France's national holiday — expect significant closures and celebrations
How does this compare?
Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in nearby and similar countries:
Shops are closed on Sundays by law. Restaurants and cafés are open. Supermarkets close Sunday. Plan your grocery shopping for Saturday.
Large shops open shorter Sunday hours (typically 10am–4pm or 11am–5pm). Pubs and restaurants normal hours. Bank Holidays see widespread closures.
Many Italian shops close Sunday or open shorter hours. Restaurants are generally open. On public holidays, most things close — plan ahead.
Traveling to France?
You might also need:
More About France
Tipping is not obligatory in France. A service charge is included in all restaurant bills by law. Round up or leave 5–10% for genuinely good service.
Updated 2025-01
Paris has an excellent Metro. Buy a carnet (book of 10 tickets) or a Navigo Easy card. SNCF runs intercity trains — book TGV early for big discounts.
Updated 2025-01
France has excellent healthcare. EU citizens use EHIC for reduced-cost care. Non-EU tourists pay upfront and claim back via insurance. Pharmacists are very helpful.
Updated 2025-01
Carry ID at all times. Face coverings in public are banned. Photography laws protect individuals. Speed cameras are everywhere.
Updated 2025-01
SAMU (medical): 15. Police: 17. Fire (Pompiers): 18. EU universal: 112.
Updated 2025-01
France is fashionable but relaxed. Smart-casual for restaurants. Modesty required at churches. Avoid overly casual sportswear in Paris restaurants.
Updated 2025-01
🗓️ See Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in all countries
Compare all countries →