18 Best Things To Do In Paris On Sunday

Spending a weekend in Paris and looking for what to do on Sunday? This article will show you all the best things to do in Paris on Sunday for an amazing day!

If you think the City of Lights goes on break on Sundays, think again. While many local businesses and restaurants hang up their ‘closed’ signs on Sundays and most streets stay quiet, some parts of the city remain open and lively!

From museums to parks, and other famous Parisian landmarks, there’s plenty to see and do on Sundays in Paris.

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Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES HAPPENING NOW IN PARIS
Château de Lumières in Vincennes: A fascinating show on the history of the château through the centuries 
Candlelight show: Perfect if you want to be treated to a candlelit music show in a beautiful Parisian venue: (4.8/10)
Cabaret at Moulin Rouge: A cabaret in the iconic Moulin Rouge is a must: (4.7/10)

In fact, certain places are only open on Sundays, as well as activities that are best enjoyed during the weekend.

If you start your day early, you can even beat the crowds as many locals and tourists sleep or stay in on Sunday mornings.

Feeling intrigued? Keep reading to discover all the best things to do in Paris on Sunday!

Best Things To Do In Paris On Sunday

Whether you want to pack your Sunday with activities or just want to have a chill day, this list of the best things to do on Sunday in Paris will have something for you.

1. Visit a Museum

You’ll probably have to spend many Sundays if you’d like to check out all of Paris’s museums and galleries since there are just so many!

But luckily for you, most museums in Paris remain open on Sundays, and many of the city’s museums even offer free entry to the public every first Sunday of the month making it a perfect Sunday activity if you’re hoping to see some art pieces for free.

This includes popular museums like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Musée Picasso, but smaller ones like Musée de la Vie Romantique and Petit Palais also stay open.

Do note though that some of these museums require entry reservations, so make sure you purchase your ticket in advance to avoid wasting time in queues.

To help you easily find the tickets you might need, below are some of the tickets to famous museums that sell out fast.

• Timed-entry ticket to the Louvre museum: You can’t miss seeing the most extensive art collection in the world on top of the famous Mona Lisa painting. You can even sign up for this Louvre museum guided tour to learn more about the pieces in the museum.

• One-day entry ticket for Orsay museum: You’ll need this ticket to see the famous paintings from the impressionist and post-impressionist art movements. If you prefer going with a knowledgeable guide, this is the Orsay museum guided tour I recommend.

• Entry ticket for Musée de l’Orangerie: This museum is famous for housing the largest water lilies paintings by Claude Monet.

• Rodin museum Entry ticket: Visit this museum to see impressive sculptures by the famous French sculptor, Auguste Rodin.

• Les Invalides: The Army museum and Napoleon’s tomb full-day entry ticket: This museum is dedicated to army objects throughout various wars in French history. Plus, you’ll also see the stunning chapel housing Napoleon’s tomb.

• Centre Pompidou entry ticket: This museum is a must-visit if you’re into modern and contemporary art.

Alternatively, instead of buying individual tickets, if you plan to visit a number of museums, I recommend buying this Paris museum pass instead. On top of saving money, you’ll also be able to skip the long lines. However, if you’re not sure if the museum pass is for you, first read my complete Paris museum pass review to help you decide.

And if you’d rather stick to free ones, I have a dedicated article on the best free museums in Paris.

2. Have a breezy picnic In a park

If you’re blessed with a sunny Sunday, it’s a sign for you to pack a mat and snacks and go for a Parisian picnic!

Picnics are a popular weekend activity especially in the spring and summer when the weather is nice and breezy.

Also, Paris is one of the best cities to have a picnic in since there are plenty of beautiful parks and gardens.

Some of my favorite parks in Paris to go for a picnic include Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Champ de Mars for beautiful Eiffel Tower views, Parc de la Villette, Par Monceau, Jardin Des Tuileries, Luxembourg gardens, and many others. The banks of the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin are also lovely spots for picnics.

You honestly don’t need much to do this! Just stop by a local bakery for some pastries and buy other snacks and fruits from any supermarket, carry a picnic mat or blanket and you’ll be ready for a lovely day in the park.

3. Pick Up An Antique at a Flea Market

Spend your Sunday shopping for antiques, knick-knacks, or fresh produce! A number of markets in Paris are open exclusively on the weekends, and Sunday is a popular time to explore them.

If you have a soft spot for vintage items, make your way to the Saint-Ouen Flea Market (officially called Marché aux Puces de Saint Ouen), the largest flea market in the world that’s a gold mine of vintage furniture, jewelry, records, secondhand clothing, and old books.

If you want to pick up fresh produce, be sure to stop by Marché Bastille in the 11th arrondissement, Marche Mouffetard in the 5th, or Marche d’Aligre in the 12th.

Besides flea markets, various neighborhoods organize brocantes where you can pick up antiques, second-hand goodies, and more.

4. Do some Sunday sightseeing

Next up on this list of things to do on Sunday in Paris is sightseeing! Most popular attractions and landmarks remain open on Sundays, so if you’re traveling during the weekend, there’s thankfully no need to tone down your Paris itinerary.

Just be sure to double-check the opening hours as some of these places close early on Sunday.

Whether you’d like to check out the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Palace of Versailles, the Paris Catacombs, or the Paris Aquarium, they will all be open on Sunday.

But as with museums, some tickets to these attractions sell out fast, so you’ll need to purchase them in advance. Plus, some of them come with the advantage of skipping the line. Below are some of the tickets to popular landmarks you can buy in advance.

• This Eiffel Tower entry ticket to both the second floor and the summit or opt for this Eiffel tower guided tour instead.

• This entry ticket to the Arc de Triomphe to take in the beauty of Paris from above.

• Go underground to see the Paris catacombs with this skip-the-line ticket that comes with an audio guide. Otherwise, you can go for this Paris catacombs guided tour to get access to some secret rooms that can only be visited with a tour guide.

• Get the Paris Aquarium entry ticket here.

• This is the entry ticket to Versailles palace and the gardens, but if you prefer a tour, then this is the guided tour I recommend.

5. Shop to your heart’s content

Fancy shopping in Paris on Sunday? Paris is a shopaholic’s dream come true — from shopping streets lined with boutiques to sophisticated department stores where you can get everything and anything you need! You can shop or window shop to your heart’s content any day of the week, including Sundays.

Many department stores in Paris like Galeries LaFayette, Printemps, BHV Marais, etc., are open 7 days a week, so you can go on a shopping spree during the weekend.

For an elevated shopping experience, head to the picture-perfect Champs-Élysées which is home to a number of French luxury brands be it French perfumes, French handbags, French shoe brands, French skincare products, to all the best international brands in the world. You will find all their shops there.

And if you’re in Paris on the first Sunday of the month, your shopping experience will be taken up a notch higher since the Champs-Élysées area gets cordoned off to vehicles and is open to only pedestrians for the day.

6. Discover Paris on A Bike

Besides the Champs-Élysées, many other areas in Paris are also closed off to motorized vehicles one Sunday a month as part of the city’s “Paris Respire” project.

The car-free area extends to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th arrondissements! There are plenty of spots you can explore during this period, and one fun thing to do is to rent a bike and cycle through the picturesque districts and neighborhoods within the car-free area.

My recommendations are Le Marais, the Canal St. Martin, and the Latin Quarter, where you can check out the many cute Parisian cafes, hip boutiques, hidden courtyards, and narrow cobblestone streets filled with gems waiting to be uncovered.

Of course, you can head outside of the car-free area as well since almost every major street in Paris has dedicated bike lanes and there are even bikes for rental if you don’t have your own.

You should however note that the car-free day is not the only day you can bike in Paris! Sunday being a relaxed day traffic-wise, you can bike anywhere in the city you’d like to explore.

You can explore the city on a bike on your own by renting a bike from various Velib rental stations dotted around the city, but if you’d rather go with a tour guide, this is the bike tour of Paris I recommend.

On this tour, you’ll discover the charming neighborhoods of the Latin Quarter, Le Marais, and Saint Germain des Pres as you learn about various attractions and history in the area.

You can also check out my recommended tours and activities to do in Paris on Sunday in the widget below all offered by my favorite tour provider GetYourGuide.

7. Take a Seine Cruise

Not a fan of cycling or walking? Consider seeing Paris from the water! Hop aboard a Seine river cruise for a fun way to see the iconic sights of Paris on a lovely Sunday.

As a weekend treat to yourself, elevate your cruise experience with this 1.5-hour champagne brunch cruise available exclusively on Sundays!

Perfect for days in all seasons, you’ll cruise through the river in a spacious air-conditioned lounge or panoramic terrace with a brunch menu that includes fresh pastries and small bites prepped by a chef on board, hot drinks, orange juice, and champagne.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you pass by majestic Parisian monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre, Pont de l’Alma, and more.

However, if you’d rather go on an evening cruise to see the city lights come to life and admire the Eiffel Tower sparkle at every top of the hour, then you’re better off joining this Seine river dinner cruise which comes with a 3-course dinner.

Visiting Paris on a budget and don’t want to spend on a meal but still want to enjoy the cruise? Then opt for this 1 hour Seine river cruise that comes with commentary to learn about the landmarks you’ll be seeing.

8. Start your day with brunch

Looking for what to do in Paris on Sunday? There’s no better way to start your Sunday morning than with a satisfying brunch!

Sundays are perfect for sleeping in and starting your day slow and later having a long and tasty brunch.

Paris is filled with an amazing selection of brunch spots that are great for a slow Sunday — from cozy cafes to trendy restaurants and bakeries that overflow with freshly-baked French pastries, savory delicacies, and various French dishes that you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to having brunch here.

Catch up with your loved ones over some hearty Croque Monsieur (a hot ham and cheese sandwich, done the French way), waffles, French toast, pancakes, Egg benefits, Avacado toast, etc, and freshly-brewed coffee.

Some of the brunch spots in Paris I recommend include; Aujourd’hui Demain for a healthy brunch, Bon Bouquet Café for Instagram-worthy dishes and ambiance, La Compagnie du Café in the 9th arrondissement, BigLove Caffe for brunch with a touch of Italy, and so many others.

9. Escape the city on a day trip

While there’s plenty to see and do in Paris even on Sundays, you can take this opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you’re running out of things to do on Sunday in Paris, there are many charming towns, villages, and cities near Paris that are just a short train, bus, or car ride away from the city.

Some of my favorite day trips from Paris include Chateau De Chantilly, Giverny, Reims, Château de Fontainebleau, Mont Saint Michel, Provins, Loire Valley, and many others!

If you opt for Mont Saint Michel, I have a dedicated article to help you plan your day trip from Paris to the Mont and if you choose Provins, this day trip from Paris to Provins guide will come in handy.

However, if you’d like a more hassle-free adventure, you can easily book a day trip to one of these places offered by knowledgeable and friendly tour operators.

For Mont Saint Michel, this is the tour you should book. It includes transfers, a ticket to the abbey, and a live tour guide.

For Loire Valley, you’ll need to book this day trip from Paris. Besides transfers from and to Paris, you’ll be able to visit some famous castles in the region like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau where you’ll even do some wine tasting.

If you’d rather go to Giverny to see the famous Monet’s garden, you can sign up for this guided day trip from Paris.

10. Explore the trendy Neighborhood of Le Marais

Unlike some neighborhoods of Paris that pull their shutters for a weekend break, the trendy district of Le Marais comes to life on Sundays and is almost always a no-brainer to visit.

There are so many things to do in Le Marais and places to visit from spaces of art and culture like Cente Pompidou (you can even go museum-hopping since it has quite a number of them) to cute cafes, concept stores, and historical sites like Place Des Vosges, Hôtel De Ville, The Museum Of The Art And History Of Judaism, and more.

Nightlife in Le Marais is brimming as well! From LGBT-friendly bars and cocktail bars, and various Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street food stalls, Le Marais has them all.

Not sure where exactly to go, you can check out my list of the best restaurants in Le Marais.

If you’re looking for a fun adventure on a Sunday in Paris, you know where to go!

11. Explore the Charming District of Montmartre

Another district I recommend exploring on a beautiful Sunday is none other than Montmartre.

Perched atop a hill in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre is a charming Parisian village with a quaint Bohemian vibe that has captivated both locals and tourists over the years.

Brimming with art and culture, Montmartre is where many iconic artists lived and worked in the past, including the likes of Picasso, Van Gogh, Auguste Renoir, Vlaminck, Maurice Utrillo, and more.

There are so many places to visit in Montmartre from the iconic Sacre-Coeur Basilica, and Montmartre museum to the delightful Place du Tertre, (where you can get your portrait painted by one of the many artists who base here with their paints and easels), picturesque streets with some being considered the prettiest in the city like Rue Norvins, unique museums, and more.

And when you’re done exploring, be sure to grab a meal at one of the best Montmartre restaurants which not only serve delicious French dishes but are also drenched in history.

You can check out restaurants like La Maison Rose, famously known as the Pink House, Le Consulat where many artists used to gather, Le Moulin De La Galette, and many others.

12. Watch a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge

Looking for what to do on a Sunday in Paris? Stay in Montmartre till the evening and make your way to the Moulin Rouge, Paris’s top-rated cabaret that offers extravagant nightly shows including on Sundays!

Once known as the largest entertainment facility in Paris, the Moulin Rouge sported huge dance floors, parties featuring famous French dancers, and even concerts of world-renowned personalities such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Edith Piaf (a famous French singer), Elton John, Liza Minnelli, and Yves Montand!

Though a fire destroyed it in 1915, Moulin Rouge’s glory was restored and it continues to serve up fun evenings of French Cancan and spectacular shows.

You can opt to just watch the show while sipping on Champagne with this ticket or this full dinner cabaret show that comes with drinks and a full meal. Remember to book early because seats sell out fast.

But even if you don’t plan on watching the show, the red lights and fun atmosphere of Moulin Rouge is highly-infectious at night.

Pro tip* Though Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret in Paris, for those who prefer a more sensual show as opposed to the traditional can-can at Moulin Rouge (or if you’ve already been to Moulin Rouge), I recommend going for this cabaret show at Paris Crazy horse. Yes, it’s sensual with lesser clothes on the dancers, but the show’s star is how they use lights and dance moves to tell a story beautifully.

13. Watch an opera show

If cabaret shows aren’t your cup of tea, how about catching an opera instead? Paris’s premier opera house, the Palais Garnier remains open on Sundays.

You can purchase this ticket for a self-guided tour of the building to take in its beauty and architectural marvel but to take your experience to the next level, I recommend watching a show.

The impressive auditorium of the opera house hosts plenty of classic operas, ballets, concerts, recitals, and musical performances featuring the works of renowned composers like Bach, Mozart, and Vivaldi.

You can check out the list of shows available on the day you plan to visit on the Palais Garnier official site so you can plan your visit accordingly.

And no, you don’t need to put on an expensive evening gown or tuxedo to watch an opera here! As long as you dress in something nice and not sloppy, you’ll be fine.

14. Visit a Parisian church

Visit one of the churches in Paris to observe or be a part of their Sunday service!

Some lovely ones you can consider popping by include the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, Église Saint-Eustache (you can come here for their Sunday afternoon free organ concert), Madeleine Church, Église Saint-Sulpice, and many others.

Make sure to double-check the mass timings on the official sites of the churches to plan well. Also, many have more than one Sunday service throughout the day.

If you’re not into religion and just want to visit the churches, you’ll have to visit outside mass hours to have access.

15. Spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris

One of the best things to do in Paris on Sunday is to visit the most magical place on earth, Disneyland Paris.

There’s nothing like spending the weekend at Disneyland Paris which is open all week, all year round.

Also, Disneyland Paris offers extended opening hours on the weekends (till 10 PM on Saturdays and Sundays instead of 9 PM), so you’ll get to squeeze in more fun during your visit.

Do note though that the crowds will be more on Sundays as opposed to going on a weekday, but if Sunday is the only day you have, it’s still doable.

If you choose to go on a Sunday, one of my best Disneyland Paris tips is to get Disney Premier Access to skip the long queue via a dedicated fast lane and increase your chances of riding a number of its thrilling rides and attractions.

But before you go, make sure that you purchase this Disneyland Paris ticket to not waste time buying it on-site and if you don’t know how to get there, I have a dedicated article on how to get to Disneyland Paris.

Related Post: Best Restaurants in Disneyland Paris

16. Spend An Afternoon at Bois de Vincennes

If you want to get away from it all and connect with nature, the best place to go is Bois de Vincennes, a large park on the eastern edge of Paris.

Being a woodland, you can take a walk in its forested area or carry your picnic essentials and picnic on its lush grass.

What makes this park a better contender on Sunday is the presence of the lake. You can either sit nearby to enjoy the cool breeze or go adventurous and row in a boat! There is no better way to spend your Sunday in Paris than this.

After that, spend some time exploring its botanical garden, Parc Floral to learn about various plant and flower species.

And if you visit in the summer, you’ll be able to attend a number of festivals organized here from the Paris Jazz Festival to other musical summer festivals.

17. Watch a Movie

Has your favorite movie been released while you’re in Paris or do you just want to experience the movie culture in the city of love? If that’s you, one way to spend your Sunday in Paris is by watching a movie.

Contrary to what you may think, there are a number of movies shown in English, sometimes with French subtitles or those shown in French with English subtitles.

Paris has a number of movie theatres from Le Grand Rex and Cinéma du Panthéon, to UGC which has many theatres spread around the city.

All you have to do is check the theatres’ websites to see what’s showing when you’re around, book a ticket, and spend your Sunday in a relaxing way.

18. Explore the Latin Quarter

Last on my list of best things to do in Paris on Sunday is exploring the Latin Quarter!

Located on the left bank of the Seine, the Latin Quarter will give you a glimpse of what “Roman” Paris looked like — at least what’s left of it.

Home to the Sorbonne University, the Latin Quarter is known for its lively atmosphere, student vibes, and popular attractions such as Jardin des Plantes, Saint-Étienne-Du-Mont Church, Arènes De Lutèce, Musée Curie, National Museum of Natural History, the Panthéon, and more. There are indeed so many things to do in the Latin Quarter.

You can also stroll through the Rue Saint-André des Arts and Rue de la Huchette, 2 picturesque streets lined with lots of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and boutiques, many of which remain open on Sundays.

From ice cream to falafels, crepes, pizza, and restaurants specializing in Greek, Turkish, Italian, and French cuisine, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the food options when it comes to restaurants in the Latin Quarter.

And if you’re wondering why it’s called the “Latin Quarter”, it goes back to the middle ages when the professors and students of Sorbonne university and other schools in the area taught and spoke Latin, hence the name.

Related Post: Best Hotels in the Latin Quarter

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Final Thoughts on the Cool Things to do in Paris on Sunday

Ready to take on Paris on a Sunday? I hope this list of things to do in Paris on a Sunday inspires you to plan a fun day out, whether it’s exploring museums, having a picnic, or just hanging out at a cafe over a good brunch and coffee.

Most importantly, always double-check the opening hours of the place you’re thinking of visiting to plan well. Have a fun Sunday in Paris!

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Fun things to do in Paris on a Rainy day
• Famous Paintings in Paris
• Where to Find the Best Macarons in Paris
• Famous Paintings at the Louvre Museum
• Best Covered Passages of Paris
• Most beautiful neighborhoods of Paris
• Fun free things to do in Paris
• Famous Churches to Visit in Paris
• Best Museums in Paris
• Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower
• How to spend One day In Paris

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