Do Shops open on Sunday in France? (2024)

FAQs

Do Shops open on Sunday in France? ›

In France, as a general rule, shops are not allowed to open on Sundays. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and certain businesses can open on Sundays under certain conditions.

Shops. The majority of shops are open all day from 9am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday. Some smaller shops may close over lunchtime between midday and 2pm, or all day on Monday. Sunday and public holidays are the usual closing days, although there are some exceptions ...

Supermarkets in larger cities will often have longing opening hours. Be aware that most supermarkets in France remain closed on Sundays. Some will open during the morning but then close around lunchtime.

Sundays are quiet for the French — typically, the day is devoted to rest, family, and a time-honored commitment to relaxation. Most businesses shut their doors after about noon, and many don't open them at all. Don't worry about lost time, though; in many ways, this is when Parisian joie de vivre is in its truest form.

I actually grew to love the fact that shops were shut on Sunday and every day for two hours so that the workers could have a long lunch break. Shops have been closed on Sundays in France for more than a century due to a 1906 law.

In France, as a general rule, shops are not allowed to open on Sundays. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and certain businesses can open on Sundays under certain conditions.

Sorted by: 62. In my eyes 7/7 is shorthand for French 7 jours sur 7 which translates to 7 days out of 7 . Meaning the business is open all week.

Upon entering a shop – When you first walk in, scan the shop to see if you can spot the proprietor. When you do, immediately smile and greet him or her with a pleasant “Bonjour Monsieur/Madame,” and also nod to include in your greeting any other customers that may be in the store within earshot.

It's often because of these legal requirements and the expense that restaurants are closed a couple of days a week. Or some restaurants might be open for dinner on Saturday but not open for lunch. Sunday is a family day in France, so some restaurants are closed Sunday and Monday for their two days.

Covering a total surface area of 575 hectares, Paris's 12 International Tourist Zones offer plenty of opportunities to indulge in a little retail therapy, even on a Sunday! More than 3,000 retail outlets are open for business in different parts of the city.

What do the French eat for Sunday dinner? ›

The next course, typically the main course, might consist of beef bourguignon (last Sunday's menu), grilled salmon, stuffed tomatoes, or roast capon or some other regional specialty. The entrée is typically served with rice or potatoes. Again, bread is served as part of this course, and wine glasses are replenished.

Sunday in French – dimanche.

One of the revolutionary days in Paris and now a national holiday, the 14th of July ("Bastille Day") is celebrated with a mixture of solemn military parades and easygoing dancing and fireworks. The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 has been commemorated in France for more than a century.

Like most European cities, Paris winds down on a Sunday. You'll notice a difference as the streets are quieter and shop fronts are boarded up for a day of rest.

Most museum in Paris are free each first Sunday of the month in winter or spring. Most art galleries in rue de Seine or place des Vosges will welcome curious bystanders.

Throughout France, Sundays are traditionally a day of rest. Banks, shops, supermarkets and many restaurants are closed across the country. This mostly holds true in Paris as well, though shops in popular tourist areas (e.g. Champs Elysées) remain open seven days a week.

While it isn't fully illegal to work on weekends in France, most workers are not allowed to work on Sundays. In France, the law clearly states that workers cannot work more than six days per week, with the seventh day reserved for rest. Workers are also entitled to a minimum weekly rest of 35 consecutive hours.

The reason lies in France's enshrined labour code, the Code du Travail, which was first published in 1910. The Code du Travail used to say that it was illegal for anyone to work more that six days a week and that workers should have 35 consecutive hours of rest.

In France, the typical workweek starts on Monday (Lundi) and ends on Friday (Vendredi), much like many places around the globe. A standard workday usually spans from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM adding up to a 35 hour work week. Yes, you read that right!