Five Things to do on a French Sunday
Most people are aware that Sunday is a ‘day of rest’ in many Christian countries, but traveling to traditionally Catholic countries often takes things to a whole new level, and France is a prime example of this. While many visitors may expect a slightly muted Sunday, with closed banks and office buildings, many are shocked to find an eerie pall on many French streets during that time, with almost everything closed and nearly everybody inside. But never fear: if you find yourself in France’s cities or countryside on a Sunday, there are still a few ways you can occupy yourself.
1. Go to a church service
Did you know that official distances between French towns are actually the distances between their churches? The church of a French town is often one of the first monuments that visitors – religious or otherwise – seek out upon arrival, and there’s no better way to experience them than during a Sunday service. Whether it’s the grand Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral or simply a quaint village chapel, consider taking your seat in a wooden pew to enjoy the soothing music and elaborate ceremony of a traditionally French Sunday morning. Services last about an hour.
2. Take a hike
France is famous for its natural wonders, and Sunday is the perfect day to explore them. From the peaks of the Alps to the beaches of Normandy, choose a beautiful spot close to where you’re staying, pack a big picnic (complete with baguette, saucisson and a bottle of red wine) and go exploring.
Contrary to expectation, communing with nature is even possible from the bustling capital, Paris. Jump on the RER commuter rail and ride it out to one of the towns on the city’s outskirts, then head into nature. The Chevreuse National Park in St-Remy-lès-Chevreuse is a particular delight!
3. Brave the lines at the museums
Paris’ museums are some of the few attractions that remain open on Sundays, but the dearth of other activities means long museum lines. Trying to visit the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay is next to impossible, but do
some research and find out if there are good smaller museums close to where you are staying, then contact the tourism office (before Sunday!) to find out whether they’ll be open. If you’re in Paris, we recommend the beautiful Impressionist collection in the Marmottan.
4. Wander historically ethnic districts
You’ll need to be staying in a larger city for this one, but Sunday is a perfect time to wander the streets and discover lesser-visited neighborhoods. In Paris, the Jewish Marais is a particularly interesting spot, while the Chinatowns in Lyon and Toulouse are also ideal Sunday destinations, and will give you a whole different perspective on a city from the more typical areas you will frequent on other days.
5. Sunday à la francaise
For a typically French Sunday, do what the locals do… eat! Start with a morning trip to the local boulangerie. While it might be hard to comprehend, most French people don’t actually indulge in all those glorious pastries every day – they’re reserved for a special dimanche breakfast – so seek out a selection of croissants, pains au chocolat and chaussons aux pommes, order a café crème, and enjoy the most relaxing possible start to a Sunday.
As breakfast is generally taken late and at a leisurely pace, lunch may be pushed back as well. But that’s no reason not to start apéro at noon, with a drink at a café or restaurant. Most locals enjoy a ceremonial, several-hour-long Sunday lunch that soon fades into dinner with family and friends, but if you can’t manage that, try a long restaurant lunch followed by a leisurely walk!
Before you know it, it’ll be dark… so head to bed and look forward to everything returning to normal on Monday morning.
