In many ways, my partner and I are proof that opposites attract.
16.01.2025 - 17:49 / lonelyplanet.com
Jan 16, 2025 • 6 min read
Paris might be one of Europe’s most dynamic cities, but the pace of life is noticeably quieter on Sundays, particularly in more residential neighborhoods such as parts of the 9th, 11th and 12th arrondissements. You might find that smaller independent shops are closed, a restaurant you wanted to try isn’t open and the local supermarket shuts early. The upside is that it encourages Parisians to run their errands on a Saturday and use Sunday for something more fun instead, whether it's catching up with friends or the current cultural exhibition.
Read on for some ways that Parisians like to spend their Sundays.
Markets: Sunday mornings are market mornings, when you’ll see Parisians picking up groceries or ingredients for a home-cooked Sunday lunch. Even if you’re not cooking, places like Marché Bastille, which is one of the biggest food markets in Paris, or Marché d'Aligre are just great places to browse, soak up the atmosphere and pick up mid-morning snacks. There are also a few cafes around Marché d'Aligre for people-watching from the sidelines.
Pro tip: If you want to shop without the crowds get there when the markets start at 7:30am. If you’re just there for the atmosphere, there’s no need to rush – the markets will be in full flow for most of the morning and over lunchtime, until they start winding down around 2pm.
Brunch: Although not traditionally French, brunch has become a huge weekend trend in Paris. Some great breakfast spots – and not just for Sundays – include Café Méricourt, Mokonuts and new sister address Mokochaya, Coutume and Café Singuliers. Cocktail bar Dirty Lemon serves up a Palestinian brunch on weekends, and British Brasserie L’Entente has classic English breakfasts and eggs Benedict on the menu.
If you just want coffee and pastries for petit dej, as the French sometimes call it, pop by the fantastic sourdough bakery Ten Belles (which has three locations in the 6th, 10th and 11th), KB Coffee Roasters, which has a great terrace for summer, or the Dancing Goat, which might be one of the prettiest coffee shops in Paris. For gluten-free options, head to the excellent Chambelland, which after opening in the 11th now also has spots in the 16th and 17th.
Brocante:If you’re into antiquing or rummaging for a vintage treasure look out for a weekend brocante (secondhand market) or vide-grenier. A vide-grenier, which literally means “empty attic,” is a market with people selling off their own stuff, while a brocante features professional dealers of antiques, silverware and French linens. While the famous Les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen is an option, local brocantes tend to be less overwhelming and more affordable.
Brocantes pop up on Saturdays and Sundays year-round (except
In many ways, my partner and I are proof that opposites attract.
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