Paris on a Sunday: Art, Parks, and Pastries Await

Wondering what’s open on Sunday? We’ve got your Paris plans sorted.

Published: March 25, 2026
Notre Dame Gargoyles

Paris is always a good idea, and Sundays are no exception. While some places take it slow, the City of Light has a knack for turning the last day of the week into pure magic. Picture yourself soaking in morning sun on a café terrace, catching an exhibition in a world-famous museum, rummaging for antiques at open-air markets, then wandering leafy parks as church bells ring in the distance. Whether you’re here for headline attractions that never close or ready to dive into offbeat neighborhoods, we’re plotting out your perfect Paris Sunday—pastries, picnics, and all. 

Our Top Things to Do in Paris on a Sunday: 

  • Musée d'Orsay 
  • Sainte-Chapelle 
  • Marché Bastille 
  • Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise 
  • Montmartre & Sacré Coeur – Walking Tour by Experience First 
  • Le Marais Neighborhood Stroll 
  • Gourmet Chocolate Museum 
  • Luxembourg Gardens 

Musée d'Orsay: Where Art and History Dazzle 

Sundays at Musée d'Orsay are something special. While some museums close, this riverside temple of Impressionism swings open its iconic doors, welcoming art lovers to bask in masterpieces by Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, and more. But it’s not just about star paintings—the setting is just as memorable.  

The museum occupies a former Belle Époque train station, so soaring glass ceilings pour light across grand exhibition halls. An early visit is perfect for beating the crowds and letting those swirling brushstrokes work their magic. Don’t miss the famous giant clock windows—snap a quick photo with the city over your shoulder. Whether you’re a seasoned art buff or just popping in for cultural refreshment, Orsay’s vibrant galleries and dramatic architecture make for an unforgettable Parisian Sunday. 

Sainte-Chapelle: Light Up Your Weekend

Sainte-Chapelle Stained-Glass Windows

While Notre Dame is still under restoration, its glittering gothic neighbor—Sainte-Chapelle—is open and glowing brighter than ever. Walking into Sainte-Chapelle feels like stumbling into a stash of hidden jewels. Stained glass windows soar from floor to ceiling, swirling with scenes in radiant blues, ruby reds, and golds, especially magical when sunlight streams in.  

Sundays are a terrific moment for a peaceful visit, or, if you’re lucky, you might catch a classical concert—hearing music bounce off 13th-century walls is a memory that sticks. The atmosphere is reverent yet welcoming, and there’s a remarkable hush—visitors instinctively lower their voices to a soft murmur. Whether you’re into history, sacred music, or simply chasing beauty, Sainte-Chapelle is a must on any Sunday stroll. 

Marché Bastille: The Sunday Market Feast 

Skip that hotel breakfast—Sundays are for markets, and Marché Bastille is one of Paris’s top picks for food and lively atmosphere. This sprawling open-air market runs every Sunday morning and quickly morphs into a local ritual. Wander past little mountains of strawberries, baguettes still hot from local ovens, artisan cheeses you’ll dream about later, and flower stalls bursting with color.  

Pick up picnic supplies for later, or simply graze your way through, adding on a fresh-crêpe pitstop for good measure. Yes, there are souvenirs too: soap, scarves, and baskets galore. Feel like a Parisian as you wander, snack, and savor the bustling ambiance—just remember to bring a tote bag for your finds! 

Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise: Glide Down the Seine 

If you’re after classic Parisian vibes, spend an hour or two seeing the city from a new angle—on the Seine itself. The Bateaux Parisiens Cruises are in full swing on Sundays, and there’s a certain tranquility to floating past grand bridges and riverside monuments as the city hums quietly. Whether you’re in the mood for outside breezes or want to snuggle behind the glass, these boat rides offer unbeatable photo opps and chilled commentary about everything you pass.  

Afternoon sailings often catch the golden light, making for perfect Instagram moments. For families, couples, or anyone who needs a break from walking, this is pure Parisian leisure at its best. 

Montmartre & Sacré Coeur Walking Tour: Artistic Vibes on the Hill 

Sunday mornings feel tailor-made for exploring Montmartre, that legendary village-like neighborhood known for winding alleys, painterly squares, and the watchful white domes of Sacré Coeur. Guided Walking Tours by Experience First uncover hidden corners, local stories, and artists still plying their trade outside Place du Tertre. 

Your guide will make sure you catch details you’d never spot solo—like the vineyard tucked behind busy boulevards or the oldest cabaret in town. End your stroll with a look inside Sacré Coeur, whose mosaics are even more stunning up close. This is the Paris of daydreams, and Sunday is the perfect excuse to get lost discovering it. 

Le Marais: Paris Cool—Open on Sundays

Courtyard in Le Marais

Where do locals head on a Sunday when much of Paris is catching up on sleep or closed for business? Le Marais, the perpetually hip neighborhood where galleries, cafes, boutiques, and quirky museums swing open their doors all weekend long.  

Window-shop along Rue des Francs-Bourgeois or Rue Vieille du Temple, duck into a cookie-scented bakery for a break, or tour Musée Picasso or Carnavalet (also open Sundays!). Stylish crowds gather in Place des Vosges—an arcaded square famous for picnics, chess players, and, occasionally, local musicians tuning up. Flat whites, falafel, or fine fashion finds—it’s all here and all yours on a Paris Sunday. 

Gourmet Chocolate Museum: Sweeten Your Sunday 

For anyone who believes chocolate counts as a food group, the Gourmet Chocolate Museum is Paris’s Sunday treat. Step inside and you’ll wander through the delicious history of chocolate, from ancient Mayan rituals right up to modern truffles. Engaging displays show off rare antiques, cacao pods, and plenty of edible samples (just try and resist!).  

The highlight for many? Daily demonstrations by master chocolatiers—you’ll watch liquid chocolate swirl, smell caramelizing sugar, and even sneak a taste or two. With interactive exhibits and a lighthearted vibe, this is an outing the whole crew will love, rain or shine. 

Luxembourg Gardens: Parisian Parklife Done Right 

When church bells ring out across Paris on a Sunday, you can bet the city’s parks are coming alive. Luxembourg Gardens are a perennial favorite: think tree-lined promenades, flowerbeds, and peaceful lawns ready for lazy picnics.  

Watch locals play fierce games of pétanque, rent a classic model sailboat, or claim a green chair to watch life drift by. Bring your market haul (see above!), enjoy open-air art, and maybe treat yourself to an espresso at the park’s vintage café stands. Best of all, you’re a short stroll from the Latin Quarter if you’re feeling the urge to wander after your park fix. 

 

So go ahead—mix and match these suggestions, create your own Parisian Sunday adventure, and let the City of Light work its weekend magic! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Paris Passes or Sainte-Chapelle vs. Notre Dame 

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An Alternative Guide to Paris Museums

Paris is one of those amazing European cities just brimming with art, culture, and history. In fact, some of the most famous museums in the entire world are found right here in the City of Lights. We’ve all heard of the Louvre, Musée D’Orsay, Versailles, and so on. But what about those of you who’ve already hit up the biggies and are looking to explore some more distinctive or unusual Paris museums? If you’re looking for alternatives to the major label museums in Paris, have we got the handy little guide for you. Check out our guide to the quirky, unique, and unexpected museums in Paris. The alternative museums we highlight in this post include: Musée des Plans-Reliefs Musée de Cluny Museum of Arts & Crafts Museum of Decorative Arts Château de Rambouillet Sèvres, City of Ceramics Museum of Music Discovery Palace Picasso Museum Musée des Plans-Reliefs The Musée des Plans-Reliefs would be Toby Shandy’s delight. Housed in the Hôtel des Invalides, this collection features a massive assortment of “plans-reliefs,” or scaled-down models of cities and other geographic features for military purposes. They were originally used to strategize during battle—something of an early precursor to our digital renderings. The collection includes pieces from the late seventeenth through the early nineteenth centuries. Musée de Cluny Although it’s a museum that tends to escape people’s radar when visiting Paris, the Cluny Museum is actually among the most significant cultural institutions in the city. Found in the Latin Quarter, this museum features one of the best collections of medieval art and artifacts anywhere in the world. For example, you’ll find a number of famous tapestries, crowns, engravings, sculptures, and other evidence of medieval artistry and craftsmanship from France and beyond. Museum of Arts & Crafts The Musée des Arts et Métiers is something of a misleading name for this fine collection of scientific and industrial materials. Here you’ll find tens of thousands of drawings and objects—among which are some of the most famous technical objects in history, such as an original Foucault pendulum, the original model for what would become the Statue of Liberty, and the first mechanical calculator. Visitors can also explore historic cars, planes, and other artifacts from the history of transportation. Museum of Decorative Arts Housed in a portion of the Louvre Palace (but distinct from the Louvre itself), the Musée des Arts Décoratifs brings together compelling exhibits from the history of graphic arts, advertising, and fashion. The overall focus is on design and decorative arts, with objects like furniture, wallpaper, ceramics, glassware, children’s toys, carpets, and much more comprising its extensive collections. Visitors will also want to take time to explore themed period rooms that showcase different moments in the history of material goods. Château de Rambouillet Castle of Rambouillet is located a fair distance southwest of Paris, but it’s worth the extra effort to see this remarkable museum. Formerly the summer home of the Presidents of the French Republic, it’s now a historic monument preserving the long history of the castle. It was originally built in the fourteenth century but is most famous as the place that Louis XIV transformed into an idealized version of a country dairy to please his queen, Marie-Antoinette. There were further additions and modifications made by later rulers as well. Sèvres, City of Ceramics A small community in the southwest suburbs of Paris, Sèvres is known for its unparalleled production of exquisite porcelain. The largest porcelain manufactory in Europe is still located in this neighborhood, as the eponymous Sèvres – Cité de la Céramique museum. A visit here is an opportunity to learn about the historic porcelain production in France, as well as a chance to see their fine collection of Asian and European ceramics, including many pieces by modern and contemporary artists. Museum of Music Located within the renowned performance space Cité de la Musique, the Musée de la Musique boasts a unique collection of rare and unusual instruments. Visitors can peruse over 1,000 instruments and musical artifacts ranging from a tortoise guitar to a crystal flute. The collections span the period from the seventeenth century through the modern era including non-European instruments and music. The accompanying audio guide allows visitors to listen to recordings, and free daily concerts provide live musical inspiration. Discovery Palace The Palais de la Découverte is an exciting modern science museum located in the 8th arrondissement in Paris. Permanent exhibitions here include a focus on topics like mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, geology, and astronomy. It’s particularly notable for its Zeiss planetarium. About a decade ago it merged with the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, sharing their collective dedication to spreading scientific knowledge and education with visitors of all ages. Picasso Museum An art gallery dedicated exclusively to the expansive productions of one of Europe’s most famous artists, the Musée Picasso is absolutely a must-visit for fans of the Spaniard’s life and works. You’ll find more than 5,000 works of art including paintings, notebooks, sculptures, ceramics, engravings, and drawings, as well as thousands of archival documents include Picasso’s personal correspondence, manuscripts, and photographs. This collection is located in the Marais district of Paris. Save on Admission to Paris Museums Visit these museums and plenty of other cultural institutions with the Go Paris pass. Pay only 95 Euro for the 48-hour Paris Museum Pass, which covers admission to more than 55 different museums and monuments in the broader Paris area. The Go Paris pass also includes admission to tours, cruises, and other fun attractions to help round out your weekend getaway. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal
Louvre Museum
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Guide to the Louvre Museum - Tips for Visiting

If you do one thing in Paris, it should be the Louvre. Pay a visit to the world’s largest art museum and spend an entire day marveling at their exhaustive collections of art and artifacts. It's consistently among the most-visited art museums and one of Paris’ most popular attractions. While their collections encompass some 380,000 objects, only a portion of these are on display at any given time. Items hail from all around the globe and throughout human history, including objects from prehistory all the way up to twenty-first-century works of art. The Louvre has particularly notable strengths in Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Sculpture, and Painting, among others. The museum itself is a work of art—housed in the Louvre Palace (originally built in the late twelfth century as the Louvre Castle), it’s a veritable maze of art and artworks. Creative types will find a haven here, with something from just about every period and field to marvel at. Don’t forget about the signature I. M. Pei pyramid out the front which acts not only as a piece of art but a stunning entranceway to the museum! The Louvre Tickets Looking for discount tickets to the Louvre? Grab a pass from Go City. Spend less on admission to the Louvre and dozens of other museums, tours, cruises, and other great Paris attractions. Enjoy 2, 3, 4 or 6 days of unlimited sightseeing and save big on combined admission versus paying at the gate. See more on pricing for our passes. Louvre Tips for Visiting Be sure to download an interactive floor plan prior to your visit — it’s available in seven languages and will be invaluable in helping you plot out your course through the museum. Consult the museum calendar to see what special events, gallery talks, or tours are going on during the day of your visit. You may also wish to grab an audio guide for the Louvre. Available in seven languages, this is one of the coolest and more comprehensive audio guides around. The Louvre is big—like, really big. Wear comfortable shoes and plan to rest periodically. The Louvre is also difficult to navigate, but they’ve really simplified things by making their collections color-coded. Each of the eight curatorial departments is assigned a color, and then each room within the department is given a number. Follow your map and the signs on the wall and you’ll be good to go. Take your kids to the Touch Gallery. It’s the only place in the entire museum where visitors are encouraged to touch the sculptures (which are replicas of those found in the museum’s collections). Other important places like elevators, restrooms, and restaurants are identified via pictograms—so no worries if you don’t read French. For those visitors traveling with little ones, check out the Tuileries Gardens, which are filled with kid-friendly activities like a carousel, trampolines, and little boats. What is the Best Time to Go to the Louvre? You should plan to spend most of the day at the Louvre if you want to see a representative sample of the exhibits; it is also possible, however, to organize a “highlights” tour and accomplish it all in a few hours. We recommend visiting the museum first thing in the morning as soon as they open to maximize your time spent inside the institution. Crowds will be heavier mid-morning and late afternoon. If you're trying to attend a special docent tour, it’s wise to consult the museum’s schedule of events to see what’s available during the day of your visit. What to Bring to the Louvre Comfy walking shoes – the floors are hard and you’ll be traipsing around quite a bit. Money for souvenirs – their bookstore is one of the best places to shop for tourists in the entire city and it’s worth spending some time there. Layers – the museum is climate controlled, but this can differ depending upon the type of art. As a result, you may feel cool in some rooms but warmer in others. A camera—there are places in the Louvre where photography is limited or prohibited, but you’ll want it on hand for the opportunities that do arise. What to Do at the Louvre The museum collections are all sorted into one of eight curatorial departments: Egyptian Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Islamic Art; Paintings; Sculptures; Decorative Arts; and Prints and Drawings. We’ve listed a few of the highlights of each department below. Egyptian Antiquities One of the most famous collections within the Louvre’s vast holdings, the department of Egyptian Antiquities is filled with hundreds of items from Nile Valley civilizations. Items date as far back as the prehistoric period (about 4000 BCE) all the way to the early Christian period (around the fourth century CE). The objects in this department include everything from small pieces of jewelry, games, funeral urns, and amulets to large sarcophagi, engraved portions of tomb walls, and statuary. Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities Spanning the rich, diverse cultures of Greece, Italy, and the broader Mediterranean area, the objects and artifacts in this department range from the Neolithic era to the sixth century CE. Here is where fans of classical archaeology and mythology will find their inspiration. With art objects that cover everything from the iconic amphoras to intricate statues of the gods to the signature black and red Greek pottery, you’ll be amazed at the breadth and depth of these collections. Near East Antiquities One of the broadest categories of art and objects at the Louvre, the Near East Antiquities department spans an astonishing nine thousand-year period—from prehistory to the early Islamic period. Artifacts were discovered in a wide range of territory, from North Africa to Central Asia, and from the Black Sea to the Arabian Peninsula. Highlights of this department include tablets bearing some of the earliest forms of writing, ancient beaded jewelry, board games, and dozens of religious statues and figures. Islamic Art New galleries in this department opened in 2012, allowing for an expanded display of Islamic artwork for Louvre visitors. There are a few thousand objects on display here, ranging geographically from Southeast Asia to Spain, and temporally across nearly 1,300 years of human history. A few of the objects you might see in this department include dishware and pottery, sculptures, textiles and texts, and manuscript pages. Paintings With a couple hundred works currently on display, paintings are one of the larger curatorial focus points at the Louvre. This department is among the most famous as well, with particular strengths in Italian Renaissance art and Dutch Old Masters. The collection encompasses every major European school of painting as well, including works from the thirteenth through the nineteenth centuries. Some of the most famous works in this collection include Leonardi da Vinci’s world-renowned Mona Lisa, Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, and Johannes Vermeer’s The Astronomer. Sculptures The Department of Sculptures has had a long and varied history, currently encompassing Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern sculptures. Every work here dates prior to 1850, and only includes those that do not qualify for the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Department. Some of the most stunning art objects in the entire Louvre are found here, ranging from statues of gods and goddesses to biblical characters to modern individuals of note. Decorative Arts One of the best departments for those who appreciate and/or study the history of material culture in a global context, this area of the Louvre boasts a simply stunning collection of objects from around the world. Objects were created between the early Middle Ages and the mid-nineteenth century. You’ll find everything from jewelry and ivory work to stained glass and furniture. Many of these objects inspire us to wonder what will happen to our own precious goods after we’re gone. Prints and Drawings This is one for the history of the book people. Here you’ll find a wide selection of printed material, including drawings, pastels, printed books, manuscripts, woodcuts, and lithographic stones. The unique thing about this department is its approach to displaying the collections—because of their innate fragility, most works are kept in careful storage and are circulated in and out of temporary displays. As a result, all exhibits here are temporary, so what you see during your visit will be totally unique! Save on Louvre Tickets with a Go Paris pass A Go City attraction pass for Paris provides admission to the Louvre and dozens of other Paris and area museums for one low price. You’ll also get admission to tours, cruises, and other top Parisian attractions to round out your weekend getaway.
Katie Sagal
Colored lights around Disney Castle
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How to get to Disneyland Paris

For many of us, Disney is the stuff of fairy tales and happy childhood memories – full of friendly characters, happy endings and our first experiences of going to the movies. As children we all begged our parents to take us to Disneyland – but if we weren’t in America, that trip would have been unlikely. Now, however, there Disney parks all over the world, and for the past thirty years Europeans have had Disneyland in Paris, a much closer place to relive our childhoods. But it’s worth noting that the park is out of the city a little bit, and you can’t buy a ticket at the gate, so make sure you pre purchase it or have a pass (like Go City) that includes it. It’s also best to prearrange how you’re going to get there, which in many cases can be done when you book your ticket. Here are our tips for the easiest and most convenient ways to get there: Train Eurostar Shuttle bus From the resort Drive Train If you’re traveling from the center of Paris and don’t have a car, the fastest and cheapest way is on the train. There are many train stations in Paris that go to Disneyland, and they’re all on the RER Line A which runs through Charles de Gaulle Etoile station (next to the Arc de Triomphe) and Chatelet (in the center of the city near Notre Dame, the Louvre and St Chapelle) to Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy station about 40 minutes east of the city. On the metro maps you’ll see it as the red line, with the words ‘Parcs Disneyland’ marking the right direction (make sure you take the line to Marnee-la-Vallee, not Boissy-St-Leger). You can get to Chatelet station from most of the Paris Metro lines (it’s only four stops from Gare du Nord), and once at Marnelle-Vallee/Chessy station it’s a two-minute walk to the park entrance. The trains run approximately every 15 minutes, from early in the morning until late at night. Eurostar If you’re traveling from London, either making a day trip to the park or staying at the attached Disneyland Resort, the Eurostar runs direct trains from St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International stations several times a week (except in January and February). It’s a slightly different service to the usual Eurostar operation, as it has a sprinkling of Disney magic added to it: children are supplied with special Disney activity sheets and cast members from the park ride the train and are there to answer any questions. Eurostar ticket prices vary depending on what time of year you travel, but generally the further ahead you book the cheaper it will be. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes and drops you at Marne-la-Vallee station, just two minutes from the park. Shuttle Bus If you prefer the convenience of being picked up and dropped off without having to figure out the local metro system or how to validate tickets, one of the easiest ways to get to Disneyland Paris is on one of several dedicated shuttle buses that run to and from the park and resort each morning and evening. There are four pick-up points around the city, at Gare du Nord, Chatelet, Opera (shuttle 1) and the Eiffel Tower (shuttle 2), and they can be added to your booking when you purchase your park tickets. Both shuttles arrive at the park at around 9:45am and depart at 8 or 9pm depending on the park closing time – be sure to double check before you leave! There are also regular shuttle buses that run from Paris’ two airports, Charles De Gaulle and Orly, to the park and several of the resort’s hotels. Tickets can be purchased at the airport, direct from the driver or online before you travel. From the resort You can’t really walk to the park unless you’re staying in one of the attached hotels, in which case it’ll take you anything from five to 20 minutes, depending on which one you’re staying at. There are six to choose from and each has a different theme – Disneyland Hotel is the closest, followed by the Marvel-inspired Disney Hotel New York, the maritime-themed Newport Bay Club, the Sequoia Lodge (where younger visitors will be delighted to find Bambi and her friends) and the Hotel Cheyenne, where visitors will see Woody and Jessie at home in the Wild West. Each resort has free parking for guests, and free shuttles that run from each of the hotels to the park entrance and back several times each day. There are also self-catering lodge cabins at Davy Crocket Ranch, although this one doesn’t operate a shuttle and is a 15-minute drive from the park entrance. Drive Traveling by car is a relatively simple way of getting to Disneyland Paris, as the park and its car parks are well signed from the motorways and roads leading to the resort. From the center of Paris it’s about 45 minutes, or from London approximately six to seven hours including ferry time (which you’ll need to pre-book). Once you’re there it’s a flat rate for parking for the day, and that will depend on what type of vehicle you’re in – also note that cars, motorbikes and camping vehicles are allowed, but no trailers or caravans. The carparks generally open at 8am and close half an hour after the parks close, and there’s no overnight parking permitted. If you’re in a hire car, there’s a Hertz drop off point at Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy station, and taxis are available from the center of Paris. Get around Paris with Go City It’s easy to get to Disneyland Paris – and with Go City you’ll save on dozens of other attractions around the city. Start planning your Paris Disneyland trip today!
Karleen Stevens

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