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

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

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 

Step up your sightseeing with Go City® 

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  
 
See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!  

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Continue reading

Café des 2 Moulins
Blog

Quirky Things to do in Paris

Looking for quirky and unusual and quirky things to do in Paris? Then look no further! We’ve compiled a wealth of weird, wonderful and downright wacky suggestions to help you swerve the tourist traps and experience Paris at its most offbeat, from sightseeing in a Citroën 2CV to riding a dodo, visiting Édith Piaf’s private apartment and making an absolute cochon of yourself with all-you-can-eat chocolate mousse. Quirky Things to See and Do For a Paris sightseeing experience with a difference, book a private tour in a vintage Citroën 2CV, truly the Rolls Royce of classic French cars. Well, sort of. Tours last up to three hours and itineraries cover all of the major landmarks, Paris by night, Montmartre and more. Cost is per vehicle and you can reduce your share of the fare by cramming in three people, like sardines in a tin can. Albeit a very chic Parisian tin can. Take the edge off any discomfort caused by the 50-odd-year-old suspension system by adding a bottle of bubbly to your package. You’ll regret nothing about a visit to the fascinating Musée Édith Piaf (tours by appointment only). This tiny apartment in the 20th arrondissement was home to the legendary Parisian chanteuse just before her career went stratospheric in the early 1930s. View personal belongings including photographs, fanmail and Piaf’s birth certificate, platinum records and famous black dress, and pick up a souvenir CD of Piaf favorites such as La Vie en rose and Non, je ne regrette rien in the little shop. Coincidentally, the museum is just a short stroll from the Little Sparrow’s final resting place in the vast Père Lachaise Cemetery, a fitting spot to complete your Paris Piaf pilgrimage, and where you’ll also find the tombs of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Sarah Bernhardt, Chopin and many more legendary entertainers of yore. Dead Interesting Paris could give the Mexicans and ancient Egyptians a run for their money in terms of its fascination with the dead. Celebrity-crammed cemeteries aside, there’s no dearth of death-related attractions in Paris, if that’s what floats your bateau. Perhaps closest to the bone are the Paris Catacombs, an extensive network of underground ossuaries containing the mortal remains of some six million Parisians, displaced here from overflowing graveyards in the 18th and 19th centuries. The experience of walking through these hushed tunnels and caverns, stacked top to bottom with human remains, surely ranks as one of the city’s most macabre. From the dead to the undead, the Musée des Vampires is every bit as creepy as it sounds... and then some. Step inside this house of horrors in the north-eastern suburbs of Paris to explore the private collection of vampirologist Jacques Sirgent, eccentric curator of this roomful of vampire-related imagery, curiosities and ephemera. Highlights include – steel yourself – mummified cats, a 19th-century ‘anti-vampire protection kit’, a crossbow and dozens of frankly terrifying artworks. As with the Piaf museum, Viewings of Mr Sirgent’s private collection are by appointment only via the website. Lust for the macabre still not satisfied? Book tickets for the Manoir de Paris, a heart-stopping immersive Halloween horror experience held annually in the Parc de la Villette’s Grand Halle. Pay your respects at the world’s oldest pet cemetery where permanent residents include Napoleon’s three-legged dog Moustache and – I kid you not – Rin Tin Tin, canine star of the silent movie era. And climb aboard the Dodo Manège, a cute and colorful carousel in the Jardin des Plantes, where kids can choose to ride a dodo, a barbary lion, an elephant bird and other extinct and endangered critters. Quirky activities in Paris Rollerblading has really taken off in Paris over the last few years. They’re everywhere: whirlwinding past as you enjoy a gentle stroll along the Champs-Élysées, hurtling towards you at truly terrifying speed in the Parc Monceau, bowling you over as you step out of your hotel... Get involved in the fun at the mass skating event that rolls through the streets of Paris – with a police escort, no less! – every Sunday. Or join the cool kids on the Pari Roller, a night-time tour-on-skates that kicks off in Montparnasse every Friday at 10PM and concludes in the wee small hours. Fans of quirky French rom-com Amélie can follow in their heroine’s dainty footsteps at locations across the city. Make your way through Montmartre’s charming cobbled alleys to the real-life Café des Deux Moulins. This cute Parisian eaterie still looks much as it did in the movie, but with added Amélie posters, trinkets and ephemera dotted around the place. Picnic on the banks of Canal Saint-Martin and skim stones across the water, just as Audrey Tautou did in the movie, and take a dip in the Piscine de Amiraux, the beautifully restored Art Deco swimming pool where Amélie’s father enjoyed a swim. A scoot around the most interesting stations of the Paris Métro is also worth a couple of hours of anyone’s time. Expect to see some of the city’s finest street art down here, as well as impressive stations including Arts et Métiers, with its steampunk-inspired bronze-clad tunnels, and Palais Royal, which boasts an eye-catching entrance in brightly colored Murano glass. If you’re still on an Amélie tip, there is of course a station for that: Abbesses, where our heroine encounters Nino for the first time. Eccentric eating experiences Adventurous gourmands rejoice! Paris has a reasonable claim to the title of dining capital of the world. So, if you’re ever going to try escargots (that’s right: snails), this is the place to do it. These little morsels of deliciousness are served in the shell, drenched in garlicky herb butter, and with a sizable hunk of bread to mop up every last drop of the juices. Yum. Those with a sweeter tooth may prefer to tackle the bottomless chocolate mousse at Chez Janou near the Place des Vosges. Guests who order this dessert are served a great dollop of the good stuff from an oversized bowl, which is then left on your table for you to help yourself until you can eat no more. Head to Paris institution La Maison Ladurée on the Champs-Élysées for the finest French macarons in every conceivable color and flavor. Feeling extra decadent? Try one of these delicate little pastries wrapped in gold leaf and leave higher in spirits (if somewhat lower in cash) than before you entered. For a truly eccentric dining experience, mosey down to Le Refuge des Fondus at the foot of Montmartre. There are only two decisions to be made here: meat or cheese, and red or white wine. The twist? Your wine is served in (and drunk from) baby bottles. It brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘bar crawl’. Save on quirky things to do in Paris Save on admission to Paris attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Magnolia blossom beside the Eiffel Tower in Paris in April
Blog

What to do in Paris in April

April is such an extraordinary time of year to visit Paris that there’s even a song about it which has been recorded by everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to Frank Sinatra. The month sees café and brasserie tables spill out onto elegant boulevards once more, flowers erupt in bloom and several major annual events take place. With the mercury steadily rising in thermometers across the French capital’s 20 arrondissement (neighborhoods), Paris in April is a great month to explore its many outdoor attractions. Its museums provide welcome respite from any incoming rain showers. What’s more, the crowds of summer are yet to descend on Paris, and hotel prices are still for the most part significantly below their peak. Wondering if spring in the City of Light is for you? Check out the array of things to do in Paris in April below. Get outdoors Although it’s the grand boulevards like the Champs-Élysées which are the focus of events such as the Bastille Day celebrations, Paris has several unmissable green spaces. The best-known name is perhaps the Bois de Boulogne, a former royal hunting ground gifted to the city by Napoleon III in 1852 and home to attractions including the Château de Bagatelle. Public access to the Jardin des Tuileries, between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, dates to almost two centuries earlier. Its formal layout has become a place of celebration and relaxation. It’s also the location of the Musée de l'Orangerie, containing eight of Monet’s larger Water Lilies masterpieces. The highlight of the Jardins du Trocadéro has to be its views across the River Seine to the Eiffel Tower, although the creatures at the Paris Aquarium come a close second. Outside of the city, the gardens of the Palace of Versailles are usually free to enter, except for when their musical gardens and fountains shows are on. The shows start in April and continue several times per week until October. Experience easter in Paris Taking place in April or at the very end of March, easter has transcended its religious origin to become a festival which anyone can enjoy. Beyond the services of Holy Week, Paris’s churches host an array of classical music concerts. Often, all you need to do is turn up at the advertised time. But you can also do far worse than admiring the window displays of the patisseries and chocolateries of Paris, who go out of their way to outdo each other. Stepping across the threshold for a sneaky sample is a must. Chocolate is a key element of the easter egg hunts put on by organizations and major hotel chains too. But if you’re looking for a more rounded meal, be warned that most restaurants close on Easter Sunday and Monday. Parisians take to the parks for picnics instead. Take part in mass participation events As funfairs go, none are older than the Foire du Trône – or Throne Fair – in the Pelouse de Reuilly area of the Bois de Vincennes. Spread over 25 acres, the space provides temporary residence to 350 rides and stalls throughout April and May for a fair over a thousand years old. Now in its fifth decade, the Paris Marathon has to be one of the most unusual ways to take in the landmarks. One of the largest races in the world, with up to 65,000 participants, its route begins on the Champs-Élysées and follows the Seine eastward past the Eiffel Tower before doubling back towards its finish line at the Arc de Triomphe. One of Europe’s leading contemporary art shows, Art Paris also takes place in April. It brings together the collections of around 150 galleries from 20 countries within the impressive modern glass and steel structure of the Grand Palais Éphémère opposite the Eiffel Tower. Curated by a different figure in the art world each year, it’s one of the city’s most anticipated art events. Adopt the Paris style If you’ve a fondness for style, then Paris doesn’t disappoint. For one thing, the world’s style capital boasts its very own Museum of Decorative Arts. Located within the majestic surrounds of the Pavillon de Marsan – part of the Louvre complex – the museum contains over one million objects. They span centuries of decorative arts and include furniture, wallpapers and ceramics. But you certainly don’t need to head into the hallowed halls of the Louvre to become acquainted with Paris’ legendary elegance. Sit at a café table anywhere from Rue Bonaparte in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood to Rue Faubourg du Saint-Honoré, where luxury brands are based, and you can people watch with abandon. Then consider heading to Boulevard Haussmann and the flagship store of Galeries Lafayette. Its intricate interiors are worthy of museum space in their own right. What to wear in Paris in April Dominated by the arrival of spring, the weather in Paris in April is generally good. Average daily temperatures hit 15°C, but can occasionally fall as low as 10°C. Anticipate seven hours of sunshine per day. Rain is also frequent, although light, with just 25 mm falling during the entire month. As a result, most visitors to Paris in April will want a light jacket for the early mornings, late evenings and the breeze that whips through the upper stories of the Eiffel Tower. There’s otherwise little wind to worry about. Wearing layers will ensure you’re ready for anything, whether riding the roller coasters of the city’s theme parks, drifting along the Seine on a river cruise or hanging above the city in a hot air balloon. Save on April Paris attraction admission April is a great month to travel to Paris. Outside of the easter period, hotels tend to have reduced nightly rates and the city’s major landmarks are yet to see the crowds of summer. But this is not the only way to save on a vacation in gay Paris. Go City gives you reduced admission to many Paris attractions whilst still giving you the flexibility you would expect to have on vacation. It’s really as simple as that.
Ian Packham
Blog

Two-Day Paris Itinerary

Traveling to Paris but only have two days to soak up all the sights and sounds? It’s not only possible to see a representative slice of Paris in just a weekend, but it’s also a delightful way to squeeze in a quick vacation! We’ve put together a two-day itinerary for those weekend getaways to Paris. These ideas will give you a starting point for your explorations, and help you to make the most of your brief time in the city. Our sample itinerary for two days in Paris includes the following: The Louvre Musée de l'Orangerie Champs Élysées Shopping Hop-on Hop-off Paris Bus Tour Eiffel Tower Paris River Cruise Day 1: The Louvre A museum so renowned that it practically needs no introduction, the Louvre is one of the finest collections of art in the entire world. It’s the perfect place to visit on your first day in Paris, with so many iconic works of art, sculpture, and more to be found within its unique walls. The Louvre is also a remarkable structure in and of itself—the I.M. Pei-designed pyramids are gorgeous, perfectly Instagrammable architectural marvels. Plan to devote an entire morning to the Louvre, and leave a little time to just hang out in the courtyards outside the museum to people-watch. Musée de l'Orangerie Take a stroll through the inimitable Jardin des Tuileries (a seventeenth-century pleasure garden filled with elaborate botanical structures and statues) to get to your next attraction, the Musée de l'Orangerie. This unique museum combines its twentieth-century European art collection with one singularly remarkable gallery—a collection of eight water lily murals by Monet. It’s a singular experience to stand within the Monet gallery and turn in every direction to see those signature water lilies in every direction. This modestly-sized museum should take about an hour or so to explore fully. Champs Élysées Shopping End your day with a bit of retail therapy. You’re just steps from the Champs-Élysées neighborhood, which is notable for the Arc de Triomphe as well as its extensive luxury retail offerings. These days, you’ll also find some fast fashion, athletic apparel, and cosmetics alongside the iconic boutiques and signature European fashion houses. Other highlights of the neighborhood include the Grand Palais and the Champs-Élysées Garden, should you prefer to sightsee more instead of acquiring your next big fashion item. Plan to devote the remainder of your afternoon to exploring this exciting neighborhood. Day 2: Hop-on Hop-off Paris Bus Tour Start your second day in Paris with a comprehensive bus tour that will escort you around the city’s best landmarks. This hop-on hop-off option from Big Bus Paris is an excellent choice, with eleven premier stops including the Notre Dame, the Paris Opera House, the Grand Palais, and more. Use the bus to get around the city, or just ride the whole loop to enjoy the sightseeing. This fully-narrated tour is offered in more than eight languages, so no need to brush up on your French before visiting! If you choose to stay on the bus for the entire loop, set aside about two and a half hours. Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable structures in the entire world, so it’s a must-visit on your weekend in Paris itinerary. Use the hop-on hop-off bus tour to get here, and then stroll around the grounds. One of our favorite Instagram photos is a shot looking up at the Eiffel Tower from below! We especially like the way the Eiffel Tower looks at night when it’s illuminated and brilliant against the modern Paris skyline. So, it’s also an option to save this attraction until later in the day. Please keep in mind that you will need separate tickets if you’d like to go inside. Paris River Cruise After you’ve enjoyed a walk around the Eiffel Tower, or perhaps a picnic beneath it (one of our favorite ways to truly experience the city like a local), take a quick walk to the waterfront and hop aboard the Paris River Cruise. The Seine is a magnificent body of water, providing stellar views of the crowded city along its banks. Some of the sights you’ll enjoy from your vessel include Musée D'Orsay, Tuileries Gardens, Grand Palais, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Your cruise will last approximately one hour, leaving you plenty of time to find that perfect restaurant for dinner and wine. Save on Admission to Paris Attractions Payless to visit the attractions on this weekend in Paris itinerary with a Go Paris pass. Pay just 95 Euro for admission to these and other great attractions. This is an excellent value for those who want to scope out the best museums! 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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.