10 Things Locals Love to Do on a Sunday in France
First-time visitors are often caught off guard by how quiet Sundays feel in France. Shops are shut, many restaurants close after lunch, and cities can seem almost asleep. But locals enjoy the day in very specific ways.
If you know where to look, Sundays can turn out to be some of the most enjoyable moments of your trip. Here’s how people across France actually spend their Sundays, with concrete ideas for joining in.
1. Browse a Brocante or Vide-Grenier
Throughout spring, summer, and autumn, brocantes (antiques markets) and vide-greniers (garage sales) pop up in villages and towns every Sunday. Some are tiny and local while others attract dealers from across the country.
In L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, one of Provence’s best-known antique towns, Sundays draw crowds hunting for silverware, linens, books, and vintage posters. In Paris, the Puces de Vanves opens early and feels far more relaxed than the sprawling Saint-Ouen market.
2. Sit Down for a Proper Sunday Lunch
French Sundays revolve around food. Families gather at home or head to a favorite auberge for a full lunch that lasts well into the afternoon.
In the Dordogne, you’ll see locals packed into places like Auberge du Pont in Cénac-et-Saint-Julien by 12:30 sharp. Menus often include duck confit, walnut cake, or regional specialties.
If you’re traveling, it’s worth booking ahead. Many restaurants either close after Sunday lunch or take Monday off entirely.
3. Walk or Bike Along a Voie Verte
Greenways, called voies vertes, are disused railway lines and canals converted into cycling and walking paths. On Sundays, they’re full of locals, from families with strollers to retirees on e-bikes.
One of the most scenic runs alongside the Canal du Midi, especially near Castelnaudary. In western France, the path from La Rochelle to Châtelaillon-Plage hugs the coast and is doable even without a bike rental, just for the views.
4. Spend the Afternoon at a Lake
Public lakes and river beaches often have built-in picnic areas, walking trails, and places to swim or rent pedal boats.
You don’t need to be in the Alps to enjoy one. Lac de Saint-Ferréol, near Revel in the south, is a favorite Sunday hangout with space for shade and a few relaxed restaurants nearby.
In the Dordogne, the river beach at Montignac is a casual place to cool off after visiting the Lascaux caves.
5. Shop a Local Sunday Market
Some of the liveliest markets in France happen only on Sunday mornings. By noon they’re winding down, but from 9 to 11, they’re in full swing.
Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the Tarn-et-Garonne draws people from surrounding villages for cheese, bread, baskets, and wine tastings.
On the coast, the market in Trouville-sur-Mer in Normandy is where locals stock up on oysters, scallops, and fish so fresh it’s still moving.
6. Take a Stroll in a Park or Along the River
In bigger cities, locals head to the parks and rivers. Not just for walking but for catching up with friends, tossing a frisbee, or reading the Sunday paper.
In Bordeaux, Parc Bordelais is a favorite for families. In Lyon, the banks of the SaĂ´ne have been redesigned into long pedestrian paths that link the old town to the modern Confluence district.
In Nice, the Promenade des Anglais fills up from morning to sunset, especially near the Old Town.
7. Visit a Local Museum or Château
Many regional museums and castles stay open on Sundays, even when other sights are closed. You might find them quieter too.
The Musée Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi, for example, is set inside a massive brick palace and has an outstanding collection. In Normandy, the Château de Flers offers a mix of period rooms and temporary exhibits.
Always check opening times in advance, some places close at lunch and reopen later.
8. Attend a FĂŞte de Village or Festival
Festivals and food fêtes are often scheduled for Sundays so locals from nearby villages can attend. These aren’t always easy to plan around, but if you stumble on one, it’s worth stopping.
In Collobrières (Provence), the Fête de la Châtaigne in October brings crowds for chestnut cream, roasted nuts, and traditional music. In the summer, wine regions like Gaillac or Sancerre host open-air tastings and slow lunches under white tents.
9. Go Inside a Church During Sunday Mass
Even if you’re not religious, Sunday is often the only day churches are open for longer hours due to services – the easiest way to see the interiors without a ticketed tour.
In Chartres, for instance, you can enter the cathedral freely before or after mass and see the stained glass in full morning light. In Aix-en-Provence, Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte usually has music playing during service and stays open for longer afterward.
10. Have a Drink at a Café Where Time Doesn’t Matter
Cafés take on a different rhythm on Sundays. Especially in smaller towns, they become the social center where locals gather for an apéro or post-lunch espresso.
In Uzès, Place aux Herbes is ringed with shady terraces where people sip rosé or coffee and linger as the afternoon drifts by.
In Toulouse, head to Place Saint-Georges and you’ll see the same scene – no rush, slow drinks and neighborhood chatter.