SUNDAY IN PARIS

Contrary to popular belief, Paris doesn't shut down on Sundays. A guide to the best neighborhoods to shop, dine, and explore in Paris.
Traditionally, Sundays in France are days spent at home with family and friends, catching up around relaxed, drawn out meals or participating in other leisure activities. Most shops, supermarkets, and other banks, post offices, venues, etc, are closed, as well as many restaurants and even museums. Although this is changing in Paris, planning a day out in Paris on Sunday can still be somewhat of a challenge. Here is a list of some great things to do on the city's day off.

Visit the Marais
By and large, the Marais is the happening place to spend your Sunday in Paris. This historic neighborhood spans parts of the 1st, 3rd, and 4th arrondissements and is unique for its medieval architecture (it is one of the only areas in Paris to preserve the narrow, winding streets and quaint alleyways typical in pre-Hausmann era Paris), its thriving gallery scene, plethora of hip boutiques, restaurants and cafes, and history as the center of the Jewish and gay communities. Because much of the Marais is closed on Saturday, the quartier comes alive on Sundays, when many of the streets are closed off to cars and the narrow ruelles are filled with tourists and locals alike. The Marais has its share of trendy, cozy coffee shops (Merce and the Muse, La Loire dans la Théiéres), happening bars (La Nouvelle Héloise, La Perle), major french labels (Comptoir des Cotonniers, Zadig and Voltaire) and exclusive boutiques.

Stroll Down the Champs Elysee or Visit the Carousel de Louvre
Two of Paris's prime tourist zones--the Champs Elysées and the Carrousel du Louvre--the upscale shopping center located under the glass pyramids of the Louvre--are open on Sundays. While both venues--the Champs Elysees in particular--can be crowded and hectic on Sundays, its a good bet (and one of your only options) if you are looking to do some big name shopping on Sundays. Highlights of the Champs Elysées include the flagship Louis Vuitton store (complete with a free exhibition space and museum) and the La Durée shop and tea room, world famous for its French macarons.

Brunch and Browse by the Canal Saint Martin
The off-beat, bohemian area around the banks of the Canal Saint Martin comes to life on Sundays, when the banks are closed off for pedestrian and street markets and craft fairs line the canal. Have brunch at the celebrated hipster hangout Chez Prune or the eco-friendly, multi-purpose gallery Le Comptoir Général, and then browse clothing boutiques and gift stores including Sandro, Antoine et Lili, as well as the graphic design bookstore Artazart. You can choose to take a Vélib down the canal from the Bassin de La Villette to Bastille or simply relax and people watch canal side or in the lovely Jardin Villemin.

Although it may not be immediately evident, Paris street life doesn't grind to a halt on Sundays. In addition to the options mentioned above, Paris visitors and residents can spend Sundays in Montmartre, where many fashion boutiques and concept stores stay open near the rue des Martyrs and the rue d'Orsel. Those looking to shop can also head to Bercy Village in the quiet 12th arrondissement, which features a Sephora and a Fnac. For a more exotic experience, head to the massive Asian specialty stores Paris Store and Tang Frères in the 13th arrondissement and in the neighborhood of Belleville. While most supermarkets are closed, a fair number remain open for at least part of the day, and open air markets can be found throughout the city on Sundays. Whether you are looking for designer handbags, a great meal, a trendy bookstore or just some milk and a roll of toilet paper, with a little planning and ingenuity, you can find it in Paris on Sundays. Bon weekend!