WHAT TO DO IN PARIS FOR THE PERFECT SUNDAY ?
Sundays in Paris are perfect for following your every whim. Museums, gardens, restaurants, unique experiences… the city offers a wide range of options to make the most of the day. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll, explore an offbeat spot, or enjoy quality time with family, Paris reveals itself in countless ways.
Sunday is also an invitation to slow down. Wander through a lively neighborhood, visit a lesser-known gem, or book an experience to share with others. Here’s a complete guide to crafting your perfect day: art, food, unusual outings, green escapes, shows, and shared moments.
What to Do in Paris on a Sunday Morning
Stroll Through Montmartre, the Bohemian Quarter
Sunday morning is probably the perfect time to explore Montmartre in peace, before the neighborhood comes alive. Cobbled streets, the bustling Place du Tertre with its artists, and sunlit old houses create a scene straight out of a classic Paris postcard. And while wandering, don’t miss one of the area’s “must-sees”: Villa Léandre, often considered one of the most beautiful streets in Paris. With its meticulously kept façades and subtle English-inspired charm, this quiet corner of the 18th arrondissement is truly worth a visit.
As you walk, take the opportunity to stop by sculptor Florence Arven’s studio, which occasionally opens its doors to visitors curious to see her bronze and stone creations. A little further along, Galerie W showcases bold works blending urban painting, photography, and contemporary installations. Artists like Speedy Graphito and Jérôme Mesnager, iconic figures in French street art, often feature in its exhibitions.
Next, make your way up to the Sacré-Cœur to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, then descend via the Square Louise Michel staircase. Just below, the wild garden of the Musée de Montmartre awaits, an often-overlooked green oasis where Renoir himself once painted. Montmartre is an endless source of inspiration, perfectly blending art, sightseeing, and understated charm.
Brunch at Marcel: the Perfect Activity for Couples
Whether you’re a couple or with family, brunch is the perfect way to start a Sunday gently. After your morning stroll, head to Marcel, a cozy spot tucked away in the 18th arrondissement, just a stone’s throw from Montmartre.
This California-inspired restaurant offers a generous and carefully prepared brunch in a warm, relaxed atmosphere. On the menu, you’ll find organic eggs, fluffy pancakes, homemade granola, avocado toast, and fresh-pressed juices, all served to perfection. It’s a must-visit, especially for brunch lovers. Our little tip is to book in advance.
Late Morning: Recharge in a Parisian Garden
Looking for a touch of nature in the heart of Paris? Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement offers a bucolic escape with its suspension bridges and hidden grotto.
For a more classic option, the Luxembourg Gardens charm visitors with their statues, manicured lawns, and playgrounds. Both spots are perfect for a family outing or a romantic stroll in Paris.
What to Do on a Sunday Afternoon in Paris
Musée de la Vie Romantique: A Free Visit Just Steps from the Moulin Rouge
In the Montmartre neighborhood, just a few minutes’ walk from the Moulin Rouge, lies a discreet and captivating spot: the Musée de la Vie Romantique. This house-museum offers a free visit in a preserved 19th-century setting, complete with period furniture, handwritten letters, and works of art. It’s an unusual activity in the heart of Paris, perfect for immersing yourself in an intimate atmosphere.
Unleash Escape: A Fun and Unique Escape Game
For an adventurous Sunday, head to the 12th arrondissement and dive into the Nautilus adventure at Unleash Escape, voted Paris’s best escape game in 2025. This bold steampunk-inspired experience, influenced by famous writers, lasts one hour and forty-five minutes and immerses you in meticulously designed sets while challenging you with engaging puzzles. Note that this escape game isn’t suitable for children under 12, but it’s a must for fans of immersive activities looking for a thrilling challenge.
A Creative Workshop in a Covered Passage
Looking to awaken your artistic side? Head to one of Paris’s iconic covered passages, like Galerie Vivienne in the 2nd arrondissement or Passage Jouffroy in the 9th arrondissement, to join a creative workshop in drawing, pottery, or writing. These hands-on activities offer a peaceful and inspiring break, perfect for immersing yourself in the art and culture of the city.
Stroll Along the Seine and on Île Saint-Louis
In the afternoon, treat yourself to a walk along the Seine. Start from Pont Neuf and follow the riverbanks to Île Saint-Louis, where charming little shops, quirky booksellers, famous ice cream parlors, and elegant façades create a truly Parisian atmosphere.
To experience the city from a different perspective, hop on a guided boat tour along the Seine. During the cruise, you’ll enjoy unique views of iconic landmarks like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Grand Palais. This peaceful and enriching experience is perfect for anyone wanting to see Paris from a fresh angle.
End of the Day: Food, Panoramic Views, and a Show
Drinks with a View in Paris
Before dinner, treat yourself to a suspended moment at one of Paris’s most exclusive rooftops. Located at the foot of the Moulin Rouge, Le Toit du Bar à Bulles offers a warm space with wooden floors, dotted with fruit trees.
It’s the perfect spot for a drink in Paris, whether with friends or as a couple, while enjoying a unique view of the cabaret’s illuminated wings. Carefully crafted cocktails, a relaxed atmosphere, and a lush, green setting make for an unexpected and memorable escape in the heart of the 18th arrondissement.
A Magical Evening at the Moulin Rouge for a Perfect Sunday
What if you extended your Sunday with an exceptional evening at one of Paris’s top nightlife spots? A dinner show at the Moulin Rouge remains one of the most iconic experiences you can have in Paris. In this legendary venue in the 18th arrondissement, the art of cabaret is revealed in all its splendor: sparkling costumes, precise choreography, enchanting music, and a festive atmosphere. To fully enjoy the evening, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance. A timeless moment, just as magical for Paris regulars as for those discovering the city for the first time.
What to Do in Paris at Night
What if you extended the evening after the French Cancan? The Montmartre neighborhood is full of small theaters, intimate bars, and lively spots where Parisian nightlife shows a different side of the city. Live concerts, craft cocktails, and soft lighting carry the festive spirit into a more private atmosphere. Looking for new inspiration? Discover even more ideas for what to do in Paris at night, from vibrant nights out to quieter, more relaxed moments.
What to Do on a Rainy Sunday: Paris Indoors
Even in the rain, Paris remains an endless source of activities. For a wellness break, book a treatment at a hotel spa such as the Spa at Hôtel Molitor in the 16th arrondissement or the one at the Royal Monceau in the 8th.
Looking to warm up in a cozy atmosphere? Several bars offer board games for guests to enjoy, like Le Dernier Bar avant la Fin du Monde in the 1st arrondissement, a true haven for game lovers, pop culture fans, and craft drinks enthusiasts.
Another option is an improv theater show or a visit to an art-house cinema, such as Reflet Médicis or Le Champo, both in the 5th arrondissement, to (re)discover classic films in an intimate setting. Plenty of ways to turn a rainy Sunday into anything but an ordinary experience.
Family Outings: Museums and Fun Parks
For a successful family day out in Paris, head to places that combine learning and fun. At the Jardin d’Acclimatation, nestled in the Bois de Boulogne, children can enjoy rides, a petting farm, and outdoor playgrounds.
Further north, the Cité des Sciences, in the heart of Parc de la Villette, offers interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and hands-on experiences that spark curiosity at any age.
To explore the underwater world without leaving the city, the Aquarium de Paris, facing the Trocadéro, is home to over 500 species, with educational activities and touch pools. These activities, some free and others accessible with a ticket, give families a lively and cultural way to discover the capital, even on a Sunday.
Looking for an Escape? Head to Versailles
Just 30 minutes by RER, the Palace of Versailles welcomes you for a grand visit. Explore the royal apartments, the French-style gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s estate. It’s the perfect day-trip idea to end a weekend in the city on a historic and majestic note.
Conclusion
In Paris, Sunday is always an invitation to slow down, explore, and marvel. Whether you’re a museum enthusiast, a show lover, a fan of walks along the Seine, or simply looking for an authentic immersion in Parisian life, the city always has something to offer. Between exhibitions, workshops, bars, cooking classes, or unusual visits, every street corner can become the starting point for a new experience.
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