You feel like having lunch at 3pm, visiting a museum or a monument after 8pm, or buying a CD at 11 on Sunday night…? In Paris everything is possible as long as you have the right information.
Shops

The majority of shops areopen all day from 9am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday.Some smaller shops may close over lunchtime between midday and 2pm, or all day on Monday. Sunday and public holidays are the usual closing days, although there are some exceptions ...During the week, department stores all have one late-night opening day,known as a 'nocturne', until 9pm. Supermarkets are open at different times depending on the neighbourhood, every day except Sunday, until 8, 9 or 10pm.
During the sales or in December just before the holidays, most stores, both large and small, may also open on Sunday. During the remainder of the year,take a stroll through the Marais or along the Champs-Elysées,where shops are open 365 days a year,sometimes even until midnight. More and more shops are opening on Sunday and public holidays in other districts too.
It’s worth noting that many smaller shops close for theirannual holidays from mid-July to end-August.
Museums andmonuments

Museumsopen at 9 or 10amandclose between 5 and 6pm. Usual closing days are Monday or Tuesday, with a few exceptions mentioned in our information pages. Some are even open 7 days a week, such as some of the major monuments which can even be visitedas late as 11pm or midnight.
Many museums have a late-night opening once a week until 9 or 10pm.
On public holidays – in particular,1 January, 1 May and 25 December– many museums and monuments are closed.
You’ll find all the details in our information pages.
Open 365 days a year:
- Eiffel Tower
- Tour Montparnasse
- Musée Jacquemart-André
- Espace Salvador Dali
Post offices, banks, offices and public services

Most post offices areopen from 8am to 7pm,Monday to Friday, andfrom 8am to midday on Saturday.They are closed on public holidays.
Banks are generally open from 9am to 5pm, from Monday to Friday or from Tuesday to Saturday. Some branches may close overlunchtime, usually between 12.30pm and 2pm.For cash withdrawals, automatic cashpoints (ATMs) operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Banks are closed on public holidays.
As a rule, offices areopen between 9am and 6pm.
Public servicesgenerallyclose at 4.30pm or 5pm(or earlier on Friday afternoons). They are closed at lunchtime and on public holidays.
Restaurants

As a general rule, Parisians go forlunch between midday and 1.30pmanddine between 8pm and 10.30pm.At other times, you’ll always be able to find a (cold) snack in most cafes and brasseries. If the restaurant has a sign saying service continu, this indicates that you can have a meal at any time of day.
The majority ofbars and cafesopen early, around 7 or 8 am and close around 10pm,or later if the establishment has a special dispensation (2am for the bars).
Transport

You are sure to find ametro or RER train every day between 6am and 1am,wherever you might be along the line. The majority of bus routes operate from 7am to 8.30pm, some lines continuing until 0.30am. Then theNoctilien bus operates from 0.30am to 5.30am.As regards taxis, you’ll find them 24 hours a day.
The Parisian transport network has rush hours: at the time when most residents of Paris and Ile-de-France set off for work,between 8am and 10am,and when they return home again, between 5pm and 8pm.Saturday is also a very busy day,as many Parisians go shopping then. Taxis are difficult to find on Saturday evening, particularly after midnight, because lots of Parisians are out for the evening.
Explanation of daylight saving time

GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Winter
In Paris the time is GMT + 1
E.g.: when it is midday GMT, it is 1pm in Paris.
Summer
In Paris the time is GMT + 2
E.g.: when it is midday GMT, it is 2pm in Paris.
In France, as in the UK and some other countries, we change to summer time on the last Sunday in Marchat 2am in the morning, so the clocks are put forward to 3am. Then in preparation for winter, the clocksare put back an hour on the last Sunday in Octoberat 3am, which then becomes 2am.
FAQs
Opening times in Paris - Paris Tourist Office - Paris tourist office? ›
How do I contact Paris tourist office? ›Contact of Paris Tourist Information
Contact us at support@paristouristinformation.fr or use our contact form.
Banks are closed on public holidays. As a rule, offices are open between 9am and 6pm. Public services generally close at 4.30pm or 5pm (or earlier on Friday afternoons).
What's closed in Paris on Sundays? ›Sundays in Paris
Throughout France, Sundays are traditionally a day of rest. Banks, shops, supermarkets and many restaurants are closed across the country. This mostly holds true in Paris as well, though shops in popular tourist areas (e.g. Champs Elysées) remain open seven days a week.
Each individual applying for a visa requires a separate appointment and will submit a separate application. For example, if a family or group of five is applying for visas, then 5 appointments must be made. Appointments are in high demand; therefore applicants are requested to schedule an appointment well in advance.
Can I go to VFS without appointment for France visa? ›You must book an appointment to submit your visa application to VFS Global visa application center (VAC). Before you book an appointment, you must fill a visa application form online on the official French website France-Visas.
Do you tip in Paris? ›You won't need to calculate a tip. Not a major one, anyway. As opposed to the U.S., where most waiters make their living from tips, servers in Paris are paid a living wage. And since service is already included in the price, no one is expecting you to tack on an additional 20 to 25 percent at the end of the meal.
What do you wear to the office in Paris? ›Dark colours, simple designs and natural fabrics will yield a suit that looks the business, even after years of meetings. Suits are standard business dress for men in Paris, and women too can be expected to don a jacket over a pencil skirt in the office.
What is open all night in Paris? ›- restaurant LE Drugstore. Restaurant original for its venue or entertainment | In a shop/store. ...
- Au Pied de Cochon. Brasserie. ...
- Le Grand Café Capucines. Traditional French cuisine. ...
- Chez Denise - A La Tour de Monthéry. Traditional French cuisine. ...
- La Maison de l'Aubrac. ...
- La Poule au Pot. ...
- Le Tambour.
Lunch is usually between midday and 2 pm, when the kitchen will go off duty. Watch out, as during these times, service can be rather slow if you find yourself in a business area. Parisians don't dine until at least 8.30 pm as prior to that, time is set aside for “l'apéritif”.
How do you spend a Sunday evening in Paris? ›
- Enjoy brunch with friends.
- Enjoy a picnic in the park/ along the Seine.
- Discover a small museum.
- Get lost in Le Marais.
- Discover the village vibe of Montmartre.
- Go in search of antiques at a brocante.
- Head to a book market.
- Go on a Seine River Cruise.
The reason lies in France's enshrined labour code, the Code du Travail, which was first published in 1910. The Code du Travail used to say that it was illegal for anyone to work more that six days a week and that workers should have 35 consecutive hours of rest.
What should you say when you enter a store in France? ›Upon entering a shop – When you first walk in, scan the shop to see if you can spot the proprietor. When you do, immediately smile and greet him or her with a pleasant “Bonjour Monsieur/Madame,” and also nod to include in your greeting any other customers that may be in the store within earshot.
Is most of Paris closed on Sunday? ›Contrary to popular belief, most of the city stays open on Sunday, including restaurants and cafes, museums, monuments, bakeries, etc. Most shops and some supermarkets are a noteworthy exception, as explained further down. In less tourist-heavy areas, too, you'll be more likely to see things closed on Sunday.
What is free first Sunday in Paris? ›On the first Sunday of the month, the Musée d'Orsay is free for all! Come and discover our collections and exhibitions.
Do US citizens need a visa for France? ›American passport holders are not required to obtain a visa prior to visiting France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
What documents are required for France tourist visa? ›- Three long-stay visa application forms;
- Three passport photographs;
- A valid passport;
- The long-stay visa fees;
- A letter explaining why you are applying for a return visa;
- Proof of address in France (utility bill, etc.)
Question: Do I have to make an appointment? Yes, all non-emergency services require an appointment.
How long does it take to process a tourist visa for France? ›Visa applications are generally processed within 15 days. This period can be extended up to 45 days in particular cases if the examination of the application justifies it.
How long does it take to get France visa from VFS? ›The processing time for visa applications take approximately 15 working days for a short stay and up to 2 months for a long stay. In some cases the processing time may take longer. Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries.
Can I walk into VFS without appointment? ›
Walk In Without Appointment*
If you need to submit your visa application on an urgent basis, walk into our Visa Application Centre and opt for this service. VFS Global will process your visa application without a pre-booked appointment.
Yes, tap water in Paris is perfectly safe to drink and is readily available wherever you go, even at public water fountains. As long as taps aren't labeled eau non potable—meaning “not for drinking” in French—everything else is potable. In fact, drinking water from the fountains of Paris has been encouraged.
What do you wear to dinner in Paris? ›For most restaurants and bars, the dress code is dressed-up casual. So, if you do decide to go with a cocktail dress, the norm is for it to be accompanied by tights and a sweater/light jacket. This isn't because Parisians are against showing skin; it's just not typical for this type of setting.
Do you have to pay to use the bathroom in Paris? ›Free since 2006, Paris's 400 public toilets are available in every part of the capital. These sanisettes, designed by Patrick Jouin, are mostly open from 6am to 10pm, except for 150 of them on main roads, which are available 24/24. Please note: all these toilets are accessible to people with disabilities.
Can I wear jeans to the office? ›When the dress code states business casual, you're good to go with jeans. Any person who sets a business casual dress code – for an office or an event – is expecting to see jeans.
How to dress like a French woman over 60? ›Keep It Simple. A French woman over 50 will never wear overly-complicated clothing, as it can make her look older than she is. The best thing to do is keep it simple by wearing plain pieces that don't have patterns or embellishments.
Do people wear jeans in Paris? ›Parisians do wear jeans and t-shirts, but only in appropriate situations, and you'll notice their jeans and t-shirts are a lot more design-y and cut a lot slimmer. When you're going out to eat in a restaurant, think of how you'd dress for that same level of restaurant back home, and then dress nicer than that.
What is open 24 hours in Paris? ›- Au Pied de Cochon.
- Luxury Bar & Restaurant.
- Le Tambour – Facebook.
- Au Bistrot de la Montagne.
- Brasserie Le Rey – Facebook.
- Le Depart – Facebook.
- Aux Noctambules – Facebook.
- Klark Chicken – Instagram.
In Paris, there are two distinct service times: Lunch is typically from around 12 until 2:30, and dinner around 7:30-11 p.m. If you are hungry in between, you can always step into a patisserie or boulangerie.
What are five rules for eating out at a restaurant in Paris? ›...
5 Rules You Should Be Following in Paris to Eat like a Local
- Eat at the right hours. ...
- Look for table settings. ...
- Get the menu fixe. ...
- Understand the order of operations. ...
- Take your time!
Are you supposed to tip in France? ›
Tipping in French restaurants and cafés is not expected
This is indicated on the menu or the bill with the phrase “service compris.” Nevertheless, if you have a friendly or efficient waiter, you can leave a small gratuity (un pourboire), but this is by no means required.
A typical French breakfast is light, sweet, and fairly simple. It's usually made up of breakfast cereals, a tartine (slice of bread with topping) and a drink (tea, coffee, orange juice). It's usually eaten between 6 AM and 8 AM.
Can you walk in Paris at night? ›Paris is relatively safe to walk in at night. It's a city with a busy nightlife, and you'll likely see other tourists and locals walking about at night. Just remember to be extra careful after sunset. Posh areas are more deserted at night, so be aware of these seemingly safe areas.
Where can visitors get the best food in France? ›- Issigeac. Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine. ...
- Espelette. Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Nouvelle-Aquitaine. ...
- Les Baux-de-Provence. Bouches-du-Rhône, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. ...
- Roquefort-sur-Soulzon. Aveyron, Occitania. ...
- Noirmoutier-en-Île. Vendée, Pays de la Loire. ...
- Grignan. ...
- Beauvron-en-Auge.
Most local cafés won't be open for service until 7 AM...same for most boulangeries and patisseries. You may come across some neighborhood tobacs that will open earlier...but for most of these, the best you can usually hope for is coffee and perhaps croissant.
What is closed on Tuesdays in Paris? ›Most of the museums around Paris take Tuesdays off and are closed for business. The Picasso Museum over in Le Marais is one of the few who keep their doors open on this day. The collection of works within the space is hugely impressive.
What time is last call in Paris? ›What time do people go out in Paris? Parisians usually start going out around 6 pm to enjoy a drink after work. Then, they have dinner at 8 pm, followed by the pre-party between 9 and 10 pm in a bar. The clubs usually start to fill up around 1 am and do not close until the morning hours.
What is the polite thing to say before you begin a meal in France? ›'Bon appetit' is one of the many French phrases adopted by the English language. Using this phrase is a very popular way of telling someone to enjoy their meal.
What are 3 greetings in French? ›- The slangy one: Coucou! Meaning: “Hi!” About: Coucou is a sweet, sincere way of saying hi, normally reserved for close friends and family. ...
- The casual one: Salut! Meaning: “Hey!” ...
- The formal one: Bonjour! Meaning: This failsafe greeting literally means “Good day”.
The biggest difference between American and French grocery shops is that you must bring your own bag with you when you shop in France.
What day is everything closed in Paris? ›
Usual closing days are Monday or Tuesday, with a few exceptions mentioned in our information pages. Some are even open 7 days a week, such as some of the major monuments which can even be visited as late as 11pm or midnight.
What time do restaurants shut in Paris? ›Many Parisian cafés and restaurants close—or at least don't serve food—from 3-5pm. That's right, don't expect to eat dinner at 6pm here! In Paris, most people take their lunch breaks between 1 and 2pm, with the typical dinner time around 7:30-9pm.
Is bread free in Paris? ›Bread in a Parisian restaurant
More likely than not, a basket of bread will arrive with your meal (this is typically free of charge). This means that it's intended to be eaten with your meal rather than before it. The bread is normally pretty fresh and won't be served with butter or olive oil.
In France you can purchase bread in bakery on in the supermarkets' bakery, but you have to buy it. I guess you mention situation in restaurant, and indeed, bread and tap water are free there.
How do I contact a French consulate in the US? ›- By phone : + 212 784 6157 / +1 347-252-3055.
- By email : info.FranceUSA@vfsglobal.com.
To call France from the U.S., just follow these simple dialing directions: First, dial 011, the U.S. exit code. Next, dial 33, the country code for France. Finally, dial the phone number (9 digits).
How do I apply for a tourist visa to Paris? ›- STEP 1 - Gather information on your situation. Seek information and check if you need a visa or not. ...
- STEP 2 - Set up my online application. Fill out the visa application form. ...
- STEP 3 - Book your appointment. ...
- STEP 4 - Submit your application. ...
- STEP 5 - Track your application.
Email: citizeninfomarseille@state.gov with EMERGENCY + (brief description) in the subject line. Please note that this mailbox is monitored during working hours only. For after-hours emergency assistance, please contact the Embassy's switchboard at the number listed above.
Do you need an appointment for U.S. consulate? ›Applicants for U.S. visas are required to appear in person for a visa interview at the U.S. Consulate. You must schedule an appointment for that interview, either online using this website or through the call center.
Can I go to the U.S. consulate without an appointment? ›
Appointments are required for most routine American Citizens Services and are available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. We are closed on American and Indian holidays. Appointments are never required for emergencies.
Can someone in the US call someone in France? ›From the United States, follow the steps below in order to call a French number in France: Start by dialling 011, which is the US exit code. From a cellphone, you can dial "+" instead. Then add 33, which is the country code for France.
Can I WhatsApp someone in France? ›You can use WhatsApp internationally for free with Wi-Fi; depending on your cellular plan, you may incur international charges for using cellular data on WhatsApp.
How do I call France from a US cell phone? ›- Dial the exit code 011. This will let your carrier know you're going to make an international call.
- Dial 33, the country code for France. This will let your carrier know you're going to call France from the US.
- Enter the area code. ...
- Dial the phone number.
The bank statement must indicate a minimum bank balance for Schengen visa of 2 lakh 44 thousand 482 rupees only for the last six months.
How much bank balance is required for Paris tourist visa? ›If you have a partial hotel reservation, e.g., a reservation for only a few days during your stay— you need to provide evidence that you have at least EUR 65 (equivalent to INR 5,643.61)* per day during those days your hotel reservation is valid, and for the remaining days with no hotel reservation, you need EUR 120 ...
What documents do I need to travel to Paris? ›A valid passport issued less than 10 years before and valid for at least 3 months after the envisaged departure date; A valid visa, if required; Proof of accommodation covering the whole duration of the stay (hotel reservation and/or certificate of staying with a relative validated in the town hall);
How long does it take for US Embassy to respond to email? ›Wait for the decision.
After you submit the request, please wait for a response from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, which will arrive via email generally within 1-2 business days. Step 7 Login back to your profile.
Type the name of the person you are addressing, the name of the embassy and the address of the embassy to which you are writing. Write this in the same format as you would write it on an envelope for mailing. For example, if you're writing to an embassy staff member at the Canadian embassy, you would write "Mr.
How do I write a letter to the US embassy for a tourist visa? ›- Full name.
- Date of Birth.
- Full address.
- Contact information such as phone number and email address.
- Applicant's relation to the host in the U.S.
- The purpose of their trip.
- Applicant's length of stay in the U.S. with specific dates.