Paris Business Hours: Complete Guide to Shopping, Banks & Restaurants
Understanding Paris business hours is essential for any visitor or professional. The French approach to work-life balance means specific rhythms that differ from other major cities.
⚡ Quick Reference: Paris Business Hours
🏦 Banks: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Mon-Fri)
🛍️ Shops: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Mon-Sat)
☕ Cafés: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
🏛️ Museums: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM (closed Tue)
Shop & Retail Hours
Department Stores & Chain Retailers
- Galeries Lafayette / Printemps: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Mon-Sat), Sunday 11 AM - 7 PM
- BHV Marais: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Mon-Sat), Sunday 11 AM - 7 PM
- Le Bon Marché: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Mon-Sat), closed Sundays
- Champs-Élysées shops: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily (tourist exception)
Small Local Shops ("Commerces de Proximité")
Local boutiques typically operate 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, but many still observe the traditional lunch break from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM. Always check before visiting small specialty shops around lunchtime.
Sunday Shopping
France has strict Sunday trading laws. Most shops are closed, with exceptions:
- Tourist zones: Champs-Élysées, Le Marais, Montmartre, Saint-Germain
- Supermarkets: Often open until 1:00 PM only
- Boulangeries: Open morning (one day off per week, often Monday)
Bank Hours in Paris
French Bank Hours
Standard: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (some close 12-2 PM)
Saturday: Some branches 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM (not all)
Major banks: BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, LCL
Many older bank branches still close for lunch. Main branches in business districts often stay open continuously. ATMs (distributeurs) are available 24/7 throughout Paris.
Restaurant & Café Hours
Restaurants
- Lunch service: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (kitchen closes at 2 PM sharp!)
- Dinner service: 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM (arrive by 9:30 PM to be seated)
- Brasseries: Often continuous service 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Cafés
Parisian cafés are more flexible: typically 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM. You can usually get coffee, croissants, and simple food (croque-monsieur, salads) throughout the day. Terrace seating is weather-dependent.
Museum Hours
- The Louvre: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Wed & Fri until 9:45 PM), closed Tuesdays
- Musée d'Orsay: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Thu until 9:45 PM), closed Mondays
- Centre Pompidou: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, closed Tuesdays
- Musée Rodin: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM, closed Mondays
Most Paris museums are closed on either Monday or Tuesday. First Sunday of each month offers free entry to many national museums.
Pharmacy Hours
Regular pharmacies: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Mon-Sat). Each arrondissement has a "pharmacie de garde" for nights and Sundays. Look for the green cross sign.
24-hour pharmacies:
- Pharmacie des Champs-Élysées (84 Ave Champs-Élysées, 8e)
- Grande Pharmacie de la Nation (13 Place de la Nation, 11e)
Post Office (La Poste)
Standard hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Mon-Fri), Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
24-hour post office: 52 Rue du Louvre, 1er (near Les Halles)
Supermarket Hours
- Carrefour City / Franprix: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Mon-Sat)
- Monoprix: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Mon-Sat)
- Sunday: Most open 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM only
August: The Exception Month
Be warned: August sees many local businesses close for annual vacation. Small shops, restaurants, and even some services may close for 2-4 weeks. Tourist areas remain open, but authentic local spots often take "congés annuels."
🗓️ Key Dates When Many Shops Close
- • August 1-31: Many local shops closed for vacation
- • Sundays: Most non-tourist shops closed
- • Public holidays: Banks, post offices, government closed
- • May 1 (Labour Day): Almost everything closed
Tips for Navigating Paris Business Hours
- Never assume lunchtime availability - Many places close 12-2 PM
- Check museum days - Most close Monday OR Tuesday
- Book dinner early - Arrive by 7:30 PM for first seating
- Sunday = rest day - Plan tourist areas only
- Avoid August - for any local business dealings