Some but not all businesses in the 'Provinces' (outside of Paris) close for lunch. In the larger cities of the south some businesses and shops are open continuously, i.e. they are not closed during lunchtime. The large super- and hyper-marchés on the outskirts of towns are also open without a lunch break.
In smaller towns and villages, however, you can count on most everything closing for lunch at about noon or 12:30, and not reopening until 2:00, 3:00, or even 4:00 in the summer months.
Additionally, many businesses that are closed Sunday mornings are also closed entirely on Monday, although the gigantic marchés usually open Monday afternoon.
Museums and monuments nearly all close for lunch, too, as well as either all day Monday or Tuesday.
Houses of worship are often open all day (but be prepared for lunchtime closings), but when they are not, sometimes you will find a posted sign directing you to someone who has the key.
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2 Comments On Closing for lunch
we were in lyon with friends, and we were trying to find lunch about 1:30/ 1330, and everything was either full, or had stopped serving. we probably went to 15 places. eat on time! or stop in a little market and get a snack for later.
SalB
We've traveled all over the country and some areas are more strict about lunch hours than others. You normally can get lunch from noon until 2:00 PM (14:00).
At two o'clock PM they close until about 7:00 PM (19:00) when they reopen for dinner. If you appear for lunch at 2:05, you are not served. Since many restaurants close on Sundays, this can be problematic. We've driven to three or four towns on a Sunday trying to beat the two o'clock lunch deadline. Only once have we missed a meal completely . . . no towns within driving distance!
If the restaurants all appear to be full, try walking a few blocks from the tourist areas. Local restaurants are usually busy but not full. On the other hand, on Saturdays, local restaurants can be closed for wedding receptions. You can also ask about nearby restaurants when one tells you they are full. They will cheerfully guide you to another restaurant and once even made reservations for us since it was getting close to two and the place might not have accepted us. It never hurts to ask. The French normally love to help people with problems. It's kind of a national trait, and a very useful one.
The nice thing about France is that there are usually many other restaurants. As mentioned above, when all else fails, stop at a supermarche and get a picnic. Bread, cheese and wine are always a great meal, especially if you add some olives or fruit . . . and next time keep an eye on your watch. 8^)