Closing for lunch

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.