If you have ever been in France on a Sunday and wondered why everything feels so quiet, welcome to French Sunday traditions. In many English speaking countries Sunday can be a shopping day, an errands day, or a chores day. In France, le dimanche is still seen as a pause. Life slows down for family, food and rest.
Below I will take you through a typical French Sunday, step by step, so you know what to expect and what to say. I will also give you useful vocabulary so you can sound more French on your next weekend in France.
You can even read more about Sunday rest laws in France here: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repos_dominical_en_France
The Long Lunch
Sunday lunch is often the highlight of the week. Families and friends gather for several courses that can last well into the afternoon. Expect plenty of pain, vin, and lively conversation.
Typical dishes:
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un rôti = roast meat, often with potatoes
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des pommes de terre rôties = roast potatoes
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des haricots verts = green beans
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une tarte salée = savoury tart or quiche style tart
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un plateau de fromages = cheese board
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un dessert maison = homemade dessert
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le café = small coffee served after dessert, not with dessert
Useful vocab:
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le déjeuner dominical = Sunday lunch
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à table ! = dinner is ready / come to the table
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trinquer = to clink glasses and say cheers
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se régaler = to really enjoy the food
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bon appétit = enjoy your meal
A Slow Start
Most people begin the day with a long lie-in followed by a trip to the boulangerie for fresh bread or croissants.
Don’t be surprised if you see a queue outside the bakery — nobody minds waiting a few minutes for la baguette du dimanche.
Useful vocab:
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la grasse matinée — a lie-in
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la boulangerie — bakery
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une baguette tradition — traditional baguette
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un croissant / un pain au chocolat (also called une chocolatine in some regions) = chocolate pastry
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faire la queue — to queue
The Afternoon Stroll
After such a generous lunch, many French people go for a gentle walk. This is sometimes called la promenade du dimanche.
You might see families walking slowly through the local park, couples strolling in town hand in hand, or grandparents taking the children out with scooters or bikes. The goal is not exercise. The goal is simply to be together.
Useful vocab:
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faire une promenade — to go for a walk
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se balader — to stroll
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le marché — market
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la campagne — countryside
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papoter — to chat
The Calm Evening
By late afternoon and evening, things usually slow down again. Most supermarkets and many shops are already closed. You will notice much less traffic than during the week. This calm is also part of French Sunday traditions.
People might watch a film, phone family, iron clothes for the week, or prepare packed lunches for Monday. Children often finish homework. Grown-ups might plan the meals for the coming week.
Useful vocab:
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se détendre — to relax
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regarder un film — to watch a film
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téléphoner à sa famille — to call one’s family
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préparer la semaine — to get ready for the week
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un dimanche soir — Sunday evening
Why French Sunday Traditions Still Matter
French Sunday traditions remind us that life is not only about work and tasks. The rhythm of dimanche protects time for connection and rest. It keeps the family close. It keeps stress a little lower. It also keeps certain habits alive, like sitting down together for a proper meal.
So next time you are in France on a Sunday, do not be annoyed that the big shops are closed. Enjoy it. Buy fresh bread in the morning, say bonjour to the baker, linger over lunch, take a slow walk, and wish people un bon dimanche!
In Short…
A French Sunday is about slowing down, enjoying good food, and being present with loved ones. It’s a gentle reminder that confidence and connection grow not only from studying French, but from living it.
Pssst!
Something festive is coming!
The 12-Day French Christmas Countdown starts on 3 December — twelve days of fun, practical French to get you in the holiday spirit. Expect pronunciation tips, vocabulary, mini challenges, and plenty of festive cheer! It’s perfect for all levels and designed to help you sound more French this Christmas.
Love this!!
Ah merci, Janis ! What do you like best about French Sundays? Have you adopted any French Sunday habits?