Not everything is closed on November 11th in Paris! Between the cultural sites, the amusement parks, the theaters, or even the department stores, the city remains fully active on this public holiday. And here are some of my ideas on things to do to help you make the most out of your day.
Visiting Museums
Paris is filled with museums, and the best part is, most of them are open all throughout the year, even on public holidays. Here’s a list of my personal favorites that are open on November 11th:
The Louvre
Rue du Rivoli, 75001 Paris
The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world and is truly an artistic treasure located in the very heart of Paris.
With its exceptional collection and its emblematic masterpieces, such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus of Milo, the Louvre offers an unmatched cultural experience for the art and history lovers.
Schedule: 9am to 6pm
Price: €17
The Musée d’Orsay
1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris
Another must-see museum in Paris!
The Musée d’Orsay is installed in an old renovated train station, and exhibits an impressive collection of impressionist and post impressionist art as well as art nouveau.
The museum gathers the works of Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir, offering an immersive and captivating dive into the 19th and early 20th century’s art.
Schedule: 9:30am to 6pm
Price: €16
The Centre Pompidou
Place George-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
The Centre Pompidou is famous for its unique architecture. It exhibits collections of modern art, contemporary art, design, photography and many more.
Schedule: 11am to 9pm
Price: €15
Cruising on The Seine
Many cruise companies are active on November 11th, which is perfect to take a cruise on the famous river during this public holiday.
The Bateaux-Mouches
Port de la Conférence
The Bateaux-Mouches are the most emblematic boats in Paris. With their panoramic view, they offer a stunning view of the monuments of the city.
Schedule: one departure every 45 minutes, between 10:15am and 10pm
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Price: €15
The Vedettes du Pont Neuf
Square du Vert Galant, 75001 Paris
The Vedettes du Pont Neuf cruises offer a friendly atmosphere and exceptional views of Paris’ landmarks, with commentary by a passionate tour guide.
The City of Light will hold no secrets for you!
Schedule: 10:30am to 10:30pm
Duration: 1 hour
Price: €13
Batobus
Batobus offers a river shuttle service on the Seine, allowing you to hop on and off at various stops along the riverbank.
Thus, you’re free to hop off and explore Paris, or just sit back and enjoy the views from the boat.
Schedule: 10am to 7pm
Duration: 15 minutes stop in between each station.
Price: €21
Shopping at The Department Stores
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Many Parisian department stores are open all throughout the year:
The Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
The Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is the most famous department store in Paris and it offers a large selection of luxury products, fashion items, and cosmetics.
Schedule: 11am to 8pm
Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
24 rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
Renowned for its selection of fashion items, accessories, beauty products, and homeware, as well as its delicatessen, Le Bon Marché is a chic department store that has been open since the 19th century.
Schedule: 10am to 7:45pm
Printemps Haussmann
64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Another must-visit department store, the Printemps Haussmann gathers boutiques that sell clothes, accessories, leather goods, homeware, and many more items.
Schedule: 10am to 8pm
Information (website in French)
Disneyland Paris
Boulevard de Parc, 77700 Coupvray
Disneyland Paris is the most famous amusement park of France and makes for an ideal outing for families wanting to spend time together on this public holiday.
On the itinerary: attractions, shows, meetings with Disney characters, and so much more.
A piece of advice: come early as there will be more people than usual. Consider buying fast passes for a more enjoyable day.
Jardin d’Acclimatation
Carrefour des Sablons, Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris
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Located in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, the Jardin d’Acclimatation is truly an attraction paradise.
With its roller coasters, carousels, slides, and adventure courses, the park is sure to delight young and old alike.
Its gardens are also the ideal place to relax after a day of fun.
Schedule: 10am to 6pm
Price: €7 for the entry
The Paris Zoo
Avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris
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Located in the Vincennes Woods, the Zoo of Paris is an ode to biodiversity.
Open on public holidays, its natural environments and numerous animal species offer visitors an immersive experience at the heart of the animal kingdom.
Schedule: 10am to 5pm
Price: €20
The Aquarium of Paris
5 Avenue Albert de Mun, 75016 Paris
Located in the very heart of the city, the Aquarium of Paris is a fascinating place where you will take a deep dive into the submarine world.
With numerous aquatic species to look at and interactive activities, the Aquarium of Paris makes for a captivating experience for young and old alike on this public holiday.
Schedule: 10am to 6pm
Price: Starting at €20.50
Going to The Movies
Going to the movies is a staple activity on days-off. And in Paris, many of them are open on November 11th. Take a look at this list to find the closest one to your home.
Théâtre de l’Odéon
Place de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris
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Located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, the Odéon is a prestigious theater offering a large selection of programs that range from classical plays to contemporary and experimental plays.
With its historic architecture and its role in promoting European theater, the Odéon is an iconic cultural venue offering enriching theatrical experiences.
Two programs are available on November 11th:
- En transit by Amir Reza Koohestani
- Liebestod by Angélica Liddell
Escape Rooms
Are you looking for escapism on this public holiday? Many escape rooms in Paris are open on November 11th that are sure to bring you your dose of escapism and challenge:
Room Rush
100 Avenue Philippe Auguste, 75012 Paris
Located in the 12th district of Paris, Room Rush is an immersive and exciting escape room that offers a large choice of enigmas.
You can choose between La Supérette (the one I recommend), La Grande Horloge, and La Reine d’Angleterre.
In a fun and easygoing atmosphere, you are sure to spend hours trying to get out!
Price: €35 / person
Escape Hunt Paris
5 rue du Hanovre, 75002 Paris
Escape Hunt Paris offers escape rooms that are beautifully decorated and have captivating storylines.
You can choose between the Poursuite dans le métropolitain and The Greenhouse (the one I recommend), both set in a dark atmosphere.
Price: €24 / person
Paper Chase “Le dernier secret d’Arsène Lupin”
Ile Saint-Louis, 75004 Paris
This paper chase is the perfect activity for the claustrophobic ones or simply those who love the open air.
Embody a detective and hunt for clues to find a mysterious vial that has been stolen by the infamous thief Arsène Lupin!
On your own or with a team, you’ll have to scan through the entire island of Saint-Louis for clues to elucidate the many puzzles of this paper chase.
Price: €29 / person
Information and Reservations (website in French)
Free-Fall Simulator
30 Avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris
Are you looking for a mind-blowing experience? Then try out this free-fall simulator by iFly.
Inside of a 14-meter-high wind tunnel, you’ll experience all the adrenalin of a real free-fall!
You can even try a flight with a VR headset for a true-to-life experience.
Schedule: 9am to 11pm
Price: starting at €69.90
Information and Reservations (website in French)
Going to The Market
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Some of the Parisian markets are open on November 11th, which is perfect for a family outing discovering local produce and more.
Le marché Beauvau
Place d’Aligre, 75012 Paris
Open six days a week, le marché Beauvau is an animated and popular market located between Bastille and Nation.
It’s divided into two parts, with the first one being a covered market that offers a variety of shops selling fresh products, cheese, and animal meat; and the second one being an open-air market with many clothes shops and second-hand goods dealers.
Information (website in French)
Le marché couvert des Enfants Rouges
39 rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris
Le marché couvert des Enfants Rouges is the oldest market in Paris and offers various shops selling fresh products, cheese, and flowers. Most notably, it has international shops that range from an Italian delicatessen to a Lebanese caterer and a Japanese snack restaurant.
Scented Candle Workshop
3 avenue Victoria, 75004 Paris
Make the most out of this public holiday by learning how to make your own scented candles through this 2-hour-long workshop in the heart of Paris!
Under Rama’s expert guidance, you’ll create two candles with the container, wick, and scent of your choice. You’ll leave with your two creations at the end of the session!
Price: €50
Information and Reservations (website in French)
Hammam and Scrub Session
21 rue François Miron, 75004 Paris
Are you wanting to relax on this public holiday? Hannana and her team offer various options for one or two people to make the most out of this place and its many other services.
Bonus: a delicious mint tea is served to help you relax.
Price:
- Hammam & scrub: €35 solo / €60 duo
- Hammam, scrub, wrap & massage: €75 solo / €110 duo
Information and Reservations (website in French)
Paying Respect at War Memorials
With November 11th being a commemoration day, war memorials that are spread out everywhere in Paris are the perfect places to pay your respects to fallen soldiers and civilians during the war.
Here is a list of all the war memorials in Paris by district.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!