Where to eat on a Monday. Paris's overworked restaurateurs need their day of rest like the rest of us. The only problem is that on our day of rest many of us like to eat out – which is why a large number of the city's restaurants opt to close shop on Mondays instead.
Have you ever noticed that many neighborhood restaurants, both large and small, are closed on Mondays? According to Mental Floss, the reason for this common restaurant practice is almost purely financial: Traditionally, Monday is the slowest day of the week.
There are very strict labor laws in France--the number of hours employees can work, etc. --and also paying government expenses for employees' health insurance, etc. is very high. It's often because of these legal requirements and the expense that restaurants are closed a couple of days a week.
Most restaurants offer service between 12pm and 2.30pm, and 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Depending on the restaurant, these hours can also be quite specific (12.15pm to 1.45pm, for example!) and restaurants are often very strict about only serving within the designated hours.
10 Things To KNOW about Restaurants ETIQUETTE in Paris
Why is everything closed on Monday in France?
The reason lies in France's enshrined labour code, the Code du Travail, which was first published in 1910. The Code du Travail used to say that it was illegal for anyone to work more that six days a week and that workers should have 35 consecutive hours of rest.
The majority of shops are open all day from 9am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday. Some smaller shops may close over lunchtime between midday and 2pm, or all day on Monday. Sunday and public holidays are the usual closing days, although there are some exceptions ...
In Paris, there are two distinct service times: Lunch is typically from around 12 until 2:30, and dinner around 7:30-11 p.m. If you are hungry in between, you can always step into a patisserie or boulangerie. We took full advantage of late afternoon bakery runs!
Some restaurants are closed on Sundays for lunch or all day, some restaurants are closed on Mondays....but there are about 3 1/2 bazillion places to eat in Paris, so you won't starve. some small shops are also closed on Mondays,or just Monday mornings.
Cafes usually open around 7-8 am (but it can as well be 5 am or noon). Most of them have croissants (though they can quickly run out) and buttered bread. A lot of them serve eggs and omelettes (plus others food items, but we're talking about breakfast).
The Tower lights and beacon are lit up every evening from dusk until 11.45pm. As soon as it gets dark, the Eiffel Tower's golden lighting switches on automatically within less than 10 minutes, thanks to light-sensitive twilight sensors. Simply check an almanac to find out what time the monument will light up.
What is the slowest day of the week for restaurants?
Weekdays: In general, restaurant business tends to be slower on weekdays than on weekends, with Monday being the slowest day of the week for many restaurants. Lunchtime: Lunchtime may be slower for restaurants than dinnertime, as many people are at work or school during this time.
With so many Spaniards eating out on a Sunday, it's unlikely that they will eat out again the next day on a Monday. Because of this, they typically choose the following day – Monday – to give their staff a well-deserved rest.
For the nights when you are heading to a local restaurant in your favorite arrondissement, a pair of jeans is appropriate. Make sure your jeans don't have holes or embellishments of any kind. Wear a pair of wide-leg jeans with a beautiful tweed jacket or silk blouse to add some polish to the jeans.
Should you leave a tip? In Paris, the bill in bars and restaurants includes a service charge, so you do not have to leave a tip. However, if you have been satisfied with your meal and the service you are welcome to do so. A tip in general amounts to 5 to 10% of the bill.
In French culture, dinner is the last and most important meal. It is generally served between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., but it can be as early as 6:00 p.m. if you live in Paris or another large city with active nightlife.
While planning your sightseeing in Paris, keep in mind that many museums are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. Versailles, the Musée d'Orsay, Musée Carnavalet and the Musée Rodin, to mention just a few are closed on Mondays. While the Louvre, Musée de l'Orangerie, Pompidou Centre and others are closed on Tuesdays.
There are always activities going on, no matter the day of the week. Monday night in Paris is a great time to see the city at its most relaxed and laid-back.
Museums are generally open from 10am to 6pm, but most museums offer later closing hours until 9pm or 10pm. The museum closures are on Mondays or Tuesdays. However, some monuments are open 365 days a year, and the main ones can be visited until midnight.
You can usually seat yourself at sidewalk cafes (if not, a waiter will let you know), but if you're just there to sip on a coffee, it's important to choose an empty table that doesn't have any silverware on it. Tables set with silverware are intended for guests who plan to order a full meal.
It is generally frowned upon to leave food on a plate, particularly when in someone's home. Each course of a meal tends to take time to make. Thus, one shows appreciation for the efforts of the person cooking through the enjoyment and completion of the meal.
