New Year’s Day 2026: What’s Open & Closed in Paris, France – Stores, Banks

As the world welcomes 2026 on Thursday, January 1, New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) is a national public holiday in France. This means widespread closures for banks, government offices, most shops, and many museums, while Paris takes a relaxed pace after New Year’s Eve celebrations.

For visitors and residents alike, here’s a comprehensive guide to what’s open and closed in Paris on New Year’s Day 2026. Hours vary by location—always check official websites or apps for the latest updates.

Is New Year’s Day a Public Holiday in France?

Yes—January 1 is one of France’s 11 official public holidays. Expect:

• Banks: Closed nationwide.
• Post Offices: Closed.
• Government Offices & Services: Closed.
• Most Shops & Department Stores (e.g., Galeries Lafayette, Printemps): Closed.

New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2025) is not a holiday, with normal operations but possible early closures.

Grocery Stores & Supermarkets Open on New Year’s Day 2026

Most large chains close, but convenience options help for essentials:

Generally Closed:

• Major supermarkets like Carrefour, Auchan, Leclerc, Intermarché, Monoprix hypermarkets.
• Costco equivalents and large grocers.

Open (select or reduced hours):

• Small convenience stores, épiceries de quartier, and minimarkets (e.g., Franprix, Carrefour City in tourist areas).
• Some boulangeries (bakeries) open mornings for fresh bread and pastries.
• Shops in train stations, airports, and high-traffic tourist zones (e.g., Champs-Élysées area).

Stock up on December 31!

Retail & Shopping Centers

• Most malls and department stores: Closed (e.g., Forum des Halles, Italie Deux, Beaugrenelle shops).
• Exceptions: Some tourist-oriented spots or outdoor markets may have limited activity; restaurants/cinemas in complexes like Bercy Village could open.

Restaurants, Cafés & Brasseries Open on New Year’s Day 2026

Many spots recover from NYE, but options exist:

• Tourist-area cafés, brasseries, and fast food (e.g., McDonald’s, Starbucks select locations).
• Hotel restaurants and chains in central Paris.
• Ethnic eateries (e.g., kebabs, Asian) often open.
• Use apps like TheFork or Uber Eats for reservations/delivery.

Brunch or walks with picnic supplies from bakeries make a classic Parisian start to the year.

Major Attractions & Museums

Many cultural sites close, but icons stay accessible:

Open:

• Eiffel Tower: Open normal hours (book tickets in advance—high demand).
• Tour Montparnasse (panoramic views).
• Sacré-Cœur Basilica (free entry; great views).
• Seine River cruises (Bateaux Parisiens, etc.).
• Aquarium de Paris, Musée Grévin (wax museum), Jardin d’Acclimatation.
• Some modern sites like Centre Pompidou or Grand Palais (check specifics).

Closed:

• Louvre Museum.
• Musée d’Orsay (often open but confirm).
• Most national museums and monuments.

Outdoor walks (e.g., Champs-Élysées, Tuileries Garden, Montmartre) are perfect—quieter crowds!

Public Transport in Paris

After extended NYE service (many metro/RER lines free and running all night until noon on January 1), expect:

• Regular holiday schedules on January 1: Reduced frequency, but metro, RER, buses, and trams operate.
• Plan via RATP app.

Start 2026 with iconic views, a leisurely stroll, or a river cruise—Paris shines even on holidays. From World Report Press, Bonne Année!