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Visitors to Paris could soon be able to hit the shops seven days a week, after the French government approved plans for Sunday trading to come into force from the end of this year.

But while tourists in Paris may be able to shop 'til they drop, elsewhere it is likely stores will remain closed on the traditional rest day after strong opposition from trade unions.

While some sectors of government have pushed for increased opening hours in a bid to make France more competitive, many have argued the Sunday break is a key part of French culture.

Shop 'til you drop: Paris stores will be able to open on Sundays from the end of the year

Lost profits: Currently all shops have to close on Sundays

Foreign minister Laurent Fabias waded into the row, claiming the country would benefit if tourists were able to shop on Sundays.

Retailers in France can only open on a Sunday under very specific conditions and key shops on the famous shopping street, the Champs Elysees, in Paris, were recently forced to close their doors on the traditional day of rest following a court hearing on the matter.

The rulings were the result of legal action taken by trade unions defending the principle that Sunday working should be exceptional rather than the rule.

However, employees looking to work extra hours and increase their pay have been infuriated y the latest court decision.

Small steps: While shops in major tourist areas will be able to open, in other towns and villages they will remain closed on Sundays

Mr Fabius said: 'Tourism is an absolutely key sector in France: seven per cent of jobs, with considerable room for growth.'

Fabius, who now is also responsible for trade and tourism, added: 'The tourist who comes on a Sunday and goes to a store that is shut is not going to come back on Thursday.

'For tourists, shops must be open (on Sundays),' he added, saying workers would be duly compensated.

The issue has been is part of a broader debate about France's competitiveness.

Jean-Marie Le Guen, a National Assembly of France, confirmed that the government is drawing up plans to authorise shops opening on Sundays, at least in Paris.

But both he and Mr Fabius said the measures would only concern shops in tourist zones as they want to respect the Sunday break, a key part of French culture.