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A local’s guide to Easter in Paris: Mass, egg hunts, chocolatiers & more

Easter week in Paris

  • Palm Sunday (Dimanche des Rameaux): Marks the beginning of Holy Week with special Masses and the blessing of palm branches in churches like Notre Dame and Saint-Sulpice.
  • Holy Monday to Wednesday (Lundi Saint, Mardi Saint, Mercredi Saint): A quieter period, with continued Masses and reflections in churches like Notre Dame and Saint-Sulpice.
  • Maundy Thursday (Jeudi Saint): Commemorates the Last Supper, with special evening services and foot-washing rituals in some churches.
  • Good Friday (Vendredi Saint): A solemn day with the Chemin de Croix (Way of the Cross) procession at Montmartre, reflecting on Christ’s Passion.
  • Holy Saturday (Samedi Saint): A day of quiet reflection before the grand Easter Vigil in cathedrals, marked by candlelit ceremonies.
  • Easter Sunday (Dimanche de Pâques): A joyful celebration with festive Masses, family feasts, and Parisian chocolate shops showcasing their finest Easter creations.
  • Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques): A public holiday in France, perfect for egg hunts, picnics in parks like Jardin du Luxembourg, and enjoying the last moments of the Easter festivities.

What are the Easter traditions in Paris?

Eglise Saint-Sulpice facade with twin towers in Paris, France.

Traditions

  • Sacred celebrations: Easter Mass at Notre Dame (temporary site), Sacré-Cœur, and Saint-Sulpice is a must-see, featuring beautiful choirs and candlelit ceremonies.
  • The Way of the Cross: On Good Friday, Montmartre hosts the solemn Chemin de Croix (Way of the Cross) procession, where worshippers retrace Christ’s Passion through the streets.
  • Chocolate extravaganza: Parisian chocolatiers like Ladurée, Pierre Hermé, and Maison du Chocolat create elaborate Easter eggs, some shaped like famous landmarks!
  • Family egg hunts: Jardin du Luxembourg, Parc André Citroën, and even the Eiffel Tower gardens host fun Easter egg hunts.

Do’s and dont's

  • For a unique cultural experience, do attend a church service during Easter Week.
  • There can be no Easter without some yummy chocolates! So do try out some of the artisanal chocolates during Easter Week in Paris.
  • Services in the church are solemn and sacred, so avoid loud behavior and dress modestly during the service.
  • Paris focuses on spiritual observance rather than grand processions, so don’t expect a grand procession during Easter in Paris.

Easter events in Paris

Nazareno carrying a cross in a hooded robe during Good Friday procession, Paris.

The Way of the Cross at Montmartre

Join this solemn Chemin de Croix procession, where worshippers carry a wooden cross through the historic streets of Montmartre. This moving event reenacts Christ’s Passion, ending with prayers and hymns at Sacré-Cœur, offering a deeply spiritual experience. This event takes place on Good Friday (Vendredi Saint) at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Montmartre.

Girl running in park with basket of Easter eggs, celebrating Easter event.

Easter Egg Hunts in iconic locations

Families can enjoy spectacular Easter egg hunts in stunning settings. Some hunts, like those hosted by Parisian chocolatiers, offer gourmet chocolate prizes, making it a fun and indulgent tradition! These hunts take place at the Eiffel Tower and the Jardin du Luxembourg on Easter Sunday (Dimanche de Pâques) and Monday (Lundi de Pâques).

Sacre-Coeur Basilica with fireworks in Paris, France.

Foire du Trône – Paris’ Spring Carnival

Europe’s oldest fair brings thrilling rides, street performances, and delicious carnival treats to Paris. Expect fireworks, acrobatic shows, and live entertainment, making it the perfect Easter outing for families and thrill-seekers alike! The carnival takes place between March and May at Pelouse de Reuilly and Bois de Vincennes.

Weather in Paris during Easter week

Spring (March to May)

During Easter week in Paris, typically falling in early to mid-April, **the city experiences the spring season. **During spring (March to May), Paris experiences mild and pleasant weather. Average daily temperatures range from 13°C to 17°C with cooler nights dropping to 5°C to 8°C. You can also expect moderate rainfall during Easter in Paris, so make sure you carry an umbrella when you go on Easter egg hunts in the city!

What’s open in Paris during Easter?

https://www.paristickets.com/travel-guide/art-and-culture/events-in-paris/easter/?bypassCache=hvchjdvhkdavkavakk

Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel’s iconic tower is open every day from 9:30am to 11:45am. The tower is open for extended hours during the Easter weekend so that visitors can enjoy the panoramic vistas of Paris at night.

More about Eiffel Tower
Visitors exploring art exhibits inside the Louvre Museum, Paris.

Louvre Museum

During Easter weekend, the Louvre-home to Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, is open from 9am to 9:30pm. If you are an art enthusiast, you can explore the Louvre for a little bit longer during Easter in Paris.

More about Louvre Museum
Visitors viewing artwork at Orsay Museum's temporary exhibition in Paris.

Orsay Museum

If you love Impressionist art, then the Orsay Museum is the place to be! On Easter Sunday and Monday, the museum is open from 9:30am to 6pm, and you can spend some time admiring the Impressionist masterpieces here.

More about Orsay Museum
Panoramic view of Arc de Triomphe, Paris

Arc de Triomphe

Another iconic landmark, the Arc de Triomphe, also stays open during Easter in Paris. You can visit the attraction from 10am to 10:30pm on both Easter Sunday and Monday.

More about Arc de Triomphe
Centre Pompidou exterior with colorful pipes and modern architecture in Paris, France.

Centre Pompidou

Interested in modern art and some amazing architecture? Then visit the Centre Pompidou in Paris! During the Easter weekend, the museum is open from 11am to 9pm. Over here, you can enjoy modern art exhibitions and a unique architectural experience.

More about Centre Pompidou
Montmartre street view with Sacré Coeur Basilica in the background during a guided tour in Paris.

Sacre-Coeur Basilica

The church mass during Easter in Paris is an unmissable experience! The Basilica is open from 6am to 10:30pm during Easter Week, which is the perfect time for reflection in a serene atmosphere at the Basilica.

Visit Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre

Must-try Easter dishes in Paris

Roast Lamb leg with mint sauce, rosemary and garlic.

Gigot d’agneau (Roast leg of lamb)

A classic Easter dish, gigot d’agneau is slow-roasted with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Often served with gratin dauphinois (potato gratin) or seasonal vegetables, this dish is a must for a traditional Parisian Easter meal.

Chocolate eggs and Easter almonds in nest with chocolate bunny on white wooden table.

Oeufs en chocolat (Easter chocolate eggs)

Easter in Paris is incomplete without some delicious chocolate eggs! Parisian chocolatiers craft exquisite Easter eggs, often filled with praline, ganache, or nougatine. Pierre Hermé, Maison du Chocolat, and Patrick Roger are known for their stunning chocolate creations that are both delicious and artistic.

Easter meat pie and slice on slate.

Pâté de Pâques (Easter meat pie)

Originally from central France but enjoyed in Paris, this savory pastry is filled with ground pork, veal, and hard-boiled eggs, and wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. It’s a rich and hearty Easter delicacy that is a must-try during Easter week in Paris.

Traditional Italian Easter bread rings with eggs and colorful sprinkles.

Brioche de Pâques (Easter brioche)

A soft, buttery brioche sometimes studded with raisins or orange zest, this Easter bread is lightly sweet and perfect for breakfast or dessert. Some versions even include a whole egg baked into the dough as a festive touch.

Assortment of chocolate shells and fruits for Easter from EMR.

Friture de Pâques (Chocolate fish and sea creatures)

As a fun Easter tradition, chocolatiers craft tiny fish, shrimp, and seashells in dark, milk, and white chocolate. This also pays homage to Poisson d’Avril (April Fool’s Day), when the French play pranks involving fish!

Visitor tips in Paris during Easter

  • Easter services at Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame, and Saint-Sulpice fill up quickly. Arrive at least 30-45 minutes early to secure a seat and experience the beautiful hymns, candlelit ceremonies, and spiritual ambiance.
  • Make sure you dress modestly during Easter Mass at the churches in Paris.
  • Skip supermarket chocolates and indulge in artisanal Easter eggs from Pierre Hermé, Patrick Roger, or La Maison du Chocolat. Some chocolatiers even offer special limited-edition Easter collections!
  • Paris in April can be sunny one moment and rainy the next. Bring a light jacket, an umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes to navigate the cobbled streets and Easter festivities with ease!
  • Many smaller boutiques and bakeries close on Easter Sunday and Monday, while major attractions remain open. Plan ahead, and check restaurant reservations, as popular spots fill up fast during Easter in Paris!
  • If you are attending Chemin de Croix (Way of the Cross) at Montmartre, maintain silence and respect. The atmosphere is solemn, with prayers and hymns filling the air.
  • Flash photography and disruptive behavior are frowned upon during Chemin de Croix, so make sure you avoid doing so.
  • Easter is a peak holiday in Paris, with locals and tourists flocking to churches, attractions, and restaurants. Book museum tickets, Easter brunches, and special events well in advance to avoid long queues during this time.
  • On Easter Sunday and Monday, metro, buses, and RER trains operate on a reduced schedule, and some services may be slower. So plan extra time for travel and check timetables in advance.

Frequently asked questions about Easter in Paris

When is Easter celebrated in Paris?

Easter celebrations in Paris celebrations typically start from Good Friday **and continue through Easter Monday, **which is a public holiday in France.

What is Easter like in Paris?

Easter in Paris is a magical time filled with festive celebrations, beautiful spring weather, and delicious chocolates!

Where can I attend Easter Mass in Paris?

Many of Paris’ beautiful churches hold special Easter services. Popular churches include Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Montmartre), Saint-Sulpice Church (Latin Quarter), La Madeleine Church (near Place de la Concorde), and the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral.

What are the best places to buy Easter chocolates in Paris?

Head to Pierre Marcolini, Jean-Paul Hévin, Patrick Roger, and Pierre Hermé for some fantastic and delicious Easter chocolates in Paris.

Are there special Easter events for families in Paris?

Yes! Easter in Paris is filled with family events such as fun-filled Easter egg hunts, at Jardin des Champs-Élysées, Parc de Saint-Cloud, and Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Is public transportation available during Easter weekend in Paris?

Yes! Metro, buses, and trams operate as usual throughout Easter weekend, though some schedules may be slightly reduced on Easter Sunday and Monday. It is best to check the RATP website or app for updates on public transportation during Easter in Paris.

Is Easter a good time to visit Paris?

Absolutely! Easter is a fantastic time to visit Paris, thanks to pleasant weather, fewer crowds than summer, and festive celebrations. However, booking tickets for attractions and restaurants in advance is recommended, as it’s still a busy period.