With chocolate bunnies and their delicious aroma wafting from local confectioneries tucked away in picturesque corners, Paris during Easter is a colourful time to be around. As the City of Light gears up to celebrate spring, you may find yourself wandering from one event to another during Easter. The city being home to some of the most beautiful churches and cathedrals witnesses a number of large-scale services being held on Easter Sunday. From indulgent chocolate tasting sessions at chocolatiers, to festive brunches and treasure hunting activities fit for your entire family — there’s always something for everyone in Paris during the festive season.
Here's how you can spend Easter in the city if you're planning a visit to Paris during your Easter break!
Easter in Paris 2024
Easter in Paris this year falls on Sunday, March 31st. Although most places choose to remain open on this day, the day after Easter (April 1st) is a public holiday this year.
Several shops and restaurants are scheduled to remain shut on Monday, however you may still be able to roam about as city buses and metro will be running on a limited schedule. You will also find wonderful church services at cathedrals across the city during this week.
The three day weekend ( 30th March to 1st April) draws a whole lot of crowd from in and around Europe, hence it's best to come prepped with pre-booked online tickets to all attractions you wish to visit, so that can get you through the longest of queues in no time.
Easter in Paris - Traditions and Festivities
Several religious services and magnificently decked up churches are amongst a few things that will instantly greet you during Easter in Paris. The city celebrates the festival with some of the largest egg hunts taking place across the city and special Easter concerts happening in spectacular settings. If you’re in the mood for some delicious chocolate, this is also the season in Paris to go chocolate tasting. There are various chocolate tasting tours being conducted during Easter that you could and should be a part of! While there may be some restaurants closed for the holiday, this is also an ideal time to combine activities with a lunch or dinner to make the most of your day and avail some attractive discounts.
What's closed on Easter in Paris
In Paris, the day after Easter Sunday known as Easter Monday is an official holiday through France. Banks, public services, small restaurants & cafes will be closed and even the public transit will run with limited holiday hours.
Good Friday is not an official holiday in France, hence most shops, museums and restaurants are open. However, know that train stations will be packed as most Parisians are probably leaving town for the 4 day weekend.
A day before Easter, chocolatiers, fromageries and most markets where food and wine are sold will be jam-packed with locals stocking up for Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. If you're traveling with kids and need to stock up, Friday & Saturday would be a good time. Through Sunday and Monday, expect limited services through the city.
Those looking to explore Paris during Easter, you're in for a treat because most of the attractions like Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Centre Pompidou, Grevin Paris Wax Museum, Guimet Museum of Asian Arts and a few more are open through the weekend. Make sure you buy tickets in advance as they sell like hot cakes during the holiday season.
How to celebrate Easter in Paris
1. Concerts at Historical Churches like :
Visit ancient churches like the Saint-Germain-des-Pres for special Easter concerts on classical masterpieces like Vivaldi's Four Seasons and the timeless Ave Maria. Celebrate Easter with Sound and Music! Imagine being surrounded by centuries-old stone walls, illuminated by soft candlelight, while the harmonious notes of music fill the air. It's an experience that blends the beauty of music with the rich history of Parisian landmarks.
2. Indulge in an authentic Easter lunch on Seine River
Take a relaxing boat ride down the Seine enjoying a special Easter lunch. Experience the iconic monuments of Paris in a new perspective as you sip on champagne. Relish a three course authentic French meal aboard La Marina which includes a choice of starters, main plates, a cheese platter and a choice of desserts. The two hour cruise will acquaint you to some of the many bridges of Paris such as the splendid Pont Alexandre III and the romantic Pont des Arts and also some various other famous sights like Notre Dame Cathedral, Musee d’Orsay, Palais Bourbon and Grand Palais.
3. Devour a scrumptious Easter Dinner on the Eiffel Tower
Make the most of your trip on Paris during Easter with an unforgettable dinner on top of the Eiffel Tower. Spend a magical evening looking out at the romantic city of lights while enjoying a delectable 4 course meal — including a selection of starters, a main course and a dessert with half a bottle of wine. End your dinner on a high and catch a fantastic panoramic view of the city at night.
4. Have a picnic lunch with yummy food and some wine
Have a day out and experience Parisian life with a picnic lunch in one of the city's picturesque parks. As you unpack your basket filled with crusty baguettes, creamy cheeses, and assorted charcuterie, pour a glass of chilled wine to toast to the joys of good food, good company, and the simple pleasures of Easter in Paris!
5. Egg hunt at Rodin Museum and Paris Zoo
Celebrat Easter in the best way possible with an Easter egg hunt unlike any other, at the iconic Rodin Museum or the lush surroundings of Paris Zoo. As you wander through the landscaped gardens of the museum and the different habitats of the zoo, keep your eyes open for hidden treasures. The kids will have a blast as they scour every nook and cranny, searching for colorful eggs nestled among the flowers.
6. Getaway to the Palace of Versailles
Travel to the outskirts for a day long trip to the glorious Palace of Versailles. Listed as the World Heritage Site for the past 30 years, it is remembered as the old hunting pavilion that was also used by Louis XIII’s as his residence back in the day. The palace today is open to visitors who can tour its sprawling 63,154 m2 and visit its various exhibitions. Spend your Easter Sunday wandering through the Palace’s expansive gardens that are a must visit site. Ornate and well maintained, these gardens have musical fountain shows and other activities planned time to time.
7. Go on a chocolate hopping tour
Indulge your sweet tooth with a chocolate hopping tour through the streets of Paris. From cozy artisanal shops to renowned chocolatiers, each stop has something to offer. Imagine this: Strolling down cobblestone streets, the aroma of cocoa in the air as you sample handcrafted truffles, silky ganaches, and creamy pralines.
8. Spend your day at the Louvre with lesser crowds
The Louvre chooses to remain open for its visitors on Easter, and you can make the most of it by choosing to opt for a skip the line pass for your day! Follow your skilled guide into the world’s largest museum and spend a day educating yourself about the museum’s eclectic art and history collection. Witness the beauty of the famed Mona Lisa from up close and browse through the various milestones of France’s history in a series of remarkable artworks. The elaborate walking tour will allow a small group which makes the tour comfortable and according to your convenience.
Easter Dining in Paris
Chocolate Eclair
Perhaps the best way to celebrate Easter is by indulging in a rich chocolate eclair which is also a well known Paris specialty. Get one on the go from L'Eclair de Geine, Carl Marletti, Stohrer or Lenôtre.
Macarons
Colourful, delicious and world famous — these delicate pastries are a must-have during Easter! If you’re looking for a selection of sumptuous macarons, head to Laduree Paris, Dalloyau, Pierre Hermé or Carette for a bite.
Pain Au Chocolat
A chocolate croissant would be a great snack in any occasion, let alone Easter! But if you’re celebrating the festival on a sweet note, get some delicious croissants at Ble Sucre, Tout Autour du Pain, Le Grenier à Pain or Stohrer.
Weather during Easter in Paris
While the temperature during spring in Paris is pleasant, it could fluctuate anywhere from being warm to sunny and extremely wet. However, it ideally stays between 8°C to 18°C (45 to 65°F) from the end of March to April. Rain showers are a regular deal during this season, so make sure you keep your umbrellas and rain shoes handy, just in case! The skies remain overcast for most of the time and it could get chilly during the early mornings or evenings, so a light jacket or two would be advisable while you’re packing other essentials for the trip.
Tips for visiting Paris during Easter
- Easter in Paris is a busy time of the year, so make sure you book your tickets well in advance.
- Reach the venue before time to avoid unforeseen delays.
- It could be cold as well as wet. So make sure you’re equipped with the right kind of clothes for your trip.
- Keep a check on the places you visit as there are chances they may be closed on or around Easter.
- Since most restaurants remain closed around the Easter week, buy combo tickets to attractions that allow you to devour a meal as well. Dinner on the Eiffel, lunch on a Seine cruise, Cabaret with dinner and the works
Easter Sunday will be on March 31st, 2024 in Paris.
During Easter week, there are many festivals and events happening throughout the city. You can attend religious services, Easter egg hunts, and much more. Additionally, you can visit historic cathedrals and monuments or explore the city’s many parks, gardens, and museums.
Yes! Traditional French cuisine is especially popular during Easter in Paris, so you will have plenty of delicious options to choose from. Typical dishes include roast lamb with herbs, leg of spring veal with artichokes, asparagus risotto, cassoulet (a stew made with white beans) and more.
Every year on Easter Sunday, the French celebrate Pâques des Rameaux (Palm Sunday) by gathering palm fronds and other greenery to decorate churches in Paris. In addition, there are parades and processions celebrating Jesus’ resurrection throughout the city.
Temperatures in April generally range from 8-17°C (46-63°F), with occasional rain showers throughout the week. It may be cold outside but most attractions are indoors, so you can still enjoy a lovely holiday experience!
