Paris, City of Light, has a truly unique Easter experience. As a traveler in pursuit of cultural visits, as a family seeking festive holidays, or as a chocolatier who gets to sample rich chocolates, Easter in Paris is a combination of history, festivity, and spring grace. This article takes you through the most in-demand things to do, have-to-visit places, and delicious food to indulge in at Easter in Paris.
1. Why Easter in Paris is Special
Easter, or Pâques, as the French refer to it, is a very significant holiday in France. It is spring, and Parisians celebrate it with religious masses, festive dinners, and outdoor activities. The city is an Easter egg display, chocolate windows, and flowers in the gardens, and it is an experience that will not be forgotten by tourists.
2. The Best Churches for Easter Mass
For individuals who want to spend Easter with a religious ceremony, Paris has some of the world's most stunning churches. Some of the must-see places are listed below:
Notre-Dame Cathedral – Even in its restoration phase, this ancient building is included in Easter ceremonies.
Sacre-Cœur Basilica – Situated in the center of Montmartre, the church provides exhilarating views of Paris along with an exclusive Easter mass ceremony.
Saint-Sulpice Church – Beautiful Baroque church with great organ music on Easter mass.
La Madeleine Church – Famous for its beautiful neoclassical architecture and unusual Easter concerts.
3. Family Easter Egg Hunts
Easter egg hunts are not to be missed if you are visiting Paris with your kids. Following are the top favorite spots where you can indulge in this Easter tradition:
Jardin des Tuileries – A lovely park close to the Louvre where kids can engage in egg hunts with enjoyment.
Parc André Citroën – A contemporary park with organized Easter activities for kids.
Domaine de Saint-Cloud – On the outskirts of Paris, this large park is the location of one of the biggest Easter egg hunts.
4. Parisian Chocolate: A Sweet Easter Treat
Paris Easter would not be complete without sampling the world's finest chocolates. The city boasts some of the finest chocolatiers who offer their Easter treats:
Patrick Roger – Famous for his chocolate works of art.
La Maison du Chocolat – A classic chocolatier with exquisite Easter chocolate treats.
Jean-Paul Hévin – A visit that no chocolate enthusiast would miss for out-of-the-box flavors.
Pierre Hermé – Known for pairing chocolate with his signature macarons.
5. Easter Markets and Special Shopping
There are numerous seasonal Easter markets that open throughout Paris, selling handmade gifts, holiday decorations, and tasty food. Some to visit include:
Marché de Pâques (Easter Market) at Montmartre – A quaint Easter market selling handmade chocolate and ornaments.
Rue Cler Market – One of the city's top food markets for stocking up gourmet Easter supplies.
Galeries Lafayette and Printemps – Large department stores that include lavish Easter window displays and holiday specialty items.
6. Paris Easter Foods
The Parisians do celebrate Easter by having a delightful Easter dinner made up of typical French fare. Some of the foods which are staples include:
Gigot d'agneau (Roast Lamb) – The focus of the majority of French Easter meals.
Pâté de Pâques – French traditional Easter meat pie.
Chocolate Easter Bells – Chocolate bells take the place of Easter bunnies as the holiday symbol in France.
Brioche de Pâques – Sweet, soft bread consumed during Easter breakfast.
7. Spring Strolls: Top Parks and Gardens
Easter and spring overlap in the same time in Paris, so it is the perfect moment to visit the city parks and gardens. Some of the top spots are:
Jardin du Luxembourg – Lovely garden with fountains and lovely spring flowers.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – Hilly park with lovely views and picturesque hills.
Bois de Boulogne – Large green area in Paris ideal for a quiet Easter picnic.
8. Easter River Cruises on the Seine
One of the most laid-back and romantic things to do in Paris on Easter is take a Seine River cruise. Several companies operate special Easter brunch cruises, which blend fine dining with stunning vistas of legendary landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
9. Cultural Events and Festivals
There are also several cultural events and concerts on Easter weekend in Paris. Some of the top picks are:
Classical Music Concerts – Held in ancient churches like Saint-Chapelle and La Madeleine.
Easter Art Exhibitions – Exclusive exhibitions in all the major museums, including the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay.
Outdoor Shows and Street Performances – Particularly around Montmartre and the Latin Quarter.
10. A Day Trip to Versailles or Giverny
If you are visiting Paris during Easter, take a day trip to discover nearby sightseeing attractions:
Palace of Versailles – A short train ride from here, the gardens bloom in all their glory during Easter.
Giverny (Monet's Gardens) – See the beautiful spring flowers in the gardens painted by Monet himself.
Conclusion: A Parisian Easter to Remember
Easter in Paris is an enchanting experience packed with culture, cuisine, history, and celebration. Whether you're engaging in a church service, indulging in heavenly chocolates, walking through Parisian gardens, or cruising down a scenic river, there is something for everyone.
If you’re planning an Easter getaway, Paris offers an unforgettable mix of tradition, romance, and charm, making it the perfect holiday destination. So pack your bags and get ready to experience Easter in the City of Light like never before!
