Easter in Paris 2023 - Things to Do - Paris Discovery Guide

You'll know Easter in Paris is happening soon when chocolatiers display festive chocolate bunnies and candy eggs, pâtisseries fill their shelves with elaborately decorated cakes, and florists perfume nearby streets with the sweet scent of Easter lilies.

In 2023, Easter takes place on Sunday, April 9. Both Good Friday and the Monday following Easter are public holidays, so you should expect many smaller shops and restaurants to be closed as many Parisians take advantage of the 4-day Easter Weekend holiday to go away. The metro and city buses will run but on a limited holiday schedule.

If you're visiting Paris on Easter weekend, you'll find plenty of things to do. Favorite Paris Easter activities include religious services in the city's magnificent churches, special Easter concerts in spectacular settings such as Sainte Chapelle's stained glass chapel, and of course Easter egg hunts in the most beautiful Paris parks, chic neighborhoods, and breathtaking venues.

And don't forget all those chocolate rabbits and other confections - it's the perfect time to conduct your own tasting tour of Parisian chocolate makers and pick your favorite!

The 4-day Easter weekend gives you the perfect excuse to enjoy the beginning of spring weather in Paris - go for a picnic in a park, a cruise down the Seine, or even a museum.

Here are our best tips on how to celebrate Easter in Paris.

Contents: Easter Egg Hunts - Easter Concerts - Chocolates - Where to Eat - Religious Services - More to Do

Top photo: Easter Eggs at Foucher, top Paris chocolatier, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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Did you know...

In France, church bells (also called "flying bells," or les cloches volantes), rather than Easter bunnies, bring chocolate Easter eggs to children across the country. Normally, France's church bells ring a lot throughout the year, but on the Thursday before Easter (Maundy Thursday), they go silent.

According to French Catholic folklore, that's because the bells have sprouted wings and flown to the Vatican in Italy, carrying with them the grief of the devout after Jesus's death. Then a few days later, they fly back to ring out in celebration over Jesus's resurrection, dropping chocolates along the way.

Where to Indulge in Easter Chocolates

More chocolate Easter eggs and bunnies at Foucher on Avenue de l'Opéra in the 2nd arrondissement

Easter inspires Paris chocolatiers to fill their windows with beautiful Easter eggs, rabbits, and other creatures almost too beautiful to eat - but of course you must! Here are locations for nine of the most famous chocolate shops:

Jean-Paul Hévin - Superb traditional chocolates and macaroons; don't miss the tearoom upstairs! - 231 Rue Saint Honoré, 1st arrondissement; Metro: Tuileries; plus about 5 other locations; website
Chocolat Foucher - Family-run chocolatier offering hand-crafted chocolates, bonbons, and macaroons in two locations; the Rue du Bac shop has a wonderful tearoom - 134 Rue du Bac, 7th arr, Metro: Sèvres-Babylone; also 30 Avenue de l'Opéra, 2nd, Metro: Pyramides; website
Joséphine Vannier - Artisan chocolate maker in the Marais, known for her elaborate chocolate Easter eggs; you should also try the gourmet ice cream - 4 Rue du Pas de la Mule, 3rd arr, Metro: Bastille; website
Pierre Marcolini - Flavors from this Belgium-based chocolatier change with the seasons, but are always wonderful - 89 Rue de Seine, 6th arr; Metro: Mabillon, plus several other Paris locations; website
Fauchon - Their intricate Easter eggs could double as works of art; treat yourself in the tearoom while you're there - 11 Place de la Madeleine, 8th arr, Metro: Madeleine; website
Pierre Hermé - Better known for their exquisite macaroons, but the chocolates are also mouth-watering - 72 Rue Bonaparte, 6th arr, Metro: Saint Sulpice; many other locations; website
Chocolats Richart - Intricately decorated ganache with amazing flavors - 27 Rue Bonaparte, 6th arr.; Metro: Solférino; website
La Maison du Chocolat - A justly famous global brand with its origins in Paris - 225 Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 8th arr, Metro: Ternes; several other Paris locations; website
Jeff de Bruges - Founded in Belgium by a Frenchman who combines the secrets of famous Belgian chocolates and ensures quality by growing his own cocoa - 144 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 12th arr; Metro: Faidherbe-Chaligny; website
Un Dimanche à Paris (Currently closed; awaiting a new location in Paris) - A chocolate empire owned by Pierre Cluizel, scion of a famous French chocolatier, and a master in his own right - Cour du Commerce Saint-André, 6th arr, Metro: Odéon; website

Go on a Paris Chocolate Tour

Love chocolate? The Pure Chocolate Walking Tour, where you'll visit 5 master chocolatiers in the exclusive Right Bank neighborhood around Tuileries Garden and Madeleine Church is calling your name!

More Tasting Experiences in Paris to Consider:

Where to Eat When Restaurant Are Closed on Easter Weekend (Or Any Day)

Many Paris restaurants will close on Easter Sunday and even on the following Monday - so why not combine sightseeing with a gourmet meal on these fun dinner cruises and tours:

Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Dinner Cruise - You'll enjoy a memorable evening as you float past the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame aboard a luxury river cruise boat. Customize your experience on this popular gourmet dinner cruise by choosing departure time, number of courses, beverages, and more. Cruises with 8:30 departures offer Champagne and live music. Reserve now
Eiffel Tower Dinner, Cruise, & Champagne at Moulin Rouge Show - Combine three iconic Paris experiences when you enjoy a delicious dinner at the Eiffel Tower's "58 Tour Eiffel" Restaurant, and then cruise down the Seine River on a glass-enclosed boat past the Notre Dame Cathedral and other top attractions. When the cruise ends, you'll be driven up to the Montmartre neighborhood to the famous Moulin Rouge caberet, where you'll watch the fabulous "Feerie" show featuring 60 Cancan dancers while you sip Champagne. Reserve now
Rive Gauche Bus Toqué Lunch & Sightseeing Experience - Fun, gourmet dining (4 courses plus champagne), excellent service, and panoramic views of top Paris attractions from this glass-top luxury double-decker bus. Reserve now
Versailles Palace and Gardens Guided Tour with Gourmet Lunch by Chef Ducasse - This guided tour from Paris to Versailles by train lets you skip the line (except for a security check) at Versailles, where you'll visit the Hall of Mirrors and other top attractions, stroll through the gardens, enjoy the Musical Fountain Show, and then gaze at the Royal Courtyard as you savor a 3-course gourmet lunch with a glass of wine and coffee at Café Ore, an elegant contemporary restaurant designed by renowned Chef Alain Ducasse. Reserve now

Easter Concerts

Sainte Chapelle - Magnificent Easter concert venue

Special Easter concerts take place in several beautiful Paris churches and chapels - a memorable experience. To ensure your place, get your tickets early as they usually sell out in advance.

Concerts on Palm Sunday and Easter Weekend

Bach by Candlelight: Suites for Cello Solo - Saint Ephrem Church - April 8
Festival Lyrique at Sainte-Chapelle - April 9
Ensemble Royal de Paris: Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart - Saint Julien le Pauvre Church - April 9
Les Violons: Vivaldi's Four Seasons - La Madeleine Church - April 9

Find more Paris concerts in April

Easter Religious Services in Paris Churches

Want to attend Easter church services in Paris? You'll find lots of wonderful options throughout the city, including six churches offering Easter services in English.

Please check church websites for Easter service schedules, in case of any last-minute changes.

Easter Services in English

American Cathedral (23 Avenue George V, 8th arr, Metro: Alma Marceau) - Episcopal church with numerous Holy Week and Easter services. The 11am Easter service is a Festival Eucharist with a choir and brass, followed by an Easter egg hunt. Website
St Michael's Church (5 rue d'Aguesseau, 8th arr; Metro: Madeleine) - Anglican church serving a diverse community. Holy Week and Easter services in English and in Tamil. Website
St Joseph's Catholic Church (50 Avenue Hoche, 8th arr, Metro: Étoile) - The only English-speaking Catholic church in Paris. Multiple Holy Week and Easter services. Their website is under construction but you can find up-to-date information about services on their Facebook page.
American Church (65 quai d'Orsay, 7th arr, Metro: Invalides) - Inter-denominational Protestant church. Easter services include a Good Friday service, Easter Sunday sunrise service on the quai overlooking the Seine River, two traditional services, and a contemporary service. Don't miss the two Tiffany stained glass windows toward the back of the church - the only Tiffany windows in a French church. Docent tours of the church are offered each Sunday (except for the first Sunday of each month) and at other times during the week. Website
Temple de Pentemont (United Protestant Church of Pentemont-Luxembourg) (106 Rue de Grenelle, 7th arr, Metro: Solférino) - Protestant church carved out of a 17th century convent in the mid-1800s by famed architect Victor Baltard, who also installed a huge Cavaillé-Coll pipe organ. Check their website for Easter service information: https://www.epupl.org/
Trinity International Church of Paris (58 Rue Madame, 6th arr, Metro: Rennes) - Christian church offering sermons in English with French subtitles. Website: http://trinityparis.com/
The Scots Kirk (17 Rue Bayard, 8th arr, Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt) - The only Church of Scotland in France, as well as the only English-speaking Presbyterian church in France. All nationalities are welcome! Palm Sunday and Easter services. The Scots Kirk also hosts 2-3 concerts each month. Website

Easter Services in French

If you want to attend Easter services in Paris in French (you don't have to understand every word to have a meaningful experience), these famous churches offer Catholic services on Good Friday, Easter, and Easter Monday:

Sacré Coeur Basilica (35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 18th arr, Metro: Abbesses or Anvers plus take the Funicular up the hill) - Sacre Coeur's beautiful white limestone facade atop a Montmartre hill can be seen across the city, and Paris views from the top are just as spectacular. Choose from multiple masses throughout Holy Week, Easter, and Easter Monday. Website
Église Saint Germain des Prés (3 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, across the plaza from Les Deux Magots, 6th arr, Metro: Odéon) - The oldest church in Paris and after a recent renovation to remove almost 10 centuries worth of grime, one of the loveliest. The church offers many masses on Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday, including some in Spanish. Saint Germain des Prés hosts many classical concerts throughout the year. Website
Saint Sulpice (2 Rue Palatine; 6th arr; Metro: Saint Sulpice) - Numerous masses throughout Holy Week, Easter, and Easter Monday. Saint Sulpice is the second largest church in Paris, and one of the most compelling (you may remember it from international best seller and movie, The Da Vinci Code). Music lovers will not want to miss the world-renowned Cavaillé-Coll organ, which you can hear every Sunday at 10:45am as a prelude to High Mass at 11am, and then again after the mass at 12 noon for a longer period. The church offers tours in English on the first Sunday of each month at 12:30pm (after the organ concert); this schedule may vary on holy days such as Easter. Website
Église Saint Eustache (146 Rue Rambuteau, 1st arrondissement, Metro: Les Halles) - Magnificent cathedral-like church, located in the Les Halles area - breathtaking Gothic architecture on the outside, a Renaissance interior, and a renowned organ, the largest in France. In addition to the services, don't miss the organ concert at 5:30pm on Easter Sunday (and every Sunday - a centuries-old tradition). Website
Cathédral Notre Dame de Paris (6 parvis Notre-Dame, 4th arrondissement, Metro: Cité) - Considered a Gothic masterpiece, Notre Dame dates back to the 12th century. Masses take place throughout the day, with a Gregorian Mass at 10am on Easter (and every Sunday). PLEASE NOTE: Due to the tragic fire on April 15, 2019, masses cannot be held at this time. Please check Notre Dame's website for updates.

More Things to Do on Easter in Paris

Even though many Paris shops and restaurants will be closed on both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, a number of famous Paris museums and monuments will be open. Here is a small sample:

Centre Pompidou (National Museum of Modern Art) - Place Georges Pompidou, 4th arr; Metro: Hôtel de Ville
Choco-Story Paris - Gourmet chocolate museum - 28 Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle, 10th arr; Metro Bonne Nouvelle - Get Tickets
Guimet Museum of Asian Arts - 6 Place de Jena, 16th arr; Metro: Jena
Grevin Paris Wax Museum - 10 Boulevard Montmartre, 9th arr; Metro Bourse
Louvre Museum - 1st arr; Metro: Palais Royal

Paris parks including Bois de Boulogne (16th arr) and Bois de Vincennes/Paris Zoo (12th arr) are open. Pick a park, bring a picnic lunch and bottle of wine (many neighborhood bakeries and small produce stores will be open, although perhaps in the morning only), and spend the day relaxing and enjoying spring weather.

Easter Egg Hunts in Paris

Easter egg hunts and other Easter activities for children take place all over Paris in parks and other special venues. Look for chocolate eggs from famous Paris chocolate makers, confections from top pastry chefs, games, and other activities to celebrate the beginning of spring in some of the city's most beautiful places.

Here's the schedule of Paris Easter Egg Hunts in interesting (and a couple of unusual) locations.

Parc André Citroën

Easter Egg Hunt for thousands of hidden chocolate eggs plus lots of games, dancing, craft workshops, and other activities. For 3-10 year olds, with hunt times based age.
Dates: Easter Sunday, April 9, 9:30am-5:30pm
Cost: 6€ for the basic hunt, plus some other activities may require additional small fees. This Easter egg hunt is organized by a local charitable organization, the Secours Populaire de Paris (People's Relief of Paris), and proceeds help people in need
Location: 2 rue Cauchy, 15th arr, Metro: Javel or Balard
More information & registration: Secours Populaire de Paris website

Rodin Museum

The Rodin Museum and famous Parisian chocolatiere À la Mère de Famille, which has been creating delectible confections since 1761, will team up to stage a traditional Easter egg hunt (rain or shine!) as well as games, workshops, and other children's activities in the museum's gorgeous Sculpture Garden.
Dates: April 5
Cost: 10€ for adults, and free for children
Location: 77 rue de Varenne, 7th arrondissement; Metro: Varenne or Invalides
More information & registration: Musée Rodin website

Musée de l'Homme

The Easter Hunt at Musee de l'Homme takes the prize this year for the most unusual format! First, everyone in the whole family gets a short tour of the museum's skeletons, and then you get to search for chocolate bones. For age 3 and up, with timed entry slots from 10am-4pm.
Dates: Monday, April 10
Cost: 5€ per person
Location: 17 Place du Trocadero, 16th arr, Metro: Trocadero
More information & tickets: website

Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique de Paris)

Search for 5 eggs of the same color hidden in the "Glades," the areas where the giraffes roam. If you find them, you win chocolates! Open to the whole family. There will also be crafts and face-painting.
Dates: April 9 and 10
Location: Avenue Daumesnil, Bois de Vincennes, 12th arr, Metro: Porte Dorée
Cost: None, aside from the zoo's admission fee (individual and family ticket options), but you must register when you get there.
More information: Parc Zoologique de Paris website

Musée de Montmartre's Renoir Gardens

Children wander around the garden and look for colored eggs brought by flying bells (the depositors of Easter eggs in France, rather than an Easter bunny) and when they find 5 of the same color, they can exchange them for chocolates. For age 2-12.
Dates: April 9 and 10, 11:30-5pm.
Cost: Free for children under 12, 8€ for 13-17 year olds, 15€ for adults; registration required
Location: 12 Rue Cortot, 18th arr
More information & tickets: website

Jardin d'Acclimatation

Children from 3 to 6, and from 7 to 11 hunt for chocolate eggs in different parts of this popular garden/children's amusement park. With over 50,000 eggs scattered in the search areas, finding the chocolates should not be difficult!
Dates: April 2 and 9, 10:30am-12:45pm and 1:45pm-5:30pm - booking is for a 15-minute time slot
Cost: Varies; registration required
Location: Bois de Boulogne, Carrefour des Sablons (next to Fondation Louis Vuitton) 16th arr; nearest Metro: Sablons
More information & tickets: website