Planning to spend Easter in Paris and wondering what’s actually worth doing during the holiday weekend?
If you’re visiting Paris over Easter, you’re in for a beautiful time of year, with spring in full bloom, festive chocolate displays, and plenty of seasonal charm. I always love this time of year in Paris—it has a special atmosphere you won’t find in other seasons.
I’ve lived in Paris for over 20 years and have experienced Easter here many times, so I know exactly what’s worth planning for (and what might catch you off guard).
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Paris at Easter, what’s open, local traditions, and practical tips to help you plan the perfect trip.
Easter in Paris 2026 – Everything You Need to Know
Easter Sunday falls on April 5 in 2026. It’s on the early side, which means spring is just getting started. Some days will be mild and sunny, but we are barely out of winter.
You definitely need a proper jacket. Not just something light—you’ll want layers, especially in the morning and evening.
And then, If the weather plays along, this is one of those lovely Paris moments. A slow walk along the Seine, terraces filling up again, that first coffee outside after winter. I always notice how the city feels like it’s waking up.
If it rains (and yes, it can), don’t stress. Paris handles rain surprisingly well. I’ve put together ideas here: Paris in the Rain: 22 Activities for Bad Weather.
A quick reality check about Easter in Paris
Before you start planning, there’s one thing to keep in mind. Easter holidays are firmly in peak season. A lot of Europeans use this time for a city break—and Paris is one of the most popular choices.
Flights go up. Hotels fill quickly. The city feels busier—especially around major sights and on the first warm days.
It’s not absolutely overwhelming, but you’ll notice it.
→ Book early
→ Plan your key visits ahead
→ Keep the rest flexible
💡 If you already know your dates, book your main tickets sooner rather than later. I’ve seen too many travelers miss out—or spend half their day in line.
What to book early for Easter in Paris
If you take away one thing, let it be this: don’t leave key bookings to the last minute. Easter weekend is short, and everyone is trying to fit the same highlights into a few days.
I’ve seen it many times—tickets sold out, long lines, or plans falling apart simply because things weren’t booked ahead.
The main sights are the first to fill up.
→ Eiffel Tower summit access (very limited availability, check here)
→ Louvre Museum time slots (Skip-the-Line to save time)
→ Seine river cruises, especially around sunset (Reserve your seat here)
→ Popular brunch spots on Easter Sunday
You don’t need to plan every minute. But locking in one or two key experiences per day makes everything else feel easier.
💡 I usually tell friends: book the things you’d be disappointed to miss—then leave space to wander.
Best Things To Do In Paris during Easter
➲ Find our complete 4-day Paris itinerary here
Once you’ve secured your main bookings, the rest becomes much more enjoyable. Easter is one of those in-between moments in Paris. The city is lively again, but not yet at full summer pace. Even though it does get crowded at times.
On a sunny day, you’ll naturally gravitate outdoors—along the Seine, into the gardens, or onto a terrace. If it’s cooler, it’s the perfect excuse to spend more time inside museums or cafés.
Either way, Paris gives you plenty to work with.
#1 The Eiffel Tower
➲ In my experience, the Eiffel Tower is the first things to sell out over Easter → book here
Seeing the Eiffel Tower is on almost every Paris itinerary—and for good reason.
Over Easter weekend, the Eiffel Tower is open as usual, but it’s also one of the busiest times to visit. Expect lines, especially from late morning onwards. If this is high on your list, book your ticket here in advance.
It makes a real difference. Not just for skipping the ticket line, but for actually getting a time slot in the first place.
These are the most popular ticket options for the Eiffel Tower:
#2 The Louvre
➲ My recommendation for Easter: Book a Skip-the-line tour to save time
The Louvre is just as iconic as the Eiffel Tower — and during Easter, it’s just as busy. Lines can easily stretch well over an hour, even if you already have a ticket.
That’s because it’s usually the security check that slows things down — not the ticket line itself.
If you’re planning to visit, booking a timed entry in advance is essential. These slots often sell out completely over the Easter weekend.
I’ve seen many visitors caught off guard here—thinking they’ll just book the day before. If you already have your time slot, you’re fine.
If not, it’s worth considering a guided tour. Yes, it’s more expensive — but it can save you hours and make the visit much smoother.
→ You can use the group entrance, which is usually faster
→ You don’t waste time figuring out where to go
→ And you avoid that overwhelmed feeling this museum can easily cause
The Louvre is huge. and when it’s crowded, it can quickly feel overwhelming. With a guide, you see the highlights, understand what you’re looking at, and leave with energy for the rest of your day.
👉 Check availability and reserve your Louvre ticket here
This way, you can spend your time exploring the museum — not waiting outside to get in.
#3 Explore Paris in a Vintage 2CV
→ This private vintage 2CV tour is a stylish and time-saving way to experience Paris over Easter
Driving through Paris in a vintage Citroën 2CV isn’t just sightseeing — it’s fun, different, and surprisingly practical, especially during the busy Easter weekend.
Instead of navigating crowded metros or wasting time between sights, you can see the highlights comfortably and at your own pace.
From experience, this is one of the easiest ways to make the most of a short stay in Paris — especially over Easter, when time is limited and the city is busier than usual.
It’s also flexible — you can stop when something catches your eye and adjust to the weather as you go. And knowing first hand how capricious the Parisian weather can be, it is always a good idea to add a few rain-proof highlights to your itinerary.
👉 Check availability and see tour options here
It’s one of the easiest ways to see more of Paris while still enjoying the city at a slower pace.
#4 Take a Chocolate & Pastry Tour in Le Marais
→ This Le Marais chocolate and pastry tour is a delicious way to experience Easter in Paris
Easter is chocolate season – and in Paris, it’s taken seriously. Pastry shops and chocolatiers create beautiful seasonal collections, from elegant pralines to full chocolate sculptures. Even small neighborhood bakeries go all in.
One of the best ways to experience this is through a food tour — and Le Marais is the perfect setting.
This historic neighborhood is full of small streets, artisan shops, and local spots you might not find on your own.
On a guided tour, you move from one shop to the next, taste along the way, and experience both the neighborhood and Parisian food culture without overplanning.
👉 Check availability and book your chocolate tour here
It’s an easy, relaxed way to enjoy Easter in Paris — and one of the most memorable.
#4 The Arc de Triomphe
➲ Get your skip-the-line tickets here
You can also visit the famous Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées during Easter, as it is open throughout the entire Easter weekend.
The popular monument even has extended opening hours until 10:30 PM starting in March. An evening visit is particularly recommended if you fancy a fantastic vantage point to admire the illuminated Paris skyline, including the Eiffel Tower.
#4 Panoramic Cruise on the Seine
➲ Reserve tickets for your river cruise here
A cruise on the Seine is one of the most beautiful activities you can experience in Paris during Easter. The view of the city from the ship is simply breathtaking, mainly due to the altered perspective.
Especially if you book a Seine River cruise at sunset and combine it with a delightful dinner. (You can view the menu here.)
If you’re traveling to Paris on a smaller budget, a simple one-way cruise is just as breathtaking and budget-friendly. You can easily book this affordable cruise here.
#5 Discover Montmartre
➲ Book your neighborhood walking tour here
Montmartre is one of those places that feels slightly apart from the rest of Paris. It used to be a separate village — and somehow, it still feels that way today.
Even after years of visiting, I still come across small details I hadn’t noticed before — a quiet street just off the main path, a hidden courtyard, or a view that I didn’t expect.
Over Easter, it’s a lovely area to spend a few hours. I do advise to go in the morning, as early as possible to avoid the biggest crowds.
The weather is usually good enough to be outside, and there’s that early spring feeling in the air — even if you still need a jacket.
You can absolutely explore Montmartre on your own — that’s part of the charm. (here’s my Montmarte guide)
But if you want to understand what you’re actually seeing, a guided walk adds a lot. There’s more history here than you might think, and it’s easy to miss without context.
👉 Here are two great options to explore Montmartre:
→ Montmartre Highlights Walking Tour (classic overview) – check availability
→ Montmartre Cheese, Wine & Pastry Tour (more relaxed + food-focused) – check availability
Both are great ways to experience Montmartre in a more structured way, beyond just wandering — especially during a busy Easter weekend.
#6 Easter Stroll through a Parisian Park
An Easter weekend in Paris almost calls for a slow walk through a park. This is the time of year when the city starts to open up again. People sit on chairs in the sun, kids run around after too much chocolate, and everything feels a little lighter.
The classic choices are the Tuileries and the Jardin du Luxembourg—and for good reason.
But they can get quite busy over Easter weekend.
If you’re after something a bit more local, head to Parc Montsouris or Buttes-Chaumont instead. Both feel more relaxed, with plenty of space to walk, sit, and just take a break from the crowds.
I often end up doing exactly that. You walk for a while, find a bench, and suddenly you’re not sightseeing anymore—you’re just enjoying Paris.
→ Mix one well-known park with a quieter one (here’s my list of favorite parks in Paris)
→ Or simply stop when you find a spot that feels right
An Easter stroll fits naturally into any Paris itinerary. And in Paris, even a simple walk through a park can easily become one of the highlights of your day.
#7 Explore Paris by Bike
➲ Find my guide on how to rent a bike in Paris here how to rent a bike in Paris here
One of the easiest ways to get around Paris over a short Easter weekend is by bike. It’s faster than walking, often quicker than the metro, and you actually see the city as you move through it.
You can rent a Vélib’ and explore on your own—which works well if you’re comfortable navigating a bike through a busy city.
Or you join a guided bike tour.
That’s usually the easier option if you want to see a lot without thinking too much about routes or traffic. And traffic in Paris can be… a bit of a learning curve.
With a guide, you don’t have to worry about that. You just follow along, stop at the right places, and get a feel for different parts of the city along the way. It’s a good balance, especially for a short trip.
Most popular bike tours in Paris are these here:
A bike tour helps you cover more ground without rushing and it gives you a better sense of how Paris fits together.
Is Easter a Public Holiday in France?
Yes—Easter is a public holiday in France, but not in the way many visitors expect.
Easter Sunday (Dimanche de Pâques) is widely observed, but the official public holiday is actually Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques).
Good Friday, on the other hand, is not a public holiday in most of France—including Paris.
For your trip, this means you can plan quite normally.
Shops, cafés, restaurants, and most attractions remain open throughout the Easter weekend. The city doesn’t shut down, even on Easter Sunday or Monday.
The only thing to keep in mind:
Some museums and attractions are always closed on Mondays, regardless of the holiday.
So it’s worth checking opening days when planning your visits.
What’s open in Paris for Easter 2026?
If you’re visiting Paris over Easter, the good news is: things run mostly as usual.
Museums, landmarks, and major attractions stay open throughout the weekend. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or the Catacombs all operate on their regular schedules.
The only real exception is Monday.
Some museums—like the Musée d’Orsay—are always closed on Mondays, and that doesn’t change for Easter.
Paris on Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday itself feels very much like a typical Sunday in Paris. Museums and attractions are open, cafés and restaurants are busy, and the city has that relaxed, slightly slower rhythm.
Shops, however, are mostly closed—just like on any other Sunday.
If you feel like shopping, there are a few reliable options though.
The Champs-Élysées is usually open, and department stores like Galeries Lafayette or Printemps welcome visitors as well. Les Halles is another easy option in the center.
Paris on Easter Monday – A public holiday!
Easter Monday is the official public holiday in France. But in Paris, it doesn’t change things as much as you might expect.
Some museums and attractions are closed—but these are typically the ones that are closed every Monday anyway.
So again, it’s less about Easter, and more about the usual weekly schedule.
The same goes for restaurants.
Many Parisian restaurants close on Mondays, and that naturally includes Easter Monday as well. That said, you’ll still find plenty of places open—especially in central areas and tourist-friendly neighborhoods.
What Attractions Are Open During Easter in Paris?
Most major attractions in Paris are open over the Easter weekend. The only real difference comes on Monday. Because some museums close every Monday—and that includes Easter Monday.
These are the main ones to keep in mind:
Landmark | Easter Sunday | Easter Monday |
Versailles | ✅ | 🔴 |
Catacombs | ✅ | 🔴 |
Carnavalet Museum | ✅ | 🔴 |
Musée d’Orsay | ✅ | 🔴 |
Musée du Quai Branly | ✅ | 🔴 |
Musée Marmotan Monet | ✅ | 🔴 |
Rodin Museum | ✅ | 🔴 |
Museum Cognacq-Jay | ✅ | 🔴 |
Picasso Museum | ✅ | 🔴 |
✅ | 🔴 |
The list is not exhaustive but includes the most famous museums in Paris that are closed on Mondays.
If it’s not on this list—like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre—you can generally visit on both Sunday and Monday.
💡 I always recommend planning your museum visits for Sunday, and keeping Monday more flexible.
How do the French celebrate Easter?
Easter in France is more low-key than you might expect.
There are no big public celebrations or parades. Instead, it’s mostly about family, long Sunday lunches, and—of course—chocolate.
You’ll notice it most in bakery windows and chocolate shops. Around Easter, they’re filled with beautifully crafted creations, from simple eggs to elaborate sculptures. And not only the famous chocolatiers like Patrick Roger are getting creative, you find them even in small neighbourhood bakeries.
Is there an Easter bunny in France?
Not really—at least not traditionally. In France, it’s not the Easter bunny bringing chocolate. It’s the bells.
Yes, really.
According to tradition, church bells fly to Rome before Easter to be blessed by the Pope. On their way back, they drop chocolate and sweets into gardens across the country.
It might sound a bit unusual at first, but it’s a story most French children grow up with.
And it also explains something you might notice: church bells don’t ring between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Because, obviously, they are on their way to Rome – or on their way back.
That’s the tradition, at least. These days, you’ll still see plenty of Easter bunnies in shops and chocolate displays. Over time, the traditions have blended a bit.
One thing you won’t really find in Paris, though, are dyed hard-boiled eggs like I know them from Germany.
Do kids search for Easter Eggs in Paris?
Yes—very much so.
Many families organize their own egg hunts, but there are also public ones each year, often in parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg.
They’re especially popular with children and add a nice, local touch to the weekend. Yet another reason to add Parisian parks to your priority list when visiting Paris on eEaster weekend.
Wrap up: How is Paris at Easter?
Easter is one of those in-between moments in Paris.
Spring is just starting, the city feels lighter again, and there’s a nice mix of local life and visitors returning after winter.
Yes, it can be quite busy — and a bit of planning helps. But if you know what to expect and book your key activities in advance, you can enjoy Paris without feeling rushed.
Take your time. Leave space in your day. Sit down when a terrace looks inviting. That’s when Paris works best.
But If you haven’t planned your activities yet, it’s worth checking availability for your dates now — especially for the most popular attractions.
If you’re still planning your trip, you might also find these helpful:
→ Paris in April 2026: What to See, Eat, Pack & Do!
→ Spring in Paris: 15 Best Things to Do in 2026 (Local Tips)
→ 22 Best Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Paris
Parisienne since 2006
Expert in: Parisian Life &
French Culture, Travel
Planning, Crochet & Food and Drinks
Join me on Facebook for updates and news about Paris.
NEW: The Salut from Paris Travel Guide:
Must-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to stay online while in Paris. I used Airalo for my travels.
- You likely need a travel adapter to plug your devices.
- Travel Insurance – if you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is a good option.
- If your flight is delayed or even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Tours & Attractions:
- I book tours & activities through Get Your Guide or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets can be cheaper on the official page, but they are often sold out.
- I love the GoCity Travel Passes for easy planning
Flights & Transportation:
Accomodation:
- Hotels in Europe I mostly book through Booking.com (check reviews carefully)
- Vacation Rentals through Airbnb or VRBO
Parisienne since 2006
Expert in: Parisian Life &
French Culture, Travel
Planning, Crochet & Food and Drinks
Join me on Facebook for updates and news about Paris.
NEW: The Salut from Paris Travel Guide:
Must-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to stay online while in Paris. I used Airalo for my travels.
- You likely need a travel adapter to plug your devices.
- Travel Insurance – if you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is a good option.
- If your flight is delayed or even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Tours & Attractions:
- I book tours & activities through Get Your Guide or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets can be cheaper on the official page, but they are often sold out.
- I love the GoCity Travel Passes for easy planning
Flights & Transportation:
Accomodation:
- Hotels in Europe I mostly book through Booking.com (check reviews carefully)
- Vacation Rentals through Airbnb or VRBO
PS: Check out these posts, they will help you plan your trip to Paris
FAQ Easter in Paris
Is Good Friday a public holiday in Paris?
In France, Good Friday and Holy Saturday are not public holidays.
Is Easter celebrated in Paris?
Easter is indeed a holiday in France, celebrated on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Despite being holidays, most attractions remain open, and many shops, restaurants, and cafes welcome visitors.
How do you say “Happy Easter” in France?
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