Easter in Paris 2026: Events, Brunch, and Travel Guide
Last updated: March 12, 2026. Dates and programs can change. Always verify official sources before booking. This guide was curated by the Tres Gatos team.
How to Plan Your Easter 2026 Trip to Paris
Spring in Paris is magical, and the Easter weekend is one of the most popular times to visit. The trees are blooming, the weather is warming up, and the city's pastry shops are filled with incredible chocolate creations. However, traveling during a major holiday weekend requires a bit of planning, especially when it comes to restaurant reservations and knowing what is open.
Arriving for the long weekend? Start with a bike tour
A guided bike tour is the perfect activity for your first day in Paris. It is the best way to enjoy the beautiful spring weather, understand the city layout, and get fresh local tips from your guide before you dive into crowded museums or Easter egg hunts.
Book your Paris Bike Tour hereWhen is Easter in Paris 2026?
In 2026, the Easter weekend falls in early April. Here are the key dates you need to know:
- Good Friday: April 3, 2026
- Easter Sunday: April 5, 2026
- Easter Monday: April 6, 2026 (Public Holiday in France)
Unlike some other European countries, Good Friday is a normal working day in Paris. Shops, museums, and restaurants are fully open. On Easter Sunday, many smaller shops and supermarkets will close. On Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques), banks and public offices are closed, but most major museums, tourist attractions, and restaurants remain open.
Easter Weekend Itineraries for Every Traveler
Not sure how to structure your days? Here are three easy ways to plan your perfect Easter weekend depending on who you are traveling with.
👨👩👧 For Families
- Morning: Head to the Musée de Montmartre or Jardin d'Acclimatation for a massive Easter egg hunt.
- Afternoon: Join a relaxed Tres Gatos bike tour to safely see the Eiffel Tower and wide boulevards.
- Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at a classic Parisian crêperie.
🥂 For Couples
- Morning: Indulge in a luxurious Easter brunch at a high end hotel or a trendy Marais cafe.
- Afternoon: Take a romantic walk through the blooming Luxembourg Gardens.
- Evening: Book an evening Seine river cruise to see the city lights sparkle.
🎒 For Friends & Explorers
- Morning: Start early with a bakery crawl in Saint-Germain-des-Prés to taste the best holiday chocolates.
- Afternoon: Visit the Louvre (book ahead!) since museums remain open on Easter Monday.
- Evening: Explore the lively cocktail bars in the Latin Quarter.
Easter Brunch Paris 2026: Where to Eat
Booking an Easter brunch is a huge tradition for both locals and visitors. Because it is a holiday weekend, you absolutely must reserve your table weeks in advance.
- Hotel Brunches: Top luxury hotels like The Peninsula or Le Meurice offer spectacular, high end Easter buffets featuring incredible pastries and live music.
- Local Cafes: Neighborhoods like Le Marais and Montmartre have fantastic trendy cafes offering avocado toast, pancakes, and specialty coffee.
- River Cruises: For a unique experience, consider booking a brunch cruise on the River Seine to enjoy food with panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower.
Chocolatiers and Easter Egg Hunts
You cannot spend Easter in Paris without tasting the chocolate. Parisian chocolatiers create literal works of art displayed in their shop windows.
- Where to buy chocolate: Visit Saint-Germain-des-Prés to find famous shops like Patrick Roger, Pierre Hermé, and Alain Ducasse.
- Easter Egg Hunts (Chasses aux Œufs): If you are traveling with children, look out for organized egg hunts. Massive hunts are usually hosted at the gardens of the Musée de Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower, and even outside the city at the Palace of Versailles or Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.
Why a Bike Tour is Perfect for Easter Weekend
After a heavy Easter brunch and lots of chocolate, a gentle bike ride is exactly what you need. Taxis can be slow on holiday weekends, and the metro means missing out on the sunshine.
- Breeze past the long lines of tourists walking between monuments.
- Use safe, flat bike lanes to explore the city comfortably.
- Get authentic recommendations from your guide on which restaurants are actually open on Easter Monday.
Ready to explore the city?
Join us for a relaxing ride and see the best parts of Paris with confidence. Enjoy the spring blooming season and discover hidden local squares.
Book your Paris Bike Tour hereFAQ: Visiting Paris During Easter
When is the Easter weekend in Paris in 2026?
The 2026 Easter weekend runs from Good Friday on April 3 to Easter Monday on April 6. Easter Sunday is on April 5.
Are shops open in Paris on Easter weekend?
Good Friday is a normal business day. On Easter Sunday, many supermarkets and local shops close. On Easter Monday, which is a public holiday, major retail areas like the Champs-Élysées often stay open, but smaller neighborhood boutiques will be closed.
Are museums open on Easter Monday in Paris?
Yes, most major museums including the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay remain open during the Easter weekend, including Easter Monday. However, it is highly recommended to book skip the line tickets in advance due to the crowds.
What is the best way to get around Paris during Easter?
With beautiful spring weather and busy holiday traffic, taking a guided bike tour or walking is the best way to see the city. Our Tres Gatos bike tour helps you navigate safely using dedicated bike lanes.
Where can I find an Easter egg hunt in Paris?
Major parks and museums host egg hunts (chasses aux œufs). Popular locations usually include the Musée de Montmartre gardens, the Jardin d'Acclimatation, and various châteaux just outside the city.