Whether Easter is a religious occasion in your family or a moment to share delicious meals and chocolate eggs, celebrating Easter in Paris can be genuinely fun, especially with the invigorating arrival of Spring in the city of lights. To celebrate Easter with panache, I've compiled a list of places to shop and dine, in addition to special Easter events in Paris. Do keep in mind that most shops and many restaurants are closed on Easter Sunday, and on the following Monday as well, which most people have off from work.
Chocolate and Sweets
For most people, no Easter would be complete without chocolate. Luckily, Paris boasts some of the finest chocolate makers in the world, and Easter is a major occasion for these artisans and cocoa experts to show off their talents. Hit Fauchon (Metro Madeleine) for particularly spectacular chocolate Easter eggs, chickens and bells (in France there is no Easter Bunny-- a flying bell from Rome instead expediates goodies to children)-- and other concoctions. If you're on a tighter budget, try supermarkets around the city like Monoprix, which usually are bursting with more reasonably priced, but often unique, Easter-time chocolate and sweets.
More: Best Paris Chocolate Shops
Eating out at Easter
As mentioned above, many restaurants will be closed on Easter Sunday and Monday, making eating out a bit of a headache. However, there are some restaurants serving up special meals (particularly lunches and brunches on the Monday following Easter). Here are a few (always reserve ahead and check opening times):
- La Tradition
2, RUE DE BUDAPEST
9th arrondissement
Metro: Saint-Lazare
Tel: 33 (0)1 48 74 37 33
- Le First
Traditional Easter Brunch
- Coco&Co
A concept restaurant where eggs are the star ingredient. Egg-loathers abstain! Special Easter menus available-- reserve ahead.
11, Rue Bernard Palissy
6th arrondissement
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Tel: +33 (0)1 45 44 02 52
Religious Services on Easter Sunday
- Notre Dame de Paris
Catholic service with Easter prayers, Gregorian chants (Easter Sunday); several Easter services (in French, Easter Monday)
- The American Church in Paris (Protestant/interdenominational)
Several services and celebratory events, through April 12, 2009
Other Ideas for Celebrating Easter in Paris
- Best Paris Parks and Gardens (organize a mini Easter-egg hunt)
- Easter-egg hunt for kids at the Jardin d'Acclimation
Easter Sunday, from 10 am to 1:00 pm, 20,000 eggs will be hidden in the garden for kids up to the age of 12.
Metro: Les Sablons
From the Metro station, take the Rue d'Orléans; the entrance to the garden is less than two blocks away.
