What to do in Paris over the Easter weekend?

Whether you're looking for adventure or a more leisurely break, Easter in Paris offers a varied palette to suit all tastes. From the best chocolate shops to historic monuments and traditional rituals, Highstay reveals the best things to do during your Easter weekend in Paris. Follow the guide!

The city's famous monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, create a magical backdrop for your adventures and remain open even on Easter weekend in April. Those seeking a cultural experience can explore the capital's many museums and art galleries, such as the Musée d'Orsay or the Musée du Louvre. This is your chance to immerse yourself in Paris' rich artistic history. You can also discover the retrospective devoted to American painter Mark Rothko at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. The Bois de Boulogne is just a few minutes' walk away.

For those with a sweet tooth, charming traditional patisseries and chocolate shops open their doors to celebrate Easter in style. Cédric Grolet's patisserie opens its doors on April 1st. Known for his trompe-l'œil creations, the pastry chef and his team prepare delicious pastries the same day, right before your astonished eyes. In a relaxed, elegant atmosphere, warm up with a hot chocolate and pistachio cookie. Through the large windows of its first boutique, named "fleurs", the Avenue de l'Opéra is yours for the Easter weekend in April.

During the Easter weekend in Paris, you can enjoy a variety of activities, combining both cultural and festive experiences. Paris is renowned for its cultural dynamism. Museums, galleries and theaters often organize special exhibitions and shows over the Easter weekend. You can consult the program of popular museums such as the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay or Centre Pompidou to find out what's on in April. Weather permitting, you can explore Paris' magnificent parks and gardens. The Jardin des Tuileries, the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont are wonderful places to get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Some parks even offer Easter-themed activities or decorations.

Stores also open their doors for the Easter weekend in April. An opportunity to be at the cutting edge of fashion during your stay in the capital. Not far from Rue Saint-Honoré, you can visit luxury boutiques such as Nina Ricci, Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint-Laurent.

Then why not head for the Marais? The district is packed with all kinds of concept stores combining designer pieces and trendy objects for your home, such as Fleux and Merci. On your stroll, you'll also come across charming perfumeries offering olfactory and personalized creations, such as L'Artisan Parfumeur.

The Champs-Elysées avenue is one of the most famous in the world and offers a wide range of activities to do during your stay in the capital in April. If you're a cinephile, you can visit nearby cinemas such as Gaumont to see the latest releases or classic films of the 7th art.

The Louvre district in Paris is not only home to the iconic museum, but also to charming cafés and bistros for lovers of French gastronomy. Head for Café Marly, located under the arcades of the Louvre, opposite architect Leoh Ming Pei's glass pyramid. You can also head to the quays of the Seine to admire the Pont des Arts, or take a look at the construction of the spire of Notre-Dame Cathedral during your stay in Paris in April.

Spring weather is generally mild and pleasant. In April, the streets of Paris are in bloom, and you can also enjoy outdoor activities in the parks and gardens on offer. If you'd like to discover Easter traditions in Paris, you can attend celebrations in the capital's churches and cathedrals, with the added bonus of the gentle tinkling of Easter bells, as at the Église Saint-Eustache, not far from the rue de Rivoli.

Easter is a time of religious celebration, with many churches holding special masses and ceremonies to mark the occasion. Parisian restaurants often create special menus to celebrate Easter Sunday. Meals with family or friends are an opportunity to enjoy seasonal dishes, sometimes with delicious Easter chocolates for dessert. Like at La Tour d'Argent, where chef Yannick Franques concocts delicious dishes over the Easter weekend.

The parks and gardens of Paris become children's favorite playground for the traditional Easter weekend egg hunt. Some are organized in the city's parks and public spaces, notably the Jardin des Tuileries. An activity for young and old alike. After tasting your delicious chocolates, head to the Sunset Sunside jazz club, which also offers children the chance to express themselves in song. An opportunity for them to make new friends over a gourmet snack. The bateaux-mouches also offer family outings to discover the capital. Head for the quays of the Seine for a breathtaking experience!

Famous chocolatiers vie with each other in their creativity to create Easter chocolates. Eggs, rabbits and other sweet creations adorn the shop windows, inviting gourmands to savor the delights of the season. In April, Lutetia unveils sumptuous gourmet creations imagined in collaboration with Pastry Chef Nicolas Guercio. This year, the Easter egg is transformed into a humpback whale. Made with OKO 73% Peruvian dark chocolate and a dark sesame praline heart, this chocolate creation delights the taste buds as much as it amazes. During your Easter weekend, discover the chocolate creations of Alain Ducasse in his boutique not far from the Palais Royal. Cyril Lignac rivals Ducasse's creativity with delicious teddy bears in milk or dark chocolate marshmallow. Visit his boutique on rue de Sèvres, in the 6th arrondissement of Paris.

The weather in Paris over the Easter weekend can vary. In April, Paris goes from winter to spring, so you can expect mild temperatures. You can opt for a light jacket or sweater that you can easily put on or take off as required. It's best to check the weather forecast before your trip to see if you need a raincoat, umbrella or warmer coat. Spring in Paris can bring occasional showers, so be prepared for light rain. To embrace the spirit of spring, you can wear clothes in light, bright colors. Pastels and floral patterns are particularly suited to the season. The sun's rays can also make an appearance, so don't forget to take a pair of sunglasses with you.

Over time, the celebration of Easter has evolved to include a variety of traditions, including symbols such as eggs and chocolate bunnies. These elements have helped create modern Easter traditions, which vary from culture to culture. Although Easter is a Christian holiday, many people, regardless of their religious convictions, celebrate this time of year in different ways, often marked by festive traditions, egg hunts and family meals.

Our concierge service will be with you every step of the way. Do you have a question about an activity to do or an additional need in your apartment? Highstay offers you personalized solutions that will satisfy all your desires during your stay in April in the capital. For evenings out with your partner or family, we also offer a unique culinary service with a gourmet chef in your home. For opera lovers, our concierge service can also organize a special evening backstage at the Opéra Garnier, one of Paris's most emblematic landmarks.