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Holy Week and Stations of the Cross in Parisian churches

Holy Week and Stations of the Cross in Parisian churches

Easter 2025 at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris

From 12 to 20 April 2025, the [Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris](https://parisjetaime. com/culture/cathedrale-notre-dame-de-paris-et-son-tresor-p3576) will hold Holy Week and Easter services for the first time since the fire in April 2019. A unique atmosphere is expected at Notre-Dame de Paris during these celebrations, attracting many worshippers.

No reservations are possible for Holy Week celebrations. It is recommended that you arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the services, taking into account the large crowds and the risk of not being able to access the cathedral in case of heavy crowds.

To fully enjoy your discovery of the cathedral in more peaceful conditions, it is preferable to plan your visit outside these busy times.

Saturday 12 April 2025

  • 5.15pm: first vespers of Palm and Passion Sunday
  • 6pm: early mass of Palm and Passion Sunday

Sunday 13 April 2025: Palm and Passion Sunday

  • 8.30am, 10.30am, 12.30pm and 6pm (no Lauds at 9.30am; no Vespers at 5.15pm)

Wednesday 16 April 2025: Chrism Mass

  • 6.30pm: mass presided over by the Archbishop of Paris, Monsignor Laurent Ulrich. Access to the cathedral for worshippers from 17h30. The cathedral will exceptionally close its doors at 14h30 (last admission at 13h30).

Thursday 17 April 2025: Holy Thursday

  • 9am: Office of the Tenebrae
  • 10am-12pm: confessions
  • 2pm-6pm: confessions
  • 7pm: mass in memory of the Lord's Supper

Friday 18 April 2025: Good Friday

  • 9am: Office of the Tenebrae
  • 10am-12pm: confessions
  • 10am-5pm: veneration of the Crown of Thorns
  • Midday: Stations of the Cross, on the Parvis
  • 2pm-6pm: confessions
  • 3pm: Stations of the Cross, in the cathedral
  • 7pm: Passion service

Saturday 19 April 2025: Holy Saturday

  • 9am: Office of the Tenebrae
  • 9pm: Easter Vigil. Access to the cathedral for worshippers from 8.30pm. The cathedral will exceptionally close at 5pm (last admission 4.30pm)

Sunday 20 April 2025: Easter Sunday

  • 8.30am: Mass
  • 9.30am: Lauds
  • 10am: Gregorian mass
  • 11.30am: mass
  • 4pm: ecumenical celebration of the mystery of Easter presided over by Monsignor Laurent Ulrich, Archbishop of Paris, with the leaders of Christian communities and their followers. No vespers at 5.15pm
  • 6pm: mass

Easter 2025 at Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

The basilica of Sacré-Cœur is situated at the top of the Butte Montmartre. Previously a place of pagan worship, it became Christian after Bishop Denis was martyred in the 3rd Century. The basilica was built between 1875 and 1914 and is now a major religious site in Paris.

Sunday 13 April 2025: Palm and Passion Sunday

  • 10.30am : Blessing of the palm leaves and Solemn Mass
    • 4pm : Solemn Vespers
    • 7am, 6pm and 10pm: Other Palm Sunday masses

Thursday 17 April 2025: Maundy Thursday

  • 9.30am: Maundy Thursday service
  • Midday: midday prayer
    • 7.30pm: Mass of the Lord’s Supper and meditation around the altar of repose
    • 11pm: Office of Compline

Friday 18 April 2025: Good Friday

  • 9.30am: Good Friday service
  • Midday: midday prayer
  • 3pm : Stations of the Cross in the presence of Monsignor Laurent Ulrich, starting from Square Louise Michel. At the end of the Stations of the Cross - after the veneration - meditation in front of the recumbent statue of Christ in the Chapel of the Virgin Mary
  • 7.30pm: celebration of the Passion. Basilica closed after the celebration
  • 9.30pm: Compline in the chapel of the Pietà for those who are staying for the night of adoration and have a room in the guest quarters

Saturday 19 April 2025: Holy Saturday

  • 9.30am: Holy Saturday service
  • Midday: midday prayer
  • 6pm: Vespers
  • 9pm : Easter Vigil

Sunday 20 April 2025: Easter Sunday

  • 9am : Morning Prayer
  • 11am : Solemn Mass
  • 4pm : Solemn Vespers, followed by the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
  • 7am, 6pm and 10pm : Other Easter masses

Easter 2025 at Saint-Eustache

At the heart of the district of Les Halles, the church of Saint-Eustache is one of the most visited in Paris. It is notable for its cathedral-like dimensions, and for the wealth of works of art it houses. Built in 1532, then restored in 1840, it features several styles: Gothic on the outside, Renaissance and classical on the inside.

Sunday 13 April 2025: Palm and Passion Sunday

  • 9:30am, 11am and 6pm: Palm Sunday Masses

Wednesday 16 April 2025: Holy Wednesday

  • 8.30pm: Office of the Tenebrae (Oratorio)

Thursday 17 April 2025: Maundy Thursday

  • 7.30pm: Celebration of the Lord's Supper, followed by an evening at the altar

Friday 18 April 2025: Good Friday

  • 7.30pm: Office of the Passion

Saturday 19 April 2025: Holy Saturday

  • 9 pm: Easter Vigil

Sunday 20 April 2025: Easter Sunday

  • 11am and 6pm : Masses of the Resurrection

Easter 2025 at the Madeleine church

The Madeleine church is situated between Place de la Concorde and the Opéra Garnier, in Haussmann Paris. Its construction began in 1764 and finished in 1842. Atypical for a religious building, it is shaped like a Greek temple without a cross or bell tower.

Sunday 13 April 2025: Palm and Passion Sunday

  • 10.30am: Blessing of the branches on the forecourt (rue Tronchet side)
  • 4pm: Musical Sundays at the Madeleine. The Way of the Cross by Paul Claudel, music by Marcel Dupré, performed by Michel Geoffroy (organ) and Monsignor Patrick Chauvet (narrator). Free admission
  • 6pm: Mass with blessing of the branches

Thursday 17 April 2025: Maundy Thursday

  • 7pm: Mass

Friday 18 April 2025: Good Friday

  • 11am: Spiritual concert (Alain Doff, the Spirito Singers)
  • 12.30pm and 3pm.: Way of the Cross
  • 7pm: Celebration of the Passion of the Lord

Saturday 19 April 2025: Holy Saturday

  • 7pm: Easter Vigil

Sunday 20 April 2025: Easter Sunday

  • 10.30 and 6pm: Mass
  • 8pm: concert of The Four Seasons by Vivaldi by the orchestra Les Violons de France and Cécile Besnard, soprano

Discover the Holy Tunic of Christ in Argenteuil during Easter 2025

From 18 April to 11 May 2025, the Basilica of Argenteuil will be exhibiting the Holy Tunic of Christ, which has been carefully preserved for nearly 2,000 years. This exceptional relic, which Jesus is said to have worn during his Passion, is rarely unveiled to the public.

This exhibition is a unique spiritual and cultural event, attracting thousands of pilgrims.

MORE INFO ABOUT THE EVENT

Things to do around Notre-Dame de Paris

In the heart of the Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame de Paris is surrounded by numerous architectural and heritage treasures to explore. Whether you're alone, with your partner, with friends or with your family, there's no shortage of things to discover! Here is our selection of the 7 unmissable activities in the vicinity of the cathedral.

Stations of the Cross in Paris on Good Friday 2025

Easter isn't just about chocolates and egg hunts. Above all, it's a Catholic celebration featuring prayers, traditional scenes and acts of faith.

Holy Week in Paris in pictures

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris - 2024 - Portail Statue
Basilique du Sacré Coeur sur la butte Montmartre
Offre Pâques Waldorf Astoria

What to do in Paris during the 2025 Easter holidays?

Spend an unforgettable Easter holiday in Paris! With egg hunts in exceptional locations, gourmet workshops for young and old, enchanting shows and cultural discoveries, the capital is full of ideas to amaze the whole family.

Immerse yourself in our selection of unmissable activities: festive events, captivating exhibitions and chocolatey delights will punctuate your stay. A magical spring awaits you in Paris!

More info

Frequently asked questions

When does Holy Week take place?

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, which marks the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, and ends with the celebration of Easter, the day of the Resurrection. In 2025, it will take place from 13 to 20 April, with highlights such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil.

What is the significance of the Easter Mass?

The Easter Mass is the most important celebration in Christianity. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ, a symbol of hope and renewal. During this mass, the Exultet is sung, the paschal candle is lit and the faithful renew their faith in the joy of the resurrection.

When do the Easter masses take place?

Easter masses are celebrated in all Parisian churches on the night of Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday (Easter Vigil) as well as on Sunday morning and afternoon. Times vary according to the parish, so it is advisable to check with the churches for the detailed programme.

What are the dates for the 2025 Easter holidays?

The 2025 spring holidays in France depend on the academic zones:

  • Zone C (Paris, Versailles, Créteil): from 19 April to 5 May 2025
  • Zone A: from 12 to 28 April 2025
  • Zone B: from 5 to 21 April 2025

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