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What to do in Paris during Easter holidays?

C.P. et la Rédaction Paris je t'aime - Updated on
Easter weekend is a chance to discover some amazing events

🎯Activities during the Easter weekend 2026 in Paris

During the Easter holidays, creative activities and egg hunts for children spring up all over the capital! The ultimate traditional Easter game, the chocolate treasure hunt delights young and old alike. Craft workshops, themed activities and fun discoveries: these events are ideal for the whole family. From department stores to educational farms, each venue offers ideas for activities to celebrate Easter in a fun atmosphere.

The Gally farms are getting creative with a range of workshops for young and old during the Easter holidays: wool, nest making, egg painting, planting workshops, animal discovery...

🌟 Easter egg hunt in Paris in pictures 🌟

🎯Culture during the Easter holidays in Paris

Prestigious exhibitions, musical performances, family outings and spring events: the capital offers a rich programme for young and old alike. Here are the cultural events not to be missed during these holidays.

📌Must-see exhibitions and new additions

Spring in Paris is marked by major retrospectives. Don't miss the pictorial ambition of Henri Rousseau at the Musée de l'Orangerie or the tribute to Matisse (1941-1954) at the Grand Palais. Modern art is also in the spotlight with Calder at the Fondation Louis Vuitton and the general collection of the Fondation Cartier in the museum of the same name.

For a historical immersion, discover the exhibition Deserts (at the start of the holidays) in the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution or explore Byblos, Lebanon's millennial city at the Arab World Institute. Photography enthusiasts can enjoy the powerful images of Sebastião Salgado, on display free of charge in the salons of Paris City Hall or the iconic Marilyn Monroe, to whom the Cinémathèque Française pays a vibrant tribute. Finally, don't miss the Mummies exhibition, a fascinating journey into ancient Egypt at the Musée de l'Homme, or the humour of Geluck with Le Chat at the Maillol Museum.

📌Shows, musicals and cabarets

The Parisian stage shines brightly. Broadway fans will be delighted by Chicago the Musical at the Casino de Paris or the ever-popular The Lion King at the Théâtre Mogador. Don't miss the French productions of Monte Cristo at the Folies Bergère and the reinterpretation of Demoiselles de Rochefort on the legendary stage of the Théâtre du Lido.

For a more unusual evening, treat yourself to the cabaret La Bouche (29 and 30 April 2026 at La Flèche d'Or) or the equestrian elegance of Bartabas with ‘La Voie de l'écuyère’ at the Versailles Equestrian Academy opposite the Palace of Versailles . The Lundis Musicaux de l'Athénée also offer a date during the Easter holidays: 20 April 2026.

For classical music lovers, the Église de la Madeleine offers a majestic setting for exceptional evenings. During the holidays, two events are scheduled for 26 and 28 April 2026: the Ensemble Royal de Paris will perform the greatest masterpieces of the repertoire, combining the virtuosity of the soloists with the unique acoustics of this iconic building.

Finally, for an extraordinary visual and architectural experience, don't miss the exceptional performance by the Paris Opera Ballet at the Louvre Pyramid. This prestigious event creates a dialogue between the grace of the dancers and the geometric lines of the iconic monument, offering a masterful spectacle in the heart of the capital.

📌Immersive experiences and heritage

Enjoy unique multisensory experiences with Luminiscence in the heart of Saint-Eustache Church or the Cité de l'Histoire in the La Défense district. Poetry takes centre stage at the Cité Immersive des Fables de La Fontaine, while the Musée de Cluny explores the imagination of Licornes. Outside, the Grandes Eaux Musicales de Versailles fountain show returns to enhance the gardens of the Sun King.

📌Seasonal events and international gatherings

The start of the holidays is marked by the Paris Book Fair at the Grand Palais, while the Foire du Trône and the Foire de Paris (at the end of your stay) delight lovers of popular festivities.

Don't miss the international celebrations that punctuate the year 2026: the Paris-Rome Twinning, the America250 programme for American independence and the France-Korea 2026 season.

April also marks the return of Paris Restaurant Week, a culinary event that fits perfectly with the cultural buzz of the Easter holidays. During this event, many Parisian restaurants offer exclusive set menus, allowing visitors to punctuate their cultural outings with exceptional culinary experiences. It is the ideal opportunity to discover the expertise of the capital’s chefs whilst enjoying the spring atmosphere that takes hold of the terraces and historic districts.

📌Family special and tips

For younger visitors, the Transparency exhibition at the Palais des Enfants (Grand Palais) is an ideal stop. You can also enjoy free admission to the Musée des Arts et Métiers to admire Zeus, the metal mount inherited from the Olympic Games ceremony. Finally, for a day in the great outdoors, the Parisian racecourses welcome families with the L'Hippodrome en Famille programme, combining sport and fun activities.

For a fascinating immersion in the history of cinema, the Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé is rolling out a captivating ‘Young Audience’ programme throughout the Easter holidays. Children aged 5 and 6 and above can take part in unique experiences such as the fun Mille et une fééries le jeudi (A Thousand and One Fairies on Thursday) event on 23 April 2026, a screening of colourful films accompanied by live piano music. Budding sound effects artists can attend the À vous de bruiter ! (Make the noise!), while curious minds can discover the exhibition Le chantier invisible (The invisible construction site) to dive into the spectacular behind-the-scenes world of Jean-Jacques Annaud's films. Finally, don't miss the film show Drôles d'inventions (Funny Inventions) on Thursday 30 April 2026, a zany exploration of the great technical discoveries of past centuries, hosted by a mad scientist.

After the cinema, it’s time for a sound exploration at the Children’s Philharmonic. During the Easter holidays, young visitors aged 4 to 10 can set off on the Sound of Pixels trail - a companion to the exhibition Video games & music. The music where you are the hero - an immersive installation included in the admission ticket. This fun experience allows you to manipulate the iconic sounds of the first 8-bit video game consoles and understand how pixels are transformed into music. It’s the perfect way to round off a day at La Villette, combining technological discovery with musical exploration in a 1,000 m² space entirely dedicated to experimentation.

Just a stone's throw from the Opera, the Paradox Museum Paris is celebrating spring with a fun theme based on the chicken-and-egg paradox. In addition to 90 interactive experiences spread across 1,700 m², a seasonal trail and a brand-new challenge await families to test their senses and logic. An ideal destination for the holidays, as the museum is open every day, offering an immersive and scientific break between egg hunts.


👉 BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS IN PARIS

🎯Fun and creative activities in Paris

Creative hobbies, gardening, cooking, various craft workshops... During the holidays, young and old alike can learn a variety of skills.

WeCanDoo offers an enticing programme that can be enjoyed alone by children, together with parents, or by the whole family: baking organic macarons, making soap, trying your hand at pottery or weaving, building the house of the three little pigs... There's something for everyone. Workshops are available for groups of up to 60 people! For a sensory immersion, the Workshop at the Fragonard Perfume Museum invites you to discover the secrets of fragrances during an exclusive session. Older children can learn about oenology with the Wine Creation Workshop at the Caves du Louvre to compose their own vintage and leave with a unique bottle.

For a gourmet outing, the Experience at the Chocolate Museum - Choco-Story is a must. Between the history of cocoa, the discovery of collectibles and demonstrations of chocolate sculptures, this fun visit punctuated with tastings will delight all generations.

This spring break, treat yourself to a dose of friendly competition with the Quiz Room experience. On an immersive set worthy of the biggest TV game shows, families compete in crazy quiz sessions suitable for ages 8 and up. Good news for your planning: the four Parisian venues - Opéra, Odéon, La Villette and Bonne Nouvelle - are open every day during the Easter holidays. It’s the perfect activity for sharing a moment of pure togethernes

For environmentally conscious families, creating an eco-friendly decorative egg becomes a fun and educational activity. Children can decorate eggshells with natural dyes (beetroot, turmeric, red cabbage), turn them into mini pots for planting succulents, or make papier-mâché eggs to paint with vegetable-based paints. These Easter-themed workshops combine creativity and respect for nature, while developing the motor skills of younger children.

L'Atelier Les Inventeurs in the 18th arrondissement, Ressourceries and MJC also offer introductory and discovery sessions throughout the holidays. So don't hesitate to visit your local associations and shops.


👉 BOOK YOUR EASTER CRAFT WORKSHOP

🌟 Easter holidays in Paris in pictures 🌟

🎯Nature on the outskirts of Paris and spring walks

There's nothing better than stretching your legs outdoors in spring. With the return of sunny days and mild temperatures, it's the perfect time to explore the most beautiful Parisian parks such as the Jardin des Plantes (and its menagerie!), the Tuileries, the Luxembourg and the Jardin Bagatelle and the garden of the Rodin Museum to admire magnificent statues.

Don't miss out on exploring the treasures of Greater Paris for a green getaway. Less than an hour from Paris, you can visit the châteaux of Fontainebleau, Rambouillet and Versailles open their gates to visitors. The Cité Universitaire d'Orsay, the Parc de Sceaux and the Arboretum de Chèvreloup are perfect for a day of picnicking and relaxation. The Bergerie Nationale de Rambouillet and the Ferme de Gally de Saint-Cyr allow visitors to familiarise themselves with animals and farm life, learning while having fun.

For a complete outdoor experience, head to Espace Rambouillet, which is celebrating spring with its ‘L'Éveil de la forêt’ event. During the Easter holidays, this wildlife park offers an instant escape through a programme packed with excitement: birds of prey displays, enchanting storytelling and educational activities to observe the animals of our forests. A day filled with warmth and togetherness, ideal for reconnecting with nature as a family in a peaceful, countryside setting.

The Centre des Monuments Nationaux offers fascinating guided outdoor tours in the parks and gardens of certain iconic sites. In small groups of five people (and by reservation), you can visit the parks of the châteaux of Rambouillet, Champs-sur-Marne, Maisons and the garden of the Villa Savoye are opening their doors for exclusive guided tours.

To walk in the footsteps of the greatest artists, you can admire Monet's gardens in Giverny or the bucolic landscapes that so inspired the Impressionists on the banks of the Marne. Nature lovers can also consider a day trip to the Baie de Somme to discover the Festival de l'Oiseau et de la Nature (Bird and Nature Festival) (18 to 26 April 2026), an exceptional event for observing migratory birds in a preserved natural setting.

Fontainebleau Tourisme offers a wide range of outdoor activities for the Easter holidays. The vast and beautiful Fontainebleau Forest is ideal for outdoor activities: guided forest tours to discover its incredible biodiversity, storytelling walks for children... More sporting and original tours are also available, such as guided dog sled rides. The Château de Fontainebleau welcomes you for a visit, and the grounds, with their park and gardens, provide an inspiring setting for a lovely stroll!

🎯Easter sports and hiking activities around Paris

📌Spring hiking

Spring is the ideal time to go hiking and enjoy the awakening of nature. The Fontainebleau Forest offers around twenty marked trails for all levels, ranging from 20 minutes to 3 hours of walking. The famous Denecourt-Colinet trails guide you through varied landscapes of sandstone rocks, plateaus and forests. The Parc de Sceaux, with its tree-lined avenues and majestic views, also offers beautiful family walks in an exceptional historical setting. These getaways allow you to recharge your batteries while discovering the remarkable biodiversity of the Île-de-France region.

📌Outdoor sports activities

Thrill seekers will find what they are looking for with the many sports activities on offer around Paris. Tree climbing appeals to young and old alike in several parks such as Evasion Verte at the Parc Floral (the only one within Paris itself), or the Ecopark parks in Créteil, Sannois and Montéclin. For more adventure, Sherwood Parc in Val-d'Oise offers more than 25 activities across 15 hectares. Water sports enthusiasts can try their hand at canoeing on the rivers of the Île-de-France region, while sand yachting awaits the more daring on the beaches of northern France.

To prolong the adventure, Greater Paris has places dedicated to movement and entertainment. Families looking for energy-filled activities can head to Royal Kids in Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt, an indoor playground that is ideal for children. For thrill seekers and those who love to bounce, Urban Jump in Bezons offers high-energy trampoline courses. Finally, for a new kind of sporting experience combining technology and immersion, Zero Latency in Dammarie-les-Lys offers virtual reality adventures where your body is at the heart of the action.

📌Excursion to the Baie de Somme

Less than two hours from Paris, the Baie de Somme is a sure bet for families during the Easter holidays. The Bird and Nature Festival (18 to 26 April 2026) offers guided tours, workshops and observation courses led by passionate guides. The Marquenterre ornithological park, with its 200 hectares of marshes and dunes in the heart of the nature reserve, offers a unique spectacle for observing migratory birds in their natural habitat. An unforgettable nature getaway that will delight the whole family!

🎯Unusual thrill-seeking activities in Paris

During the Easter holidays, lovers of unusual thrills will not be disappointed. With its breathtaking view from its basket, the Ballon de Paris Generali, in Parc André-Citroën lifts curious visitors 150 metres above the ground for 10 minutes to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Another ascent just a stone's throw from Paris: head to Disneyland® Paris aboard the Ballon Panoramagique de Disney® Village

Families looking for an adrenaline rush can try the indoor freefall simulator at La Villette with iFLY Paris, where young and old alike can experience the sensation of flying from the age of 5.


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🔍 Celebrate the 9th anniversary of Hasard Ludique!

For the Easter holidays, don't miss an unmissable event in the 18th arrondissement: the 9th anniversary of Le Hasard Ludique! This hotspot of Parisian alternative culture invites you to three days of intense festivities.

On the programme: explosive DJ sets, artistic performances on the tracks of the Petite Ceinture and a unique, friendly atmosphere to celebrate almost a decade of sharing and creativity.

👉 Everything you need to know about Hasard Ludique

🎯Original walks in Paris

Spend a day exploring a Parisian neighbourhood and admire your city as if you were a visitor: discover monumental street art in the 13th arrondissement, take an unusual stroll through the village of Batignolles or Charonne or even walk in the footsteps of Ladybug, children's favourite heroine. Let yourself be carried away by the stroll and don't hesitate to get lost in the streets to allow yourself to be surprised!

For a fun and immersive experience, try urban treasure hunts. These 2.0 treasure hunts transform Paris into an adventure playground: puzzles to solve on the banks of the Seine, treasures hidden in covered passageways, challenges to be tackled as a team in historic neighbourhoods. It's an original way to rediscover the capital while having fun, perfect for families and groups of friends.

There are also guided tour apps with original and fascinating itineraries. With your phone in your pocket, you can learn more about the Paris of artists, courtesans and royalty. And to make your strolls even more fun, try tours that combine discoveries and challenges, such as Explorhappy or the immersive treasure hunt Mission Tuileries. Finally, Visites Spectacles, with its troupe of actors, offers immersive investigative or storytelling tours in different neighbourhoods of Paris.

👉 BOOK AN UNUSUAL TOUR OF PARIS

🎯 Cycling in the open air: Paris by bike during the Easter holidays

The return of sunny days and the Easter holidays are the perfect opportunity to rediscover the capital by bicycle. With more than 1,000 kilometres of cycle paths, Paris is transformed into a privileged springtime exploration ground. Take advantage of the mild weather to explore the banks of the Seine or the canals, safe, car-free routes lined with blossoming trees.

For a more rugged getaway, the wooded paths of the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes offer bucolic walks that are perfect for a family outing. The more adventurous can take advantage of the Easter break to set off on longer routes such as La Seine à Vélo towards the sea, the Véloscénie, the Scandibérique or even the Avenue Verte between Paris and London.

Whether you choose a classic or electric bike for your holiday trips, experts such as Paris à Vélo or Paris Bike Tour offer equipment to suit all tastes. For an optimised stay, don't forget that the official Paris City Pass includes great deals on rentals and guided tours.

👉 BOOK A GUIDED TOUR OF PARIS BY BIKE

❓Frequently asked questions

When are the Easter/spring holidays in Paris in 2026?

The Easter/spring holidays 2026 for zone C (Paris, Créteil, Versailles, etc.) begin on Saturday 18 April 2026 and end on Monday 4 May 2026.

What can you do during the April 2026 holidays?

The sunny days are back, providing the perfect opportunity for lovely walks through the streets of the capital! Guided tours on foot, by bicycle or in search of culinary delights.

What to do during the Easter weekend (including Monday)?

The Easter weekend heralds many festivities in Paris. Whether it's an Easter brunch or a family outing to a museum.

Where to go for Easter with the family?

Paris and its surroundings offer the ideal setting for a family Easter holiday. The capital is full of parks, museums and monuments to discover, while the châteaux of Île-de-France offer magnificent walks. It's the perfect time to enjoy spring in France and organise cultural or nature outings with the children.

What to do at Easter with children?

The Easter holidays are perfect for sharing fun activities with your children. Take part in egg hunts organised in Parisian parks, discover creative workshops in museums or learn new crafts.

It's the perfect time to explore France with your family and create wonderful memories together.

Where to go for the Easter weekend?

The Easter weekend is a great opportunity to get away from it all just outside Paris. The palaces of Versailles, Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte welcome you for a rejuvenating Easter holiday in France. With the return of spring, it's the perfect time to enjoy the natural surroundings and remarkable gardens of Île-de-France.

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