When spring arrives in Paris, Easter quietly ushers in a long weekend of chocolate, family meals, and a few traditions that may surprise American visitors. While Easter (Pâques) is celebrated in both countries, the French approach feels more understated—less pastel pageantry, more attention to quality, ritual, and seasonality. Here’s a closer look at how Easter in France is celebrated, from flying bells to Sunday lunch, and what sets it apart from the American version.
The Bells, Not the Bunny
In the U.S., Easter morning often revolves around a playful bunny hiding eggs and filling baskets. In France, the chocolate delivery is courtesy of les cloches de Pâques—the Easter bells.
According to tradition, church bells fall silent on Good Friday to mourn the death of Christ. During that time, they’re said to fly to Rome to be blessed by the Pope, returning on Easter Sunday with chocolates in tow. This is why you’ll see chocolate bells alongside eggs, bunnies, and hens in shop windows all over France.
Chocolate Worth Celebrating
French Easter chocolate is nothing short of exquisite. While American Easter baskets often feature colorful, mass-produced candies, French children typically receive beautifully wrapped chocolates from local chocolatiers. You’ll find glossy, molded creations—like eggs filled with pralines, hens, or tiny fish (fritures)—often arranged like little works of art in shop windows.
And each year, many chocolatiers unveil a themed Easter collection, turning their boutiques into miniature galleries of edible sculpture. Some are French, others Belgian, but all are united by a commitment to craftsmanship and creativity. Whether you’re looking for whimsy, elegance, or pure indulgence, there’s a collection to match the mood.
Spotlight on 2025 Easter Collections
Alain Ducasse – Sea Creatures
Ducasse’s 2025 Easter theme dives into the deep blue, with an ocean-inspired collection of sculpted chocolate sea animals. Think elegant octopuses, seashells, and fish in rich dark and milk chocolate, crafted with his signature bean-to-bar style.
Available for a limited time, online (delivery to Europe and Selected US States) and in stores.
Pierre Hermé – Chess-Inspired Collection
This year, Hermé is playing with strategy and geometry. His sleek Easter collection features chocolate pieces inspired by the game of chess—elegant, minimalist, and filled with surprising flavors like passionfruit and praline.
Available for a limited time, online (delivery to France, the UK and select European countries) and in stores.
Cyril Lignac – Adorable Animals
Lignac has gone playful for 2025, offering a charming series of chocolate animals: piglets, chicks, bunnies, and other whimsical figures, all made with smooth milk or dark chocolate and filled with almond or hazelnut praline.
Available for a limited time, online (delivery to France and Belgium) and in stores.
Pierre Marcolini – Botanical Minimalism
The Belgian chocolatier continues his refined aesthetic this year with a botanical theme—elegant eggs and geometric shapes in earthy tones, often filled with floral ganaches and fruit-forward pralines.
Available for a limited time, online (delivery to France, the UK and Europe) and in stores.
Patrick Roger – The Avant-Garde Touch
Always the sculptor, Roger’s Easter creations push the boundaries of form and flavor. Expect bold silhouettes, unexpected textures, and surrealist shapes—this year, rumor has it he’s experimenting with abstract animal hybrids in monochrome palettes.
Available for a limited time, online (international delivery available, US excluded) and in stores.
Family Lunch for Easter in France, Not Brunch
In France, le déjeuner de Pâques (Easter lunch) is a long, convivial affair shared with extended family. It’s not unusual for the table to be decorated with spring flowers or a few chocolate figurines, but the focus is on the food.
Roast lamb (l’agneau pascal) is the traditional centerpiece, often served with seasonal vegetables, flageolet beans, and perhaps a fresh asparagus starter with vinaigrette and chopped egg. For dessert, there’s no set rule—chocolate often takes center stage, though many families also serve the first strawberries of the season or bake a nest-shaped cake.
Religion in the Background, But Still Present
France is officially secular, but Easter remains a meaningful holiday for many, particularly in traditional or Catholic families. La messe de Pâques (Easter Mass) is still widely attended, especially by those who observe the church calendar throughout the year. In fact, Easter and Christmas remain the most attended services in France.
For others, Easter is less religious and more about marking the arrival of spring, taking a break, and spending time with loved ones.
Egg Hunts, the French Way
Children still look forward to la chasse aux œufs, the Easter egg hunt. On Easter Sunday morning, someone will often say “Les cloches sont passées!”—and kids dash outside to search the garden (or inside the house, if it’s raining) for eggs, chicks, bells, and sometimes even chocolate fish.
While bunnies are more common in Germanic-influenced regions like Alsace, bells remain the traditional egg-hiding figure in most of France.
How to Dress for Easter in France
How Children Dress
In the U.S., Easter Sunday often means dressing up for church or brunch in cheerful colors—think florals, seersucker, or coordinated family outfits. In France, the style is more understated but still intentional.
How Women Dress
Mothers might wear a wrap dress or silk blouse under a trench coat, while children are dressed in Liberty-print dresses, cardigans, or little button-downs with smart shoes. You’ll see fewer bright pastels and more natural tones and timeless pieces. The overall effect is polished, but never overdone.
A Long Weekend in the Countryside for Easter in France
Easter Monday is a national holiday in France, making it a three-day weekend for most. Many families leave the city for a few days, especially during the two-week vacances de printemps (spring school break). Whether it’s a quiet escape to the family home or a weekend in Normandy, Easter feels less commercial and more seasonal—a true celebration of spring’s return.
FAQ: Easter in France Traditions
How do they celebrate Easter in France?
With family meals, church services (for those who observe), egg hunts, and artisanal chocolate. Easter Sunday lunch is often the highlight.
Is Easter Monday a holiday in France?
Yes. Le Lundi de Pâques is a public holiday, and most offices and schools are closed.
Are things closed in France during Easter?
Yes. Most shops are closed on Easter Sunday and Monday, though bakeries often open briefly on Sunday morning.
What happens on Good Friday in France?
Good Friday is not a public holiday in most of France, except in Alsace and Moselle. However, churches may hold special services.
Do the French have the Easter Bunny?
Not traditionally. In most of France, it’s flying bells (les cloches) that bring chocolates. The Easter Bunny is more common in Alsace and other German-influenced regions.
Final Thoughts
Easter in France is a celebration rooted in quiet joy—family, food, faith, and springtime. Whether you’re in Paris browsing a chocolatier’s window or in the countryside hunting eggs with your children, the holiday feels timeless. If you’re used to bright baskets and brunches, the French version may feel more restrained—but in its own way, it’s just as rich.
Curious about other French celebrations? Explore more traditions—from Valentine’s Day in Paris to La Chandeleur—on the Culture page, where we’ll be adding new holiday articles throughout the year.
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