When you think about Easter in France, one thing usually comes to mind…
chocolate. A lot of chocolate 😅
But Easter here is much more than that.
It’s a mix of religious traditions, family time, and (very importantly) great food. And if you’ve just arrived in France, some of these traditions might surprise you.
Let me walk you through it
Depending on where you’re from, the Easter Bunny brings the chocolate.
In France… it’s often the bells 🔔 = les cloches
According to tradition, church bells “fly” to Rome on Friday and come back on Sunday… dropping chocolate eggs (des œuf en chocolat).
in gardens along the way.
But in reality, both traditions exist today : the Easter Bunny (le lapin de Pâques) and the bells (les cloches) happily coexist.
One thing you can’t miss: chocolate takes over supermarkets at least a month before Easter.
Eggs, rabbits, hens, bells…
There’s something for everyone.
And most importantly: it’s not just for kids.
In France, we give chocolate:
- to children (les enfants)
- to friends (les amis)
- to colleagues (les collègues)
- to neighbors (les voisins)
- and even… between adults (yes, we love sweets at any age)
On Easter Sunday, it’s all about: the egg hunt = la chasse aux oeufs
In gardens, parks, or even at home, children look for hidden chocolate eggs.
And many cities also organize public egg hunts, which are perfect if you’re new in France and want to meet people.
And because this is France… we have to talk about pastries 😍
Take a look inside bakeries around Easter : you’ll see.
You’ll find:
- chocolate nests
- cakes decorated with mini eggs
- traditional Easter brioches (depending on the region)
- creative seasonal desserts
It’s beautiful, it’s delicious… and very hard to resist.
The Easter meal: a true French tradition
If there’s one thing to remember:
in France, every occasion is a good excuse for a great meal.
And Easter is no exception 😄
It’s usually a family meal (un repas en famille) , on Sunday or Monday, with dishes like:
- 🐑 lamb (a classic for Easter)
- 🥚 Easter omelet (in some regions)
- 🍫 lots of chocolate… sometimes too much 😅
People take their time to eat, talk, and enjoy being together.
For those who practice, Easter is an important religious holiday.
Many people attend an Easter mass ( la messe de Pâques) on Sunday.
But like many traditions in France, everyone celebrates in their own way.
And good news:
Easter Monday is a public holiday (un jour férié) in France
- Schools are closed
- Many people don’t work
- Some shops may be closed
So it’s an extra day to relax… and keep eating !
You can:
- organize an egg hunt
- invite friends
- give chocolate
- or simply enjoy a nice meal
As long as it makes people happy ❤️
If this is your first Easter in France…
enjoy it, explore it, taste everything… and have fun ✨
And write me here : womenspeakfrench@gmail.com
Tell me how do you celebrate Easter where you are?
I’de love to read you !
À bientôt et JOYEUSES PÂQUES !
Faustine
