Easter in France: Bells and Chocolates 

As the chill of winter fades and the first signs of spring emerge, France prepares to celebrate Easter, or “Pâques,” with a mix of cherished traditions, festive customs, and culinary delights.

From the grand processions of the south to the clanging silence of church bells, Easter in France is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, indulgence in chocolate. 

Easter traditions in France 

Easter is widely observed across France, with many participating in time-honored customs that vary by region. Holy Week, or “Semaine Sainte,” is marked by a range of events, particularly in areas such as Provence and Alsace, where processions, reenactments, and candlelit gatherings bring communities together. The week culminates in a grand mass which is widely attended. 

One of the most intriguing Easter customs in France is the silence of the church bells. Beginning on Maundy Thursday, church bells across the country fall silent. According to tradition, the bells are said to have “flown to Rome” and return on Easter Sunday, joyfully ringing to celebrate the return of Christ. They also signal the beginning of Easter egg hunts and other festivities, naturally. 

Chocolate delight 

Easter in France wouldn’t be complete without an abundance of chocolate. French chocolatiers create stunning artisanal masterpieces, from intricately designed eggs to whimsical chickens, rabbits, and even fish—known as “fritures.” These tiny chocolate fish are a nod to “Poisson d’Avril,” the French equivalent of April Fool’s Day, which falls close to Easter. 

Egg hunts are organised in family gardens or even in public parks with some locations organising festivities to celebrate. 

Beyond chocolate, Easter is a time for feasting. The traditional meal often includes lamb, typically served as “gigot d’agneau” (roast leg of lamb) with garlic and rosemary, a nod to both springtime and culinary heritage. Accompanied by seasonal vegetables and finished with a delectable dessert, such as “nid de Pâques” (a cake shaped like a nest), Easter meals in France are a true celebration of gastronomy. 

Easter Monday: a day of leisure 

Unlike in some other countries, Easter Monday (“Lundi de Pâques”) is a public holiday in France. Families take advantage of the long weekend to gather for picnics, countryside excursions, or continued indulgence in Easter treats. In certain regions, unique traditions thrive, such as the famous Easter omelet of Bessières in southwestern France, where thousands of eggs are cracked to make a gigantic communal omelet—a tradition said to date back to Napoleon’s time! 

Whether you’re admiring beautifully decorated shop windows bursting with chocolate confections, savouring a festive meal with loved ones, or listening to the joyous chimes of returning church bells, Easter in France is a delightful mix of heritage, family, and feasting.  

Joyeuses Pâques! 

Lead photo credit : Easter display in a shop in Paris © shutterstock