Assumption, Ascension, but also, and above all, Easter. For many, especially the youngest, Easter is synonymous with chocolate treats. But for others, especially Christians, it's the most important day in their religious calendar.
On Easter Sunday, Christians commemorate the resurrection of Jesus, i.e. Christ's passage from death to life after his crucifixion. For Protestants and Catholics, Easter is celebrated on the Sunday following the full spring moon.
But why is Easter Monday a public holiday, and what do we celebrate on this day? In theory, nothing special. To understand theorigins of the Easter Monday holiday, we need to go back in time to the Middle Ages. It was then that the eight days following Easter Sunday, known asthe "Octave of Easter", were entirely public holidays. A week off with masses celebrated every day, during which pilgrims had time to make the round trip to Rome.
But this holiday week disappeared in 1801, following the signing of the Concordat between the Pope and Napoleon Bonaparte, then First Consul. Only Easter Monday remained a public holiday. An extra day on the calendar of public holidays in France, and one we're all glad to see!
This year, Easter Monday falls on April 6, 2026. A perfect excuse to enjoy a long weekend for many, with an exciting lineup of events to look forward to.
What to do this Easter Monday holiday in Paris & Ile-de-France, ideas for outings this April 21, 2025
Monday April 21, 2025 is Easter Monday, and therefore a public holiday. To make the most of this day off, or even of the long weekend, we've put together some great ideas for outings in Paris and the Ile-de-France region. We take a look at the open-air venues and concepts that await you! [Read more]
A public holiday and a long weekend: that's the recipe for happiness! Make the most of this chance to head out and have a good time, all while staying on a budget! [Read more]
Lucky visitors are enjoying a pleasant three-day weekend thanks to Easter Monday on April 6, 2026. If you're looking for a nearby outing to make the most of the public holiday, you've come to the right place: several museums and historic sites will be opening their doors for the occasion. [Read more]
What to do this Easter Monday holiday in Paris & Ile-de-France, ideas for outings this April 21, 2025
Smart Easter 2026: free outings to enjoy this public holiday
Easter Monday: Museums and Historic Sites Open on Monday, April 6, 2026, a public holiday in Paris
