Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris marks the Feast of the Assumption 2026: free program

Before being a public holiday, the Assumption is above all a religious feast, celebrated every year worldwide by Catholics on August 15 to honor "the death, the resurrection, the ascension into heaven and the crowning of the Virgin Mary." The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris will welcome visitors and pilgrims for the liturgies and a procession of the faithful through the capital's streets on August 14 and 15.

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Organized every year since the 17th century, this traditional procession marks the vow of Louis XIII, a legislative charter that consecrates France to the protection of the Virgin Mary. Due to this solemnity, the cathedral will adjust its hours, with visits reduced from 3:00 PM on August 14 to the evening of August 15. There will be no group welcomes or individual reservations, but the cathedral will remain open for prayer and liturgical celebrations.

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The Assumption schedule at Notre-Dame Cathedral

Friday, August 14, 2026

• 3 p.m.: Rosary and the opening display of the Crown of Thorns
• 5:15 p.m.: Vespers
• 6 p.m.: Vigil Mass for the Assumption
• 7:15 p.m.: Procession inside the Cathedral, then out onto the forecourt
• 8:15 p.m.: Proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, followed by Louis XIII’s vow on the forecourt
• 9 p.m.: Compline, then conclude and exit onto the forecourt

Saturday, August 15, 2026

• 8:30 a.m.: Mass
• 9:30 a.m.: Lauds
• 10:00 a.m.: Mass
• 11:30 a.m.: Mass
• 3:45 p.m.: Blessing and departure of the procession, presided by His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre, around the Virgin and Child statue by Charles X from the forecourt
• 5:15 p.m.: Return of the procession and solemn vespers, followed by the proclamation of Louis XIII’s vow
• 6:00 p.m.: Mass presided by His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre

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