Pâques – Easter In Paris

Pâques (Easter and Passover) in Paris is all about chocolate, easter eggs, and fun activities for children. Windows of chocolate shops are lined with ornate chocolate eggs, some the size of American footballs, for sale (and eating) during the holiday. Themes for this year are traditional, with ornate chocolates made in the shapes of hens, rabbits and birds nests. Top chocolate shops, including Maison du Chocolate, Le Notre, Pierre Herme, A La Mere de Famille, Jean Paul Hevin, Hediard, Servant, Debauve & Gallais, all have different creations, with ornate eggs, chocolate chickens and other hand-crafted chocolate pieces that are available only during Easter.

For activities, myriad Easter egg hunts will be held at various locations on April 24 and 25. One of the more interesting venues will be at Château de Vaux le Vicomte, the castle built by Nicolas Foquet, the Minister of Finance to King Louis XIV because the chateau was so ostentatious it was viewed as being more glamorous than the King’s royal quarters. Over 35,000 eggs will be on the palace grounds for children to find. The activities at the chateau are from 10-17:30. Activities at other national monuments may be found online.