jparis

I see that Easter Monday is an official holiday in France and I am wondering if anyone who has spent "April in Paris" knows how shut down the city is on this day.

mia

Yes-everything was closed.A lot of restaurants were closed also.There was some sort of bicycle event that was fun to watch,hundreds of cyclists riding through the streets, but it was very quiet.We walked all day, stopping at whatever cafe was open to grab a drink/bite.There were no shops open.

Fred

On Easter Sunday/Monday many restaurants will close, but lots will be open. Many restaurants are closed on Sunday/Monday normally. The boats on the Seine will be running. The metro & buses will be running. Theaters, movies, etc., will also be open. There will be trains if you want to take a day trip. You can always stroll the parks, visit the churches (which will have special music), visit outdoor sites like Sacre Coeur. Also remember to forget that song "April in Paris" - it can be very cold and nasty then. For more Paris information e-mail me: [email protected]

Kathleen

Fred: April in Paris "cold and nasty"? Well, yeah, if you're stark naked on the prow of a Bateaux-Mouche. And, OK, it can also be a tad nippy at the top of the Eiffel Tower on an April evening if you go up there to watch the setting sun turn the city below bronze as the the lamps on the pont Alexandre, but all I felt was delighted disbelief. I was pretty happy, Fred, in April in Paris.

janis

Kathleen - I've been in Paris twice in April -- one trip was absolutely beautiful for 5 of the 6 days. But the other trip was the COLDEST I have ever been on any spring trip in my life that wasn't designed around skiing. From the low 30's F to the mid 40's the whole time - even sleet. So it can be really cold in April in Paris - or it can be wonderful.

x

sorry, but Fred is right about the weather. we visited Paris in late April and early May this year. the weather was cold and it rained constantly. we've been other years at the same time with different weather. still...it's Paris.

Jayelle

I was in Paris during the Easter weekend of this year and it was indeed cold. However, it was colder than normal for that time of year. Dressing in layers and wearing a scarf and gloves worked fine though. It rained off and on, but usually showers that passed through in less than an hour or so. Just be sure to carry an umbrella with you. Some cafes have outdoor heaters, so you can still sit outside and enjoy the people-watching. Easter Monday is very quiet, much like Easter Sunday, but its a nice time just to walk around and enjoy the city.