As Easter approaches, many in France prepare for a day of rest and reflection on Monday, April 21, 2025, which marks Easter Monday. This holiday, known as "lundi de Pâques," is one of the 11 public holidays in the country and is deeply rooted in Christian tradition.
Easter Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a pivotal event in Christianity that symbolizes the triumph of life over death. The significance of this day has been recognized since the 3rd century, when Roman Emperor Constantine established a week-long observance dedicated to the worship of Christ. This week, referred to as the "Radiant Week" or "Holy Week," allowed Christians to engage in prayer and even undertake pilgrimages to Rome.
However, the long-standing tradition of a full week of festivities was curtailed in the early 19th century. In 1801, Napoleon Bonaparte, seeking to modernize France and address economic challenges, signed a Concordat that reduced the number of public holidays. As a result, the lengthy observance was shortened to just Easter Monday, which remains a day off for children and employees, as stipulated in the Labor Code.
While Easter Monday is a time for rest, it also coincides with a busy travel period in France. Bison Futé, the French traffic forecasting service, has classified this day as "orange" nationally and "red" in regions such as the North, Île-de-France, and Grand Ouest. These classifications indicate expected heavy traffic, particularly due to the end of the long weekend.
This year, the timing of Easter aligns with school holidays across various regions in France. Zone A is just beginning its holiday, while Zone B is concluding theirs, and Zone C is in the midst of their break. This confluence of school holidays and the Easter weekend is expected to create significant congestion on the roads, making it one of the busiest travel days of the spring.
Traffic congestion is anticipated to begin in the late morning and persist into the evening, with several major routes likely to experience delays. In Île-de-France, for instance, the A10 and A6 highways are expected to be particularly congested. Bison Futé advises travelers to plan their journeys carefully, recommending that those traveling through or to Île-de-France aim to do so before 11 AM.
Specific routes to avoid include the A25 between Socx and Lille from 5 PM to 8 PM, and the A13 from Caen to Paris from 3 PM to 7 PM. Additionally, the A11, A10, A7, and A71 highways are also expected to face significant delays during peak hours. Travelers are also warned to avoid the Mont-Blanc tunnel from noon until 11 PM.
As families and individuals navigate the roads, many will also partake in Easter traditions. In Châteaulin, a postcard, book, and old paper fair will take place from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, featuring themes related to the German occupation during World War II. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including old postcards and military antiques, with an entry fee of just 2 €.
Meanwhile, Aven Parc in Pont-Aven will host an egg hunt for children, where participants can win a chocolate prize by finding a hidden egg among the rides. The park will be open from 10:30 AM to 6 PM, with tickets priced at 14.50 € for children and 15.50 € for adults.
In Brest, the 70.8 museum for the ocean will offer workshops for curious minds at 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM. Attendees can learn about the ocean's vital role in our lives through interactive displays and guided tours. Admission costs 9 € for adults, 6 € for ages 14 to 17, and 4 € for children aged 3 to 13.
As the day unfolds, the blend of tradition, family gatherings, and travel will mark Easter Monday as a significant occasion in France. Whether participating in religious observances or enjoying festive activities, the day serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of Easter in French culture.
