Easter In France: What Do Locals Eat?

Easter, or Pâques in French, is a widely celebrated holiday in France, marked by religious traditions, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. While France doesn’t have the same Easter Bunny culture as some other countries, food plays a central role in the celebrations.

From indulgent chocolate treats to traditional French dishes, here’s what you can expect on the Easter table in France.

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Chocolate eggs, bells…and fish!

Easter in France wouldn’t be complete without an abundance of chocolate. While chocolate eggs are popular worldwide, France has its own unique Easter chocolate traditions:

Chocolate bells (Cloches de Pâques) – Instead of an Easter Bunny, French children are told that church bells (cloches) fly to Rome on Good Friday and return on Easter Sunday, dropping chocolates in gardens along the way. This tradition explains why chocolate bells are a staple in Easter chocolate shops.

Chocolate fish (Poissons d’Avril) – Since April 1st (April Fool’s Day) is also around Easter, chocolate fish are commonly sold in stores as a playful nod to the Poisson d’Avril tradition.

Chocolate eggs and other figures – Like in many countries, chocolate eggs are a must, often filled with praline or other sweet treats. You’ll also find chocolate rabbits, chickens and lambs in elegant patisseries and supermarkets alike.

French chocolatiers take Easter very seriously, with artisanal chocolate shops like Pierre Hermé and La Maison du Chocolat creating stunning, hand-crafted Easter chocolates.

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Easter Sunday lunch: A French feast!

Easter Sunday is a time for family meals, and the menu often includes a mix of seasonal and symbolic dishes. On the menu for Easter Sunday’s special meal:

Roast Lamb: The most traditional Easter main course in France is roast lamb, specifically gigot d’agneau (leg of lamb). Lamb has religious significance in Christian traditions, symbolising Christ as the “Lamb of God.” The dish is usually slow-roasted with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, and served with potatoes or green beans.

Spring Vegetables: Since Easter coincides with the arrival of spring in France, fresh seasonal vegetables are common side dishes. Expect dishes featuring asparagus, artichokes, green beans, carrots and peas. 

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Irresistible French Easter desserts

The French take their desserts seriously, and Easter is no exception. A popular Easter dessert in some regions is Agneau Pascal, a lamb-shaped cake made of sponge cake or brioche, and dusted with powdered sugar. A rich chocolate mousse is also often shared, and some families even prepare a nid de Pâques, a chocolate sponge cake shaped like a nest, filled with mini chocolate eggs.

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Easter Monday: A day for picnics!

Unlike in some countries where Easter Monday is often spent at home unwinding or heading back to the office, in France, it’s a public holiday. Many families take advantage of the day off to enjoy a picnic in the countryside or local parks. Traditional picnic foods include quiche Lorraine, charcuterie and cheese or leftovers from Sunday lunch! 

Easter in France is a delicious mix of tradition, religious symbolism, and seasonal flavors. Whether it’s indulging in artisanal chocolate, enjoying a perfectly cooked leg of lamb, or celebrating with a relaxed picnic, the French know how to make Pâques a truly special occasion. Joyeuses Pâques!

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How do you spend Easter in France?

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