French Easter Traditions: Egg Hunts, Flying Bells, Giant Omelettes and Exquisite Chocolate Creations!

Like many national holidays in France, Easter carries deep religious roots, but it’s also a time for families to come together and share a festive meal. At the heart of the Easter table is l’Agneau Pascal (traditional Easter lamb). Tables are often adorned with spring flowers and colourful Easter eggs, setting a cheerful, seasonal tone.

When it comes to chocolate, French chocolatiers and pâtissiers pull out all the stops at this time of year. Their shop windows become showcases of craftsmanship, bursting with intricate, edible works of art—ranging from the classic egg to fish, bells, and even animal sculptures. Unlike in the UK, where the Easter Bunny takes center stage, in France it’s les cloches de Pâques (the flying Easter bells) that deliver chocolate treats.

This charming tradition has its roots in Catholic custom: between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, church bells fall silent to mourn the death of Christ. Children are told that during this time, the bells fly to Rome to be blessed by the Pope, and upon their return on Easter Sunday, they drop off chocolate and goodies for children to discover.

Easter egg hunts are just as popular in France as elsewhere. Most are held in private gardens, but many towns and villages organise community-wide hunts—often complete with entertainment and games for the whole family.

One of the more unique French Easter traditions takes place in the town of Bessières, in the Haute-Garonne. Each year, around 50 volunteers come together to cook a giant omelette using some 15,000 eggs! The dish takes 30–40 minutes to prepare and is served to hundreds of people. Legend has it that Napoleon once stopped in the town, enjoyed an omelette so much that he ordered a massive one to feed his troops. Today, the tradition is kept alive with a multi-day festival and a ceremonial Confrérie de l’Omelette Géante (Brotherhood of the Giant Omelette). Being inducted as a “knight” of the omelette is considered a true honour!

While France enjoys many public holidays, Good Friday is not officially one of them—except in Alsace, which retained the holiday after transitioning from German to French rule. So for most, the celebrations kick off over the Easter weekend.

Joyeuses Pâques! Wishing you a joyful, chocolate-filled Easter!