What should my daughter and I expect in terms of closures and cancellations? To be honest, at first I was excited when I heard the news. I am Catholic (kind of lapsed, but that’s irrelevant). However, since we only have 2.5 days in Paris (with the 25th being our last full day) I had it planned to walk around the Latin Quarter, booked Saint Chapelle for 3pm, and then we’d head over to Notre Dame to visit and attend Mass that evening. I know I need to be flexible but I am worried about stores and sights shutting down, traffic jams galore, crowded subways, you name it. They haven’t announced times but Pope Leo is expected to be at Notre Dame in the late afternoon celebrating vespers so I suspect with all the security our Saint Chapelle visit might get canceled. Just trying to come up with a backup plan or two.
Posted by
Surrey, UK
1131 posts
I don't think you will be able to access Notre Dame on 25th, as that is when the Pope will be there - invited guests only and crowds/road closures.
I'd plan on doing the planned 25th activites the day before, then keep a) flexible and b) well away from the area on Friday.
I'd guess the meeting with the President will be at the Elysee Palace, and then there's a drive about.
General chaos.
Posted by
613 posts
I would definitely reconfigure and stay far away from anywhere near the sites that are on the Pope's schedule. Remember, street closures and barricades happen long before and after the actual event. I was in Madrid just before the Pope arrived there in June, but luckily I got out two days before. However, I noticed the preparations. Another time, also in Madrid, I was caught in the Pride Parade, and my way home by bus and foot was completely blocked. I had to take a circuitous route via the metro that ate up a lot of time.
Posted by
608 posts
What is this all about? 25th of what month?
Posted by
California
819 posts
September 25
Posted by
1 posts
What about Sept 24, 2026? I see Notre dame will be closed to visitors the day before the Pope's visit (Sept 24). But, will it be ok to walk around the area, go to ST Chapelle or will it all be closed off the day before?
Posted by
Chicagoland
2654 posts
Here's info on Notre Dame with closures.
Pope Leo's visit to Notre Dame
Here is more info on his visit to Paris
In addition to Notre Dame, expect crowds and traffic/transportation issues with road closures and bus reroutes on the 25th near Elysee Palace in the morning, UNESCO Headquarters in the 7th and Basilica Saint Denis in the evening.
I would not expect your Sainte-Chapelle booking to be affected by the Pope's visit with the exception of possibly being unconvinced by transportation issues.