Holy week in Spain/Portugal/Paris

We were in Spain (Madrid) during Holy Week in 2007. I was actually surprised at how little we were inconvenienced. There were only two minor sites we wanted to visit that were closed. Part of the problem for us was figuring out which days the sites were on holiday schedules and which days they kept their regular schedule. As I recall, several sites were on holiday hours (or closed) for Holy Thursday and Good Friday, but on regular weekend hours for Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. We were able to confirm schedules and plan in advance for the major sites, but for the sites without websites or someone regularly answering the phone we just had to take our chances.

In exchange for this inconvenience, we got to see Easter processions on the streets of Madrid and in other cities (Granada, Sevilla), floats were still out at churches the following week. I would go again at that time without hesitation.

Have fun!

In 2000 we spent three weeks in France with Holy Week in the middle! We were in Sarlat for Easter. We didn't do anything more than relax and have dinner at our hotel. We were in Paris at the beginning and at the end of our trip. The schools in France are divided up in sections and each is assigned a week for their holidays so everywhere we went there were families on holiday. Returning to Paris on Sunday late afternoon was difficult with the traffic but do-able. It was the end of their holidays!
I think you'll find more issues in Spain and Portugal.

In 2001, we spent Holy Week in Sevilla.

The downside is that the hotel prices double and even now are scarce for those dates.

The upside is that it's an incredible experience.

We've decided to do Spain and Portugal the week before til holy Monday, and do Paris the next 3 days. Return to US either Good Fri. or Black Sat.
Thanks for all your helpful replies! =)