Pope Leo XIV's Visit to Paris: How to Get Around on September 25 and 26
The Popemobile on Friday, a massive Mass on Saturday at the Concorde: station closures, vehicle-restricted zones, and our tips for getting around easily during your stay.
On Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26, 2026, Paris will host Pope Leo XIV. This is an exceptional event that will also significantly disrupt traffic and public transportation in several districts of the capital.
Don't worry: your Korner hotel remains open and accessible. Pedestrian access may be restricted near the affected areas, and our front desk team is here to help you plan your trip. Here is the essential information to keep in mind, day by day.
Friday, September 25: Popemobile procession from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Pope will travel across the Left Bank in the Popemobile, from Notre-Dame-des-Champs to Place Saint-Michel. A large gathering is also scheduled for the evening at the Stade de France.
Affected areas: Montparnasse, the Latin Quarter, Île de la Cité, and the UNESCO sector (7th arrondissement).
Metro and RER stations closed starting at 10:00 a.m.: Notre-Dame-des-Champs (Line 12), Vavin (Line 4), Saint-Placide (Line 4), Port-Royal (RER B), Luxembourg (RER B), Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame (Line 4, RER B and C), and Cité (Line 4).
Stations closed from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Varenne (13), Saint-François-Xavier (13), Ségur (10), and Duroc (10 and 13).
Whether you're traveling by car, taxi, or ride-share, traffic will be blocked or rerouted around the event route. Taxis and ride-shares will experience delays, especially between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Good to know: Notre-Dame will be closed to the public on that day as a special exception. Are you catching a train at Montparnasse Station? Leave much earlier than planned.
Saturday, September 26: Large open-air Mass at 3:00 PM
The highlight of the visit—a massive Mass—will be celebrated at the Place de la Concorde and on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Very large crowds are expected throughout central and western Paris.
Affected areas: Champs-Élysées, Étoile, Concorde, Tuileries, Invalides, and Orsay (7th arrondissement).
Metro stations closed from Friday at 10:00 p.m. to Saturday at 8:00 p.m.: Charles-de-Gaulle – Étoile (lines 1, 2, and 6), George V (1), Franklin D. Roosevelt (1 and 9), Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau (1 and 13), Concorde (1, 8, and 12), and Alma-Marceau (9). The RER A is still scheduled to operate at Charles-de-Gaulle – Étoile.
Whether you're traveling by car, taxi, or ride-share: a large area around the Champs-Élysées and the Concorde will be off-limits to vehicles from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Taxis and ride-shares will only be able to drop you off at a distance, and many bus stops in the 7th arrondissement will not be served.
Good to know: Security checks will be conducted at the perimeter entrance.
Our 5 Tips for Getting Around
1. Check your route on the day using the Bonjour RATP app or at ratp.fr.
2. Walk or take the subway, avoiding closed stations.
3. Catching a train or a flight? Leave much earlier than usual.
4. Ordering a taxi or rideshare? Set a pickup location outside the restricted zones.
5. Keep your ID with you: you may be asked to show it.
Do you have a question about your route?
Stop by the front desk: we’ll be happy to help you plan your days and find the best route from your hotel. Haven’t booked yet? Discover our 3-star hotels in Paris.
Information current as of September 16, 2026; subject to change. Based on announcements from the City of Paris, the Paris Police Prefecture, and the RATP.
