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 Place de la Concorde: closed stations, traffic-restricted areas, and our tips for getting around stress-free during your stay.
On Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26, 2026, Paris will welcome Pope Leo XIV. This extraordinary event will cause significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation in several neighborhoods 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 available to help you plan your travels. Here are the key points to keep in mind, day by day.
Friday, September 25: The Popemobile will pass through 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 planned for this evening at the Stade de France.
Neighborhoods included: Montparnasse, the Latin Quarter, Île de la Cité, and the UNESCO area (7th arrondissement).
Subway and RER stations closed as of 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 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: Varenne (13), Saint-François-Xavier (13), Ségur (10), and Duroc (10 and 13).
Whether you're traveling by car, taxi, or private hire vehicle: traffic will be blocked or rerouted along the route. Taxis and private hire vehicles will experience delays, especially between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Good to know: Notre-Dame will be closed to the public on that day as an exception. Do you need to catch a train at Montparnasse Station? Leave much earlier than you planned.
Saturday, September 26: Grand outdoor Mass at 3:00 p.m.
The highlight of the visit will be a massive Mass celebrated at Place de la Concorde and along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. A huge crowd is expected throughout downtown Paris and in the western part of the city.
Neighborhoods included: 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 (lines 1, 8, and 12), and Alma-Marceau (line 9). The RER A will remain in service at Charles-de-Gaulle – Étoile.
By car, taxi, or private hire vehicle: a large area around the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde will be closed to vehicles from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Taxis and private hire vehicles will only be able to drop you off at a distance, and many bus stops in the 7th arrondissement will not be served.
Please be advised: Security checks will be conducted at the perimeter entrance.
Our 5 Tips for Getting Around Easily
1. Check your route on the day of travel using the Bonjour RATP app or at ratp.fr.
2. Get around on foot or by subway, avoiding stations that are closed.
3. Do you have a train or a flight to catch? Leave much earlier than usual.
4. Should you book a taxi or a private car service? Please specify a meeting point located outside the traffic-restricted areas.
5. Always carry a form of identification with you: you may be asked to show it.
Do you have any questions about your itinerary?
Stop by the front desk: we’ll be happy to help you plan your days and find the best route starting from your hotel. Haven’t booked yet? Check out 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 Police Prefecture, and the RATP.
