Pope Leo XIV's Visit to Paris: Travel Information for September 25 and 26
The Popemobile on Friday, a massive Mass on Saturday at the Place de la Concorde: closed metro stations, car-free zones, 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 also 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 here to help you plan your travels. Here’s what you need to know, 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 the evening at the Stade de France.
Neighborhoods included: Montparnasse, the Latin Quarter, Île de la Cité, and the UNESCO district (7th arrondissement).
Metro and RER stations closed starting at 10 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 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Varenne (13), Saint-François-Xavier (13), Ségur (10), and Duroc (10 and 13).
Whether you're driving, taking a taxi, or using a ride-hailing service: traffic will be blocked or rerouted around the race course. Taxis and ride-hailing vehicles will experience delays, especially between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Good to know: Notre-Dame will be closed to the public on that day as a special exception. Are you taking a train from Montparnasse Station? Be sure to leave much earlier than planned.
Saturday, September 26: Outdoor High Mass at 3:00 p.m.
The highlight of the visit will be a massive Mass celebrated at Place de la Concorde and on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Large crowds are expected throughout central and western Paris.
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 (1, 8, and 12), and Alma-Marceau (9). The RER A is still scheduled to operate at Charles-de-Gaulle – Étoile.
By car, taxi, or ride-hailing service: A large area around the Champs-Élysées and the Place de la Concorde will be closed to vehicles from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Taxis and ride-hailing services 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 entrance to the perimeter.
Our 5 Tips for Smooth Travel
1. Check your route on the day of travel using the Bonjour RATP app or at ratp.fr.
2. Walk or take the subway, avoiding closed stations.
3. Have a train or a flight to catch? Leave much earlier than usual.
4. Are you ordering a taxi or a ride-hailing service? Specify a pickup location outside the restricted areas.
5. Carry a form of identification with you: you may be asked to show it.
Do you have a question about your itinerary?
Stop by the front desk: we'll be happy to help you plan your day and find the best route from your hotel. Haven't made a reservation 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 Paris Police Prefecture, and the RATP.
