Pope Leo XIV's visit to Paris: how to get around on September 25 and 26
Popemobile on Friday, giant mass on Saturday at the Concorde: station closures, vehicle-restricted zones, and our tips for getting around smoothly 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 transport 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 reception team is here to help you plan your travel. Here is the essential information to keep in mind, day by day.
Friday, September 25: Popemobile procession from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
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 from 10:00 AM: Notre-Dame-des-Champs (line 12), Vavin (4), Saint-Placide (4), Port-Royal (RER B), Luxembourg (RER B), Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame (line 4, RER B and C), and Cité (4).
Stations closed from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Varenne (13), Saint-François-Xavier (13), Ségur (10), and Duroc (10 and 13).
By car, taxi, or ride-share: traffic will be blocked or diverted around the route. Taxis and ride-shares will be delayed, especially between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Good to know: Notre-Dame will be exceptionally closed to the public on that day. 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 giant mass, will be celebrated at the Place de la Concorde and on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Very heavy 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 10:00 PM to Saturday 8:00 PM: 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 be in service at Charles-de-Gaulle – Étoile.
By car, taxi, or ride-share: a large area will be off-limits to vehicles from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM around the Champs-Élysées and the Concorde. Taxis and ride-shares will only be able to drop you off at a distance, and many bus stops will not be served in the 7th arrondissement.
Good to know: security checks will be carried out 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 metro, avoiding closed stations.
3. Catching a train or flight? Leave significantly earlier than usual.
4. Ordering a taxi or rideshare? Set a pickup point outside the closed zones.
5. Keep your ID with you: checks are possible.
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 known as of September 16, 2026, subject to change. Based on announcements from the City of Paris, the Paris Police Prefecture and the RATP.
