Taizé European Gathering

From Sunday, December 28, to Thursday, January 1, 2026, the 48th Taizé European Gathering will take place in Paris and the Île-de-France region.

For the occasion, 15,000 young people from across the continent are expected to gather at various locations in the Paris region to share in moments of prayer and fellowship.

The St. Rita Shrine Chapel will host several events listed in the program below, and young people will be coming from Italy, Spain, Ukraine, and other countries. They will be welcomed in Fontenay-aux-Roses and the surrounding area by more than 40 families.

A significant event focused on unity in Christ and in support of lasting peace.

https://www.taize.fr/fr/paris-2025-26

Sunday, December 28, 2025

• 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.: Initial general registration at various central locations in Paris and the Île-de-France region
• Arrival at the host locations (parishes) and assignment to host families
• 5:30 p.m.: Group meal at the host parishes

Evening

• 7:00 p.m.: Evening prayer in the host parishes

Monday, December 29, 2025

Morning

• Breakfast at the hosts’ house
• 8:30 a.m.: Morning prayer in the host parishes, followed by small-group discussions and a meeting with “witnesses of hope”

The morning program varies by host parish and may take place at a single host location, involve several neighboring host locations, or be organized at the departmental level to showcase local initiatives.

Noon and Afternoon

• 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Lunch distribution at the Champ-de-Mars (Lunch will be distributed at the Champ-de-Mars, Place Joffre, across from the Eiffel Tower.) Metro: Varennes, École Militaire, La Motte-Picquet–Grenelle, Dupleix, or Bir-Hakeim. RER: Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel or Pont de l’Alma)
• 1:30 p.m.: Midday prayer in the major churches of central Paris

Please do not visit any church other than the one listed in your itinerary.

Admission to Notre-Dame Cathedral will only be permitted with a wristband.

Tour slots are available as part of the afternoon workshops.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, join us at 1:30 p.m. at the churches of Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Saint-Ignace, and on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at the church of Saint-François-Xavier.

• 3:00 p.m.: A selection of themed workshops at approximately 50 locations in central Paris
• Starting at 5:30 p.m.: Meal (packed lunch distributed at noon)

Evening

• 7:00 p.m.: Evening prayer in the major churches of Paris and the Île-de-France region (until about 8:30 p.m.)
• Return to the hosts’ home before 10:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Morning

• Breakfast at the hosts’ house
• 8:30 a.m.: Morning prayer in the host parishes, followed by small-group discussions and a meeting with “witnesses of hope”

The morning program varies by host parish and may take place at a single host location, involve several neighboring host locations, or be organized at the departmental level to showcase local initiatives.

Noon and Afternoon

• 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Lunch distribution at the Champ-de-Mars (Lunch will be distributed at the Champ-de-Mars, Place Joffre, across from the Eiffel Tower.) Metro: Varennes, École Militaire, La Motte-Picquet–Grenelle, Dupleix, or Bir-Hakeim. RER: Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel or Pont de l’Alma)
• 1:30 p.m.: Midday prayer in the major churches of central Paris

Please do not visit any church other than the one listed in your itinerary.

Admission to Notre-Dame Cathedral will only be permitted with a wristband.

Tour slots are available as part of the afternoon workshops.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, join us at 1:30 p.m. at the churches of Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Saint-Ignace, and on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at the church of Saint-François-Xavier.

• 3:00 p.m.: A selection of themed workshops at approximately 50 locations in central Paris
• Starting at 5:30 p.m.: Meal (packed lunch distributed at noon)

Evening

• 7:00 p.m.: Evening prayer service at the Accor Arena in Bercy (until approximately 8:30 p.m.)
• Return to the hosts’ home before 10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Morning

• Breakfast at the hosts’ house
• 8:30 a.m.: Morning prayer in the host parishes, followed by small-group discussions and a meeting with “witnesses of hope”

The morning program varies by host parish and may take place at a single host location, involve several neighboring host locations, or be organized at the departmental level to showcase local initiatives.

Noon and Afternoon

• 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Lunch distribution at the Champ-de-Mars (Lunch will be distributed at the Champ-de-Mars, Place Joffre, across from the Eiffel Tower.) Metro: Varennes, École Militaire, La Motte-Picquet–Grenelle, Dupleix, or Bir-Hakeim. RER: Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel or Pont de l’Alma)
• 1:30 p.m.: Midday prayer in the major churches of central Paris

Please do not visit any church other than the one listed in your itinerary.

Admission to Notre-Dame Cathedral will only be permitted with a wristband.

Tour slots are available as part of the afternoon workshops.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, join us at 1:30 p.m. at the churches of Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Saint-Ignace, and on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at the church of Saint-François-Xavier.

• 3:00 p.m.: Country-specific meetings (at various locations in Paris)
• Starting at 5:30 p.m.: Meal (packed lunch distributed at noon)

Evening

• 7:00 p.m.: Evening prayer service at the Accor Arena in Bercy (until approximately 8:30 p.m.)
• 11:00 p.m.: Prayer vigil for peace at the reception centers, followed by a “Festival of Nations”
• Return to the hosts’ home before 2:00 a.m.

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Morning

• Breakfast at the hosts’ house
• New Year’s celebrations in host parishes throughout the region

Noon and Afternoon

• Lunch at the hosts’ house
• Departure of young people from central locations in each department