Pope Leon XIV parades through Paris on 25 September: the streets that will be closed to traffic
On Friday 25 September, tens of thousands of people could line the boulevards of the 5th and 6th arrondissements for a glimpse of Pope Leon XIV aboard his popemobile. A papal visit to Paris is an exceptionally rare event, and the authorities have already launched rigorous preparations to manage this historic moment.
A 2.5 km route through the heart of the Left Bank
On Friday 25 September, Pope Leon XIV will travel 2.5 kilometres through the streets of Paris, from the church of Notre-Dame-des-Champs to place Saint-Michel. The route will follow boulevard du Montparnasse and then boulevard Saint-Michel, two iconic Left Bank thoroughfares. This popemobile procession will give those who make the trip a rare chance to witness the head of the Catholic Church in person in the capital.
For Parisians and visitors hoping to attend, it is worth planning ahead for the constraints the event will bring. The prefecture of police has announced the establishment of an active security perimeter from 10am to 8pm, with controlled pedestrian access zones and screening points distributed along the route. Access on foot will be possible, but strictly managed.
What drivers need to know before 25 September
Traffic restrictions will apply to a defined perimeter around the Pope’s route through Paris. From Friday 24 September evening, no vehicles will be permitted to park within the designated zone. The following day, traffic will be completely prohibited from 6am to 8pm. In practice, this means drivers will need to plan their journeys in advance and avoid the affected roads for the entire day.
These measures apply to residents and through-traffic alike. The prefecture of police has communicated well in advance to allow everyone to organise their travel accordingly. Public transport is therefore the most practical option for reaching the areas around the route.
- Parking banned within the perimeter from Friday 24 September evening
- Traffic prohibited on 25 September from 6am to 8pm
- Pedestrian access controlled from 10am
- Screening points distributed along the route
- Active security perimeter in place until 8pm
A packed two-day programme in Paris
The popemobile procession is just one moment in Pope Leon XIV’s busy Paris schedule. Also on 25 September, Leon XIV will celebrate vespers at Notre-Dame and meet President Emmanuel Macron. That evening, he will lead a vigil at the Stade de France, where 80,000 young people aged 18 to 35 are expected for an evening of prayer.
The following day, 26 September, the pontiff will head to place de la Concorde for a Mass. The event has already generated enormous enthusiasm, with more than 400,000 people having registered. Entry is free, but the authorities and organisers strongly recommend reserving a spot. Specific traffic restrictions will also accompany this Mass.
Lourdes and Metz: the next stops on the apostolic journey
After two days in the capital, Leon XIV will continue his apostolic journey through France, travelling on to Lourdes and then Metz, according to the confirmed programme. The Pope’s visit to Paris is therefore part of a broader tour across French territory.
For those who want to experience the moment up close, 25 September remains the most accessible day, as the popemobile procession takes place outdoors in streets open to the public under supervision. All you need to do is make your way to the designated pedestrian zones, keeping in mind the screening timetable announced by the prefecture of police.
