Looking to arrive in Paris on the 20th April, which in 2011 means we'd be there over Easter. Wondering whether this means most things will be shut, or whether the city basically operates as normal over this time (including Good Friday). Anyone know what happens over the Easter long weekend?

Try searching this forum as the same question came up recently. BTW only Easter monday is a holiday in France.

I am in Paris now and was here over Easter last year. Most tourist sites were open on Easter Monday, which is the offical holiday in France. I visited the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower on Easter Monday, in fact.

Shopping will be limited on that day, as I found when I needed to purchase a coat because I forgot to pack mine.
I hope this helps.
What happens over Easter weekend is that many Parisians leave and many provincial and foreign tourists come in.. so it's quiet in the residential areas and busy at the tourist attractions.
Shops etc will be closed Sunday and Monday. Most attractions should be open. I don't think there's anythng serious enough that wuld warrant a change of plans though.

@#5 assume this is in response to my post on Italy.
The decision is whether to be in Paris or Italy for Easter. Basing decision on response. Not familiar with Thorn Tree and thought I was doing the right thing by putting the same question to regions experts and comparing the response.