If you’re in Paris in July, don’t miss Bastille Day on July 14th. The city dresses up in blue, white, and red. Besides the famous military parade, there are lots of other activities to enjoy on this national holiday.
1) Military parade on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées
On the morning of July 14th in Paris, it’s time for the famous military parade.
However, due to the Paris Olympics, the traditional procession, usually held on the Champs-Elysées, is being moved to Avenue Foch, a neighboring avenue, and will carry the Olympic flame.
The parade features no less than 4,000 marching military and civilian personnel, 240 cavalry, 460 vehicles, and around twenty aircraft.
The main branches of the French armed forces and police are represented, with occasional participation from foreign military detachments.
2) Ball at the Jardin d’Acclimatation
Jardin d’Acclimatation, Bois de Boulogne, Rte de la Prte Dauphine à la Prte des Sablons, 75116 Paris
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For the 14th of July, the Jardin d’Acclimatation is organizing a musical ball. (website in French)
You will have the opportunity to dance to the rhythm of the music, attend performances by professional dancers, or take part in initiations or dance lessons.
That’s truly a festive 14th of July!
3) Museums
Many museums and tourist sites are open to the public on July 14th and offer free admission all day.
Enjoy the Louvre, for example, or the Grévin Museum, the Invalides, the Catacombs… This national holiday is an opportunity to discover the culture that lives within Paris!
4) Castles
During the national holiday, why not visit the castles around Paris?
You will find the Château de Vincennes, the Château de Chantilly, the Château de Rambouillet, the Château de Fontainebleau or the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte all within 1.5 hours.
5) Fête des Tuileries
Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris
Even though they are not organized just on this particular day, some ongoing summer events are open on Bastille Day and are worth a look.
Like the fête des Tuileries: a huge funfair with more than 60 attractions of which about twenty are merry-go-rounds. It’s held in the Tuileries’ Garden from June to August.
6) Paris Plages
Bassin de la Villette, 64, quai de la Seine 75019 Paris
Another summer event is Paris Plages. From July to September, Parisians get the opportunity to enjoy swimming, but also tanning and relaxing on the banks of the Seine.
In addition to the aquatic activities, concerts, sports events, and exhibitions are organized on the river Seine’s banks and in the Bassin de La Villette.
7) Enjoy a sunset
Once the evening has come, why not enjoy the magnificent sunset over Paris? Many spots are available to spend the best moment possible:
– Seine quays
– Trocadéro
– Rooftop terrace of Printemps
– Arc de Triomphe
From those places, and their stunning views, you will have the opportunity to admire the Parisian sky fading to orange and pink while waiting for dusk.
Check out the 8 best spots for magical sunsets in Paris.
8) Grand symphonic concert
The Orchestre National de France, the Maîtrise, and the Chœur de Radio France are hosting a grand symphonic concert. It starts at 9 PM and lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
This year, due to the Paris Olympics, this free concert is moving from the Champ-de-Mars, in front of the Eiffel Tower, to the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville.
9) Fireworks
After the concert, you can finally watch the 14th of July fireworks.
Each year, a fireworks display is fired from the Jardins du Trocadéro and the Eiffel Tower, and spectators are invited to take their place on the lawn of the Champ de Mars.
A different theme is set each year, making this experience unique from year to year. It is a world-renowned pyrotechnic show that will amaze you with its grandeur and magic.
It starts at 11 p.m. and lasts about 30 minutes.
10) Cruise on the Seine
A romantic alternative is offered by a lot of Seine cruise providers. Here, it’s a question of combining the comfort of a water stroll with the amazement of a firework display, all of this to give a singular and unforgettable moment.
⚠️ Those cruises must be booked weeks if not months in advance. Tickets sell out fast.
Recommendation #1: The dinner cruise on the Bateaux Mouches
This option includes a gastronomic dinner, accompanied by a musical atmosphere ensured by a live orchestra.
The boat drops anchor at the platform at Pont de l’Alma, in front of the Eiffel Tower, right in time to allow passengers to see the fireworks.
Duration: 8:30pm – 10:45pm
Price: €250 per person
Recommendation #2: The dinner cruise aboard the Paris-Seine boat
Enjoy an exceptional dinner cruise with Paris Seine (formerly Marina de Paris) for the French National holiday.
On 14 July, admire the Eiffel Tower fireworks from the Seine while enjoying champagne and fine wines.
Embark at the foot of the Musée d’Orsay at 8.45pm and return around midnight after the magical show.
Duration: 8pm – midnight,
Price: €180 per person
Want to Compare More Cruises? Top dinner cruises in Paris.
11) Rooftops
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Note to those who would like to gain height: some places (hotels and restaurants) offer their clients access to their panoramic roofs for Bastille Day night and the fireworks.
The Hotel Raphael, The Peninsula Paris, Le Ciel de Paris, Les Ombres or even the Novotel Paris Vaugirard Montparnasse can welcome you to this event.
12) Firemen’s ball
To continue this beautiful evening, why not take part in one of the famous firefighters’ balls in Paris?
Held on the nights of July 13th and 14th, these events usually attract a large number of participants and are traditionally very popular. Balls are organized in several fire stations across the capital:
- Caserne Rousseau, 21 rue du Jour 75001 PARIS
- Caserne Sévigné, 07-09 rue de Sévigné 75004 PARIS
- CCL 5, Arènes de Lutèce, 49-53 rue Monge 75005 PARIS
- Caserne Colombier, 11 rue du Vieux Colombier 75006 PARIS
- Caserne Blanche, 28 rue Blanche 75009 PARIS
- Caserne Chaligny, 26 rue de Chaligny 75012 PARIS
- Caserne Massena, 37 boulevard Masséna 75013 PARIS
- Caserne Port-Royal, 53-55 boulevard Port-Royal 75013 PARIS
- Caserne Grenelle, 06 place Violet 75015 PARIS
- Caserne Boursault, Centre de secours et voie publique, 27 rue Boursault 75017 PARIS
- Caserne Montmartre, 12 rue Carpeaux 75018 PARIS
- Caserne Bitche, Centre de secours et voie publique, 02 place de Bitche 75019 PARIS
- Caserne Ménilmontant, 47 rue Saint-Fargeau 75020 PARIS
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
