Paris, France
Bastille Day (Fete Nationale)
France's national day: a military parade down the Champs-Elysees, fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, and dancing in the fire stations.
The straight answer
Bastille Day is July 14 every year, and Paris celebrates it with a morning military parade on the Champs-Elysees and a late-evening fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower.
Bastille Day, officially the Fete Nationale, falls on July 14 every year and marks the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, the symbolic start of the French Revolution. It is a national public holiday, and Paris hosts the most famous celebrations: a grand military parade in the morning and a fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower after dark.
The French do not call it Bastille Day; they say le 14 juillet. It is part solemn state ceremony, part summer party, with open-air concerts, local festivities across the country, and the uniquely French tradition of the firefighters' balls, where fire stations open their doors for a night of dancing.
The timing is peak season. Mid July is when Paris is at its most crowded and expensive, with highs near 78F (26C) and the possibility of heat waves. If you are going to be in Paris in July anyway, July 14 is the best day of the month to be there.
The event, explained
The military parade starts in the morning and normally runs down the Champs-Elysees from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, with the President of France reviewing troops, mounted guards, and armored vehicles, and the French Air Force's aerobatic team trailing blue, white, and red smoke overhead. The route can change for security or special events, as it did in 2024 during the Olympic preparations.
In the evening, a free concert on the Champ de Mars leads into the fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower, usually around 11pm when it is finally dark. The display is one of the most watched in the world, and the Champ de Mars fills hours in advance behind security checkpoints.
The bals des pompiers, the firefighters' balls, take place in fire stations across Paris on the nights of July 13 and 14. Entry is by donation, there is music, drinks, and dancing, and they are some of the friendliest parties of the Paris year.
Outside Paris, virtually every French town has its own fireworks and celebrations, often on the evening of July 13 or 14.
How to play it right
- 01Book lodging three to six months ahead. July in Paris is already the peak, and hotel rates climb further around July 14.
- 02For the parade, arrive by early morning to get a spot along the Champs-Elysees, ideally near the Place de la Concorde end. Security checkpoints control access, and bags are searched.
- 03For the fireworks, the Champ de Mars fills by the afternoon. Alternatives with good views include the Trocadero, the Seine bridges, and many higher points across the city, such as the steps of Sacre-Coeur. Some Metro stations near the Eiffel Tower close in the evening.
- 04Many shops close for the holiday, but cafes, restaurants, and most major museums stay open. Check opening hours for specific sights.
- 05Bring water, sunscreen, and patience. Summer heat and long waits make the day tiring, especially with children.
- 06If you want to dance, pick a firefighters' ball in your neighborhood. Some of the best known draw long lines by late evening; arrive early.
With kids in tow
- The morning parade is great for children who like planes and horses, but it requires an early start and a long wait. The flyover is visible from much of the city center without joining the crowds.
- The fireworks start late, around 11pm. With young kids, watch from a hotel with a view, a friend's balcony, or a spot on the edges rather than the packed Champ de Mars.
- Many local neighborhoods have daytime family events, games, and music on July 14, which are more relaxed than the central events.
Book your stay for Bastille Day (Fete Nationale).
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- Hotels for July
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Bastille Day (Fete Nationale)Opens a hotel search for Bastille Day (Fete Nationale) in July, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
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Vacation rentals in Bastille Day (Fete Nationale)Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
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Tours and tickets in Bastille Day (Fete Nationale)Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Bastille Day (Fete Nationale) for July. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Bastille Day (Fete Nationale), quick answers
When is Bastille Day?
July 14 every year. It is France's national day and a public holiday. The firefighters' balls take place on the nights of July 13 and 14.
What time are the Bastille Day fireworks in Paris?
Usually around 11pm, when it is fully dark. The Champ de Mars fills by the afternoon, so arrive early or choose another viewpoint such as the Trocadero or a Seine bridge.
Where is the Bastille Day parade in Paris?
Normally on the Champs-Elysees, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, in the morning. The route can change for security or special events.
Are shops and museums open on Bastille Day?
Many shops close, but restaurants, cafes, and most major museums remain open. Check specific opening hours before you go.
Is it worth being in Paris for Bastille Day?
If you are visiting in July anyway, yes. The parade, fireworks, and firefighters' balls make it the best day of the month. If you are flexible, the city is more pleasant in June or September.
Make a trip of it: Paris
The best time to visit Paris
Best: May to Jun and Sep to Oct
The best time to visit Paris is late April through mid June, or September through mid October: mild weather, long evenings, and the city fully open without July's crowd crush.
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