Learning about local history is one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a country you visit. If you’re wondering what Bastille Day is like in Paris, then you’re in for one of the most significant celebrations in the country. Taking place every year on July 14th, Bastille Day is a celebration of the fall of the Bastille prison and the pinnacle of the French Revolution.
Travelers and lovers of French culture know that the start of the Revolution was a pivotal moment in history. The French fought aggressively over the course of many years in order to set themselves free from the French monarchy. It also set the groundwork for modern ideologies about life and freedom in the country.
This article will tell you the history of Bastille Day and explain why so many Parisians love and celebrate this holiday every summer.
Although we generally don’t recommend going to Paris during the summer, experiencing Bastille Day in Paris is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of opportunity. No one else celebrates their country’s independence quite like the French, so check out this guide for the best Bastille Day events in Paris.
A Brief History of Bastille Day
The French Revolution, spanning from 1787 to 1799, was a transformative period in French history marked by profound social, political, and economic upheaval that was triggered by financial crises and widespread discontent with the monarchy’s oppressive rule.
The revolution saw the rise of revolutionary fervor, symbolized by the storming of the Bastille Prison on July 14, 1789. Bastille Day commemorates the fall of the Bastille Prison and marks the pinnacle of the revolution.
The revolutionaries implemented significant reforms, such as the abolition of feudalism, the establishment of the First French Republic, and the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen.
6 Ways to Celebrate Bastille Day in Paris
Bastille Day in Paris starts in the early morning with a grand military parade along the Champs-Élysées, showcasing French military might and historical traditions. Spectacular fireworks light up the night sky, illuminating iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
The atmosphere is filled with joy as locals and tourists gather for street parties, picnics, and concerts throughout the city. The sense of national pride is palpable, with the French tricolor adorning streets, buildings, and even clothing.
1. Watch the military fly over
The first celebrations of the day are scheduled for 9:30 in the morning with the military flyover on the Seine River. It signals the start of Bastille Day in Paris, but in true French fashion usually starts around 9:45.
The best places to see the military flyover are on the bridges extending across the Seine.
- Pont Marie
- Pont d’Arcole
- Pont au Change
- Pont Neuf
- Pont Louis-Phillipe
Pro tip: On the weekends, you can find a tented outdoor market on Pont Louis-Philippe where antiques and books are sold. Check this out before it closes at noon.
2. Picnic in the city’s green spaces
Champ de Mars is a large public green space right in front of the Eiffel Tower. On any nice day, you can find this park filled with happy people lounging on picnic blankets with plenty of wine and cheese.
On Bastille Day, visitors who arrive early and can grab a spot get to enjoy the free concerts that take place before the fireworks. Likewise, there’s a popular event called the Bals des Pompiers (Firemen’s Balls), where lots of live music, dancing, and drinking take place.
Read more: Hemingway Bar in Paris: Here’s Where The Author Hung Out
3. Attend city parades in ParisÂ
While the military flyover takes place over the Seine River, there’s a massive parade on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées showing off a whole arsenal of weapons. This previous year, there happened to be a location change to Avenue Foch (about ten minutes away on foot).
Make sure to check closer to July 14th if there happens to be another last-minute change.
4. Take a Seine River cruise
For a new perspective on the city, take a look at the historic buildings from the window of a boat. Another great way to take part in the city’s festivities (and perhaps also capture the fireworks from a less-crowded vantage point) is to take a river cruise.
There are tons of hop-on, hop-off Seine River cruise options, but if you want to see the fireworks, you’ll want to make a reservation for a dinner or cocktail cruise in the evening.
5. Bastille Day fireworks over the Eiffel Tower
The main reason most people want to spend Bastille Day in Paris is because of the spectacular light show. Fireworks explode from every level of the Eiffel Tower. This event takes place in the evening and attracts thousands of spectators, so plan accordingly!
Tons of people will be flooding the metro both before and after the fireworks. I saw the fireworks at the Trocadéro Esplanade and found both the Boissière and Victor Hugo metro stops were packed to the gills.
Expect that most public viewing spots (such as parks and esplanades) will be super busy. To get a good view without too many people in front, arrive at your destination at least two hours early.
Alternatively, you could get a restaurant reservation in Paris that may have a view of the fireworks. Many other travelers opt for a hotel with either a terrace or a rooftop view of the Eiffel Tower:
Here are a few Paris hotels with Eiffel Tower views:
- Novotel Paris Vaugirard Montparnasse
- Peninsula Paris
- Terrass Hotel
- Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
- Molitor
- The Pley
- The Canopy by Hilton
- La Réserve Paris
- Les Piaules Nation
So it’s no surprise that we already had a map of the city with exactly the right places to view the Eiffel Tower fireworks. In the end, we chose Trocadéro Square for its proximity to the Tower.
6. Learn about the French Revolution
One of the coolest aspects of Paris is that the city is teeming with history. Almost every corner you turn, there’s a building, statue, or even a small plaque commemorating some significant moment in history. Lots of buildings and streets have interesting stories behind them as well.
Paris is a significant place marker for the French Revolution, including the location where the Bastille was stormed in 1787. Spend Bastille Day by taking part in a walking tour and learning the city’s interesting history.
What Bastille Day Is Like in Other Major Cities
Bastille Day in Paris is iconic because celebrations have to go big in a capital city. However, if you find yourself in other parts of the country, there are several other key cities with notable celebrations. Head to the French countryside for equal parts slow living and rustic celebration.
Nice: Known for its stunning Promenade des Anglais, Nice celebrates Bastille Day with a dazzling fireworks display over the Mediterranean Sea.
Strasbourg: Located near the French-German border, Strasbourg’s Bastille Day celebrations blend French and Alsatian traditions, featuring parades, concerts, and a festive atmosphere in the picturesque city center.
Lyon: Famous for its annual Festival of Lights, the celebrations include impressive light displays, concerts, and cultural events, creating a magical ambiance throughout the city.
FAQs About Bastille Day
What Is Bastille Day?
Bastille Day is known as France’s Independence Day, sort of like the 4th of July for Americans. Other names for Bastille Day include National Day of France, the French National Celebration, La Fête Nationale, and Le 14 Juillet.
When is Bastille Day celebrated?
Every year on July 14th, with events happening all over France with the biggest celebrations happening in Paris.
Is Bastille Day a public holiday in France?
Yes, most banks, offices, and some shops are closed, though restaurants, tourist attractions, and public transport still operate.
What are the main events in Paris on Bastille Day?
Highlights include the military parade on the Champs-Élysées, an aerial flyover, fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, and free or discounted entry at some museums.
