When Is Bastille Day In Paris: July 14, commonly known as Bastille Day, is an important event in French history that honors the people’s victory and the beginning of a new era. This well-known national festival is a vibrant tapestry of events honoring the nation’s past as well as its march to freedom and union.
The Bastille Day celebrations blend tradition and celebration, stressing the dichotomy between sad thoughts and joyful enjoyment. The day traditionally starts with spectacular military parades honoring France’s armed troops and displaying the country’s military power along Paris’s Champs-Élysées. This exhibit recognizes those who have fought and lost their lives in defense of the country, as well as the country’s resiliency.
After a while, the tone changes from controlled formality to freewheeling joy and good humor. To enjoy, people assemble in lively street festivities, concerts, and social gatherings around France. The streets are filled with music, laughter, and bright French flags flying in the breeze.
Every year, when Bastille Day comes, it evolves into a vivid mosaic of thankfulness, hope, and remembrance—a celebration of the ideas that have inspired and survived through generations of French citizens, as well as a monument to a nation’s perseverance.
Bastille Day Fireworks Cruises
Enjoy the stunning Bastille Day fireworks in Paris from the comfort of a cruise ship on the Seine. Choose from three tempting choices that offer a delectable blend of delectable meals, stunning surroundings, and the incredible performance above.
Dinner Cruise with Champagne and Fireworks on Bastille Day: Enjoy a gourmet three-course meal and Champagne on this two-hour trip, which leaves at 9:15 p.m. The evening will be capped off with amazing fireworks from the Eiffel Tower. Due to strong demand, secure your spot in advance to ensure you get all the benefits of this highly sought-after event.
On the Bastille Day Sightseeing boat with Fireworks, enjoy a modest boxed lunch before going on a 2-hour sightseeing boat around Paris. Remain on board, docked at the river’s side, and soak up the celebratory mood while watching the spectacular fireworks show till midnight.
Dinner Cruise with Fireworks for Bastille Day: Upgrade your Bastille Day celebrations with a 4-hour cruise that includes a magnificent 3-course dinner combined with wine and Champagne. After dinner, enjoy the fireworks, live music, and dancing on board.
The 2-hour River Seine Lunch Cruise is a great daytime river adventure. It comes with a delicious three-course gourmet lunch, red and white wines, and optional cheese courses. This trip promises to be enjoyable throughout July, with live music adding to the vibe. Because the Bastille Day cruise is so popular, it’s best to book a table ahead of time to avoid missing out on this delectable noon feast.
More Things to Do on Bastille Day in Paris
On Bastille Day in Paris, the majority of major museums, department stores, and shopping malls stay open, and summer bargains still attract customers. Some attractions, however, have varying opening and closing times due to the celebrations.
After the morning Bastille Day Parade, the Arc de Triomphe opens in the afternoon. Crowds are to be expected at well-known sites such as the Louvre, Orsay, Picasso Museum, Catacombs, Centre Pompidou, Paris Zoo, and Jardin d’Acclimatation. If you wish to avoid crowds, go to places like Dali Paris, the Conciergerie, the Guimet Museum, the Grand Perfume Museum, the Science and Industry Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art of the City of Paris.
Enjoy the green areas of Paris while they are still open, thanks to parks like the Vincennes Zoo and the Bois de Vincennes/Parc Zoologique de Paris. A few larger public swimming pools are available, including Champerret on the 17th, Georges Valley on the 20th, Josephine Baker on the 15th, Aquaboulevard on the 15th, and the Paris Plage pools on the 5th.
Tuileries Garden in the 1st arrondissement hosts a big carnival with exciting activities such as a rapid Ferris wheel with panoramic views, bumper cars, numerous games, and a wide variety of food and drink options. To prevent crowds, the carnival usually opens in the afternoon following the military parade and finishes early—before the fireworks show.
Our Top-Rated Bastille Day Experiences
Join the Bastille Day celebrations by booking a seat on this unique dinner cruise meant to enhance the spirit of this important day. Ascend to the dining bateau for a three-course meal meticulously made to kick off an evening of luxury. Savor every delectable bite matched with the perfect pairing of expensive wines, all while being captivated by live music that perfectly sets the tone for the evening.
Many people enjoy the chance to witness the iconic fireworks against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. Because there is a limited number of rooms, reservations are highly sought after, and this one-of-a-kind event usually sells out quickly.
Take advantage of this magnificent event, which includes delicious food, exciting live entertainment, and a breathtaking visual show. Reserve your spot in advance to ensure that your Bastille Day is filled with the most wonderful sights and foods that Paris has to offer.
How do French people celebrate Bastille Day?
Bastille Day brings the French people together in a symphony of patriotic ceremonies that respect the nation’s historic history, setting the groundwork for national happiness. The French flag’s bright red, white, and blue colors serve as a powerful reminder of the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity that launched the French Revolution.
The splendor of Bastille Day finds its pinnacle in Paris, the nation’s capital. The city changes into a platform for unparalleled celebrations that bring tourists from all over the world. Set against the iconic Eiffel Tower, stunning fireworks shows flood the sky in dazzling hues and give an enchanting glow over the town.
The bustling streets of Paris are alive with action as they host stunning parades, musical acts, and other activities. As we remember the momentous moment when the Bastille was demolished and the French people announced their wish for justice and freedom, a revolutionary spirit pervades the air.
Bastille Day in Paris is a celebration of resilience, solidarity, and the enduring ideas that have formed the country’s character for future generations. On this day, the French people get together to honor their ancestors, celebrate their achievements, and reaffirm their commitment to the principles that define their country.
What to do on Bastille Day in Paris
The gigantic Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, France’s lively city, offer an immersive experience rich in cultural diversity and historical significance over two incredible days.
As the clock hits midnight on the eve of Bastille Day, magnificent fireworks displays light up the skies above Paris. Fans meet in strategic areas throughout the city, including prominent views and riverbank promenades, to watch this spectacular performance, which marks the commencement of the main festivities.
In the middle of the parade’s grandeur, the cityscape is converted into a canvas for joyful celebration. Throughout Paris, a variety of cultural events, shows, and street acts captivate both locals and tourists. From the lovely parks to the historic sites, the city is alive with the sounds of celebration and the colors of the French flag.
Bastille Day in Paris is more than just a holiday; it is a memorial to the country’s history, culture, and strong spirit. During this time, the city is transformed into a canvas covered in the principles of liberty and brotherhood, inviting everybody to share in the happy recollection of France’s rich past and unwavering chase for freedom.
Is Bastille Day a good time to visit Paris?
Even though Bastille Day is a national holiday, all of Paris’ s main cultural sites will be open, including the Musee d’Orsay and Musee de l’Orangerie. The city’s most famous museum, The Louvre, allows guests to visit their permanent collection free of charge on Bastille Day.
If the idea of taking part in the bright events of Bastille Day in Paris appeals to you, then plan your trip! The city comes alive with a dynamic environment that offers a unique experience rich in French culture and pride.
Before delving into the details, it’s critical to understand the local jargon. In France, Bastille Day is known as “le quatorze juillet” or “la fête nationale” on occasion. When you say “Jour de la Bastille” to a French person, you may receive some puzzled stares!
Although the Bastille Day celebrations are unparalleled in terms of spectacle, the spike in events and inflow of tourists can result in crowded attractions, clogged streets, and trouble getting lodging. This national holiday attracts crowds of people due to its rising popularity, especially near well-known landmarks and events, which can be overwhelming for those wishing for a more calm experience.
It is a matter of personal choice whether to visit during Bastille Day or at a slower time of year. Although the events provide a glimpse into the spirit of French pride and history, those who prefer a more peaceful tour of Paris may consider booking their trip outside of the hectic holiday season.
What happens in Paris on Bastille Day?
One of the revolutionary days in Paris and now a national holiday, the 14th of July (“Bastille Day”) is celebrated with a mixture of solemn military parades and easygoing dancing and fireworks. The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 has been commemorated in France for more than a century.
France is blazing with national holiday celebrations, which comprise a myriad of beloved customs and fascinating events. One of the most highly appreciated attractions is the oldest and biggest military parade in Europe, which takes place on the Champs-Elysées in Paris on the morning of July 14. This impressive procession, which featured a variety of military groups, including foot soldiers, motorized units, and aerial displays, was graced by the President of the Republic, French officials, and important foreign guests. Foreign troops are regularly asked to parade with French military units in order to promote harmony and international collaboration.
The well-known Firemen’s Balls, which date back to 1937 when the Montmartre fire station kindly received a group of curious people, are an integral aspect of July 14 celebrations. A little meeting that started with gymnastics and small fireworks grew into a boisterous evening. This adorable practice quickly became a part of the day’s festivities at fire stations across the country.
The skies are filled with fireworks shows on July 13th and 14th. Thousands of people gather around Champ-de-Mars, along the Seine, or find vantage points such as balconies or the higher floors of the Eiffel Tower to view the famous sight that is Paris. The enthralling fireworks, which are frequently launched from the Trocadéro’s ponds, show a stunning 35-minute pyrotechnic spectacle. It is advisable to set up shop on the other side so that you can watch the amazing spectacle in all of its glory.
What happens at the Eiffel Tower on Bastille Day?
Each year Bastille Day, or just le quatorze juillet (14th of July) is celebrated with gusto in Paris. The crowds gather under the Eiffel Tower and on the Champ-de-Mars to watch the spectacular firework display. The Trocadero is another favourite spot for spectators with the view from across the river.
On Bastille Day, the Paris night sky is lighted by a stunning fireworks show, transforming it into a painting of mesmerizing flashes of light. This incredible concert unveils a new theme each year, and fans are left thinking that each performance is more brilliant than the last.
In the late afternoon, Champ de Mars changes into a hub for free outdoor concerts, bringing energetic music to complement the festive atmosphere. The splendor of Bastille Day events grows as the sun sets. At 9:10 p.m., a special show featuring opera and classical music will begin at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. This live presentation on France Inter and France 2 TV includes critically recognized artists, the French National Orchestra, the Radio France Choir, and breathtaking lighting effects.
The much-anticipated fireworks display starts at 11 p.m. It lasts 35 minutes and decorates the pitch-black sky. The fireworks offer a spectacular display of artistry and beauty, whether watched from the Champ de Mars, a fascinating Bastille Day dinner cruise on the Seine, the riverbanks, bridges, or any of the city’s numerous other vantage points.
Is the Eiffel Tower open on Bastille Day?
Fireworks display on 14 July -Eiffel Tower
Reminder : to prepare for this event, the Eiffel Tower is closed to the public on July 14, and reopens on July 15 at 2pm.
Beginning June 18, 2022, the famous Eiffel Tower will invite guests to experience its wonders from 9 a.m. until 12:45 a.m. This will give guests more time to enjoy Paris’ vast views during the day as well as the beautiful twilight hours.
Admission will be closed at 11:45 p.m. to ensure that everyone has adequate time to enjoy this architectural marvel. Visitors will be able to enjoy the breathtaking views from this famous landmark far into the night as a result.
It’s worth noting that the Tower will be closed on July 14 so that both employees and visitors can enjoy the city’s spectacular Bastille Day celebrations. To get the most out of this great attraction, plan your visit around its modified schedule and shut down on this national holiday.
Do trains run in Paris on Bastille Day?
The last trains arrive at their final stop at about 2:15 am the day before a public holiday and 1:15am on a normal weekday night. So expect the last trains to leave somewhere between 1am and 2am the evening before Bastille Day and between 12am and 1am on Bastille Day.
Temporary traffic restrictions are in place throughout Paris for this yearly July 14 festival. They are beginning at 6:30 a.m. Traffic restrictions will be in force starting at 2:00 p.m. to the Champs-Elysées, Concorde, and Assemblée Nationale neighborhoods. This is due to the Prefect of Police building a secure perimeter for the military parade. Similar restrictions will be placed on a larger area surrounding the Eiffel Tower later in the day when fireworks are displayed. Expect heightened security, such as thorough searches of people, property, and transportation. Fireworks, firearms, blunt items, and alcohol are all highly banned in these places.
There will be movement restrictions in several places, including the 8th arrondissement and parts of the 7th, 9th, 16th, and 17th. Driving is strongly discouraged in these places, especially in the evenings around Champ-de-Mars, where there will be greater traffic due to the classical music concert (9 p.m.) and fireworks display (11 p.m.).
Parking restrictions will be in place on select streets in the 7th, 8th, and 16th arrondissements beginning at 11 p.m. Thursday, July 13, until 1:00 a.m. on July 15. During the holiday season, there will be parking challenges in these places. The most cost-effective way to move around the city is still to take public transit, so consider making early reservations for spots in any paid parking lots that become available. To avoid last-minute problems, it’s smart to plan for parking and public transportation routes.
Bastille Day, observed on July 14, 1789, is a notable national holiday in France and its overseas départements and territories commemorating the historic event of the fall of the Bastille in Paris. The Bastille was built as a medieval fortification and later became a state jail infamous for housing political prisoners and individuals awaiting trial—often on the orders of the king.
The Bastille was supposed to be razed in the late 18th century, but it had come to represent the cruel Bourbon monarchy in the meantime. During the 1789 disturbance, a crowd gathered at the Bastille to demand access to the Bastille’s armory of guns and ammunition. When the insurgents stormed the prison and met guard resistance, seven detainees were freed.
July 14 has been honored by speeches, large-scale military parades, amazing fireworks, and general merriment since it was named a public holiday in 1880. The tagline “Vive le 14 juillet!” echoes throughout the celebrations. Outside of France, areas that were once colonies or have strong links to France celebrate Bastille Day in culturally specific ways.
Bastille Day is honored by followers of French history and culture all around the world, as well as within France, as a symbol of liberty, unity, and the eternal spirit of revolt.