July 14th is called Bastille Day, and it is the French National Day meant to commemorate the storming of Bastille Prison as a key point in the French Revolution of 1789. Large-scale events, parades, fireworks, and other cultural activities are held throughout the country on this day. Paris is always at the centre of these celebrations; however, there are many other places across France where one can get to experience what Bastille Day really entails. Find out our detailed guide to some great places that you should visit in France during Bastille Day.
Paris: The Heart of Bastille Day Celebrations
1. Champs-Élysées: Bastille Day Parade
The military parade down the Champs-Élysées is an essential part of any celebrations for Bastille Day in Paris. This parade dates back to 1880 and features military units along with tanks that drive on top of it while aircraft fly over it. It begins at the Arc de Triomphe and ends at the Place de la Concorde. It’s a good idea to arrive early so as to find yourself a good viewing point, as security forces close metro stations around this area from 8 a.m. until noon.
2. Eiffel Tower: Fireworks Display
The highlight of the day is when fireworks are launched from the Eiffel Tower, which provides a stunning moment at nightfall when viewed from various points like Champ de Mars or Les Jardins du Trocadéro. A classics concert is also performed before lighting up the sky with explosions and colours associated with the celebration mood during such activities. Go there earlier to be sure about your spot because alcohol sales end at 3 p.m. and public toilets are few.
3. Firemen’s Ball
Fireman halls throughout Paris open their doors for people who want music, dance, and drinking sessions this time around by hosting a Fireman’s Ball. Usually, these events begin in the evening of July 13th and extend into Bastille Day night. The cost of entry is often meagre, and it goes towards supporting the fire stations.
4. The Louvre: Free Entry
On Bastille Day, the Louvre Museum offers free admission to its permanent collection. They may be crowded, but this is an excellent opportunity to see works like the Mona Lisa without having to pay for entrance. In addition, other museums like the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie will also remain open.
5. Seine River: Bastille Day Cruise
Enjoy a different perspective on fireworks by booking a dinner cruise on the Seine River during Bastille Day celebrations. Several companies provide dining experiences ranging from casual meals to fine dining options. While watching fireworks, you can enjoy scenic views of the Eiffel Tower, among others.
6. Paris-Plages: Urban Beaches
Spend your day at Paris Plages, which are temporary “urban beaches” set up along the banks of the Seine. Bask under shades all day long and participate in various activities, as well as catch some glimpses of fireworks while seated on beach chairs alongside everything else that comes with this seaside life, setting them apart from any ordinary experience of the French capital.
7. The French Revolution Walking Tour
Take part in walking tours that pass through important historical spots where one can feel what happened during the French Revolution at that time. These include visiting landmarks such as Conciergerie, Place de la Concorde, and Place de la Bastille, among others, whose histories have remained relevant since then, which forms a good background for marking July 14th each year.
8. Bois de Boulogne: Nature Escape
If you prefer a more peaceful way of celebrating, Bois de Boulogne is the largest park in Paris and offers an idyllic escape from the city’s bustle. Have a picnic or rent a boat on the lake, as well as other numerous options such as visiting gardens and trails.
9. Tuileries’ Fair
For families, visit the Tuileries’ Fair at Jardin des Tuileries. It has rides that are classical, games, and food stalls too. The spinning swings, bumper cars, and carousels are there to be enjoyed with cotton candy munching.
10. Shopping
On Bastille Day, many shops stay open throughout Paris; some even give discounts to their customers. Find luxury outlets at Place Vendôme, Galeries Lafayette, and Shopping Centre Beaugrenelle, among other places in the city, where you can do shopping while celebrating this wonderful day.
Beyond Paris: Celebrating Bastille Day Across France
As much as Paris seems to be the epicentre of Bastille Day celebrations elsewhere in France, it presents unique and thrilling stuff for marking this national holiday.
1. Lyon: Fireworks and Festivities
A large fireworks display will take place at Fourvière Hill in Lyon, lighting up its skyline. There will also be live music performances, dance presentations, and several other cultural activities taking place during the celebration here too. One may choose to watch from the waterfront sides of the Rhône or Saône rivers.
2. Nice: Promenade des Anglais
Promenade des Anglais is where one needs to be on Bastille Day when in Nice if they want to have fun during that moment. During this time every year, fireworks take place over the Mediterranean Sea here in this town, which is attractively situated along a lovely promenade stretching along the coastline and featuring local festivals.
3. Marseille: Vieux-Port
The Old Port of Marseille is the centre of Bastille Day celebrations in the city. At the harbour, there are fireworks, music, and street performances, as well as other festivities that mark this holiday in this place. The picturesque Mediterranean Sea completes the festive atmosphere.
4. Bordeaux: Place de la Bourse
Bastille Day in Bordeaux is marked by fireworks at the Place de la Bourse. These have their reflections on the Garonne River, which make for magical scenery for those who are watching them. The city also organises different cultural events, including concerts and exhibitions.
5. Strasbourg: European Capital of Culture
Strasbourg celebrates Bastille Day with a massive firework display over the Ill River. There will be parades, concerts, and traditional dances to showcase Strasbourg’s rich cultural heritage during these events. Visit the beautiful old town while it still has a great festival feel.
6. Versailles: Palace Fireworks
The Palace of Versailles offers fireworks for Bastille Day, giving it that royal touch. For any event like this, there cannot be better surroundings than those provided by the palace grounds. While spending your day touring through the palace, wait until the evening comes because there will be some fireworks launched then.
7. Carcassonne: Mediaeval Spectacle
Carcassonne’s mediaeval fortress lights up with one of France’s most spectacular fireworks displays ever seen here every year. A dazzling show illuminates the walls of the fortress, attracting visitors from all over France to see it from many kilometres away annually. This is what makes any celebration there more charming, because the ancient urban environment becomes an integral part of these feasts and shows.
8. Annecy: Lake Annecy Fireworks
On Bastille Day, picturesque Annecy sets off fireworks over Lake Annecy itself. When you look out for sightseeing around this lake or mountains nearby during this period of time, you will enjoy its splendid views fully reflected in the water surface there as well. Enjoy a boat trip there, or just lie on the beach to enjoy this beauty.
9. Cannes: Fireworks Festival
The month of July is the time of an international fireworks festival in Cannes, usually coinciding with Bastille Day’s first show. The pyrotechnic exhibitions are set to music and occur over the Bay of Cannes. It attracts firework connoisseurs and tourists from all over the world.
10. Loire Valley: Château Celebrations
Various castles within the Loire Valley provide exclusive ways of celebrating Bastille Day, thanks to their stunning châteaux. For instance, chateaux like Chambord and Amboise offer fireworks displays and special events. The historic settings, as can be seen below, offer a beautiful context for these celebrations.
Tips for Enjoying Bastille Day in France
1. Plan Ahead
In France, particularly Paris, one of its major cities, Bastille Day is a bustling period. Therefore, make sure you plan your itinerary beforehand. Also, get your accommodations booked early enough and consider reserving seats at any dinner or event that may be happening.
2. Arrive Early
Getting a good spot involves arriving early, whether it’s a parade display or any other event. Quickly crowded popular viewing areas, so plan ahead to arrive several hours early.
3. Be Prepared for Security Checks
Due to its crowdedness and high-profile nature, security checks are stringent on Bastille Day events. Thus, there will be checks on bags at major events and gatherings.
4. Use Public Transportation
Public transport is advisable when travelling on Bastille Day since many roads are closed down during parades and other activities; parking can also be difficult. Some metro stations may have different time tables; hence, checking earlier would be important because taking buses might not work as expected in some cases.
5. Stay Hydrated and Pack Essentials
If you want to stay out all day, take water-packed food and other things you need along with you. Public bathrooms are not easily accessible, so plan accordingly.
6. Respect Local Customs and Traditions
It is a great national holiday that must be treated with deference as such. Get involved wholeheartedly in the celebrations, but also bear in mind the historical and cultural significance of the day.
Conclusion
Bastille Day is a vibrant and festive celebration that showcases France’s rich past and culture. In Paris or any other place in France, there are various exciting events and activities to participate in. Bastille Day has something for everyone, ranging from street parades to fireworks displays right through cultural tours to family-fun-filled fairs. Do your research, immerse yourself in the revelries, and experience French magic on its national day.
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Tourist sites in France on Bastille Day
July 14th is called Bastille Day, and it is the French National Day meant to commemorate the storming of Bastille Prison as a key point in the French Revolution of 1789. Large-scale events, parades, fireworks, and other cultural activities are held throughout the country on this day. Paris is always at the centre of these celebrations; however, there are many other places across France where one can get to experience what Bastille Day really entails. Find out our detailed guide to some great places that you should visit in France during Bastille Day.
Paris: The Centre of Bastille Celebrations
Champs-Élysées: Parade on Bastille Day
The military parade down the Champs-Élysées is an essential part of any celebrations for Bastille Day in Paris. This parade dates back to 1880 and features military units along with tanks that drive on top of it while aircraft fly over it. It begins at the Arc de Triomphe and ends at the Place de la Concorde. It’s a good idea to arrive early so as to find yourself a good viewing point, as security forces close metro stations around this area from 8 a.m. until noon.
Eiffel Tower: Fireworks Show
The highlight of the day is when fireworks are launched from the Eiffel Tower, which provides a stunning moment at nightfall when viewed from various points like Champ de Mars or Les Jardins du Trocadéro. A classics concert is also performed before lighting up the sky with explosions and colours associated with the celebration mood during such activities. Go there earlier to be sure about your spot because alcohol sales end at 3 p.m. and public toilets are few.
Ball des Pompiers (Firemen’s Ball)
Fireman halls throughout Paris open their doors for people who want music, dance, and drinking sessions this time around by hosting a Fireman’s Ball. Usually, these events begin in the evening of July 13th and extend into Bastille Day night. The cost of entry is often meagre, and it goes towards supporting the fire stations.
Louvre Museum: Free Entry
On Bastille Day, the Louvre Museum offers free admission to its permanent collection. They may be crowded, but this is an excellent opportunity to see works like the Mona Lisa without having to pay for entrance. In addition, other museums like the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie will also remain open.
Seine River: Bastille Day Cruise
Enjoy a different perspective on fireworks by booking a dinner cruise on the Seine River during Bastille Day celebrations. Several companies provide dining experiences ranging from casual meals to fine dining options. While watching fireworks, you can enjoy scenic views of the Eiffel Tower, among others.
Paris-Plages: Urban Beaches
Spend your day at Paris Plages, which are temporary “urban beaches” set up along the banks of the Seine. Bask under shades all day long and participate in various activities, as well as catch some glimpses of fireworks while seated on beach chairs alongside everything else that comes with this seaside life, setting them apart from any ordinary experience of the French capital.
Walking Tours about the French Revolution
Take part in walking tours that pass through important historical spots where one can feel what happened during the French Revolution at that time. These include visiting landmarks such as Conciergerie, Place de la Concorde, and Place de la Bastille, among others, whose histories have remained relevant since then, which forms a good background for marking July 14th each year.
Bois de Boulogne: A Nature Getaway
If you prefer a more peaceful way of celebrating, Bois de Boulogne is the largest park in Paris and offers an idyllic escape from the city’s bustle. Have a picnic or rent a boat on the lake, as well as other numerous options such as visiting gardens and trails.
Tuileries’ Fair
For families, visit the Tuileries’ Fair at Jardin des Tuileries. It has rides that are classical, games, and food stalls too. The spinning swings, bumper cars, and carousels are there to be enjoyed with cotton candy munching.
Shopping
On Bastille Day, many shops stay open throughout Paris; some even give discounts to their customers. Find luxury outlets at Place Vendôme, Galeries Lafayette, and Shopping Centre Beaugrenelle, among other places in the city, where you can do shopping while celebrating this wonderful day.
Beyond Paris: Celebrating Bastille Day Across France
As much as Paris seems to be the epicentre of Bastille Day celebrations elsewhere in France, it presents unique and thrilling stuff for marking this national holiday.
Lyon: Fireworks and Festivities
A large fireworks display will take place at Fourvière Hill in Lyon, lighting up its skyline. There will also be live music performances, dance presentations, and several other cultural activities taking place during the celebration here too. One may choose to watch from the waterfront sides of the Rhône or Saône rivers.
Nice: Promenade des Anglais
Promenade des Anglais is where one needs to be on Bastille Day when in Nice if they want to have fun during that moment. During this time every year, fireworks take place over the Mediterranean Sea here in this town, which is attractively situated along a lovely promenade stretching along the coastline and featuring local festivals.
Marseille: Vieux-Port
The Old Port of Marseille is the centre of Bastille Day celebrations in the city. At the harbour, there are fireworks, music, and street performances, as well as other festivities that mark this holiday in this place. The picturesque Mediterranean Sea completes the festive atmosphere.
Bordeaux: Place de la Bourse
Bastille Day in Bordeaux is marked by fireworks at the Place de la Bourse. These have their reflections on the Garonne River, which make for magical scenery for those who are watching them. The city also organises different cultural events, including concerts and exhibitions.
Strasbourg: European Capital of Culture
Strasbourg celebrates Bastille Day with a massive firework display over the Ill River. There will be parades, concerts, and traditional dances to showcase Strasbourg’s rich cultural heritage during these events. Visit the beautiful old town while it still has a great festival feel.
Versailles: Palace Fireworks
The Palace of Versailles offers fireworks for Bastille Day, giving it that royal touch. For any event like this, there cannot be better surroundings than those provided by the palace grounds. While spending your day touring through the palace, wait until the evening comes because there will be some fireworks launched then.
Carcassonne: Mediaeval Spectacle
Carcassonne’s mediaeval fortress lights up with one of France’s most spectacular fireworks displays ever seen here every year. A dazzling show illuminates the walls of the fortress, attracting visitors from all over France to see it from many kilometres away annually. This is what makes any celebration there more charming, because the ancient urban environment becomes an integral part of these feasts and shows.
Annecy: Lake Annecy Fireworks
On Bastille Day, picturesque Annecy sets off fireworks over Lake Annecy itself. When you look out for sightseeing around this lake or mountains nearby during this period of time, you will enjoy its splendid views fully reflected in the water surface there as well. Enjoy a boat trip there, or just lie on the beach to enjoy this beauty.
Cannes: Fireworks Festival
The month of July is the time of an international fireworks festival in Cannes, usually coinciding with Bastille Day’s first show. The pyrotechnic exhibitions are set to music and occur over the Bay of Cannes. It attracts firework connoisseurs and tourists from all over the world.
Loire Valley: Château Celebrations
Various castles within the Loire Valley provide exclusive ways of celebrating Bastille Day, thanks to their stunning châteaux. For instance, chateaux like Chambord and Amboise offer fireworks displays and special events. The historic settings, as can be seen below, offer a beautiful context for these celebrations.
Tips for enjoying Bastille Day in France
Plan Ahead
In France, particularly Paris, one of its major cities, Bastille Day is a bustling period. Therefore, make sure you plan your itinerary beforehand. Also, get your accommodations booked early enough and consider reserving seats at any dinner or event that may be happening.
Arrive Early
Getting a good spot involves arriving early, whether it’s a parade display or any other event. Quickly crowded popular viewing areas, so plan ahead to arrive several hours early.
Be prepared for security checks.
Due to its crowdedness and high-profile nature, security checks are stringent on Bastille Day events. Thus, there will be checks on bags at major events and gatherings.
Use public transportation.
Public transport is advisable when travelling on Bastille Day since many roads are closed down during parades and other activities; parking can also be difficult. Some metro stations may have different time tables; hence, checking earlier would be important because taking buses might not work as expected in some cases.
Stay Hydrated and Pack Essentials
If you want to stay out all day, take water-packed food and other things you need along with you. Public bathrooms are not easily accessible, so plan accordingly.
Respect local customs and traditions.
It is a great national holiday that must be treated with deference as such. Get involved wholeheartedly in the celebrations, but also bear in mind the historical and cultural significance of the day.
Conclusion
Bastille Day is a vibrant and festive celebration that showcases France’s rich past and culture. In Paris or any other place in France, there are various exciting events and activities to participate in. Bastille Day has something for everyone, ranging from street parades to fireworks displays right through cultural tours to family-fun-filled fairs. Do your research, immerse yourself in the revelries, and experience French magic on its national day.
