July 14th (Bastille Day Parade)

Updated on September 13, 2026

France's national holiday, July 14th is a not-to-be-missed date for Parisians. On this day, the capital becomes the stage for numerous shows and events tied to the celebration.

Highlights

The military parade

On the Champs-Élysées, crowds of onlookers start gathering as early as 8am. The traditional military parade takes place here every year, to the delight of patriotic Parisians. The avenue des Champs-Élysées is completely closed from 9am to noon for the uniformed troops, vehicles, aircraft, and helicopters of the armed forces.

The Firefighters' Ball

The Firefighters' Ball is an unchanging ritual, perfect for immersing yourself in typically French customs. Paris fire stations open their doors to the public for a friendly, good-humored evening. The balls start at 9pm and can go on until the early morning.

The fireworks

July 14th and its fireworks display rank among the most important events on the French calendar. The Trocadéro and the Parvis des Droits de l'Homme are closed to the public. "Dinner cruise" packages are highly sought after, letting you enjoy a charming French-style dinner on the Seine while watching the Paris sky light up in a blaze of color. The show begins at 11pm.

The Concert de la Commune de Paris

Every year, the City of Paris organizes a major concert on the Champ de Mars (7th arrondissement). The artists invited to perform change from year to year. In 2016, classical music took center stage with two prestigious ensembles: the Orchestre National de France and the Chœur de Radio France.

Infos pratiques

Tips

If crowds aren't your thing, you can enjoy the fireworks display from quieter, paid vantage points instead: the rooftop terrace of the Tour Montparnasse, which opens exceptionally for the occasion, the panoramic bar of the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile hotel, or the Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower (reservation required).

How to get there

Road access to Paris will be completely gridlocked as early as the day before (July 13th) due to areas closed to traffic and parking. To watch the fireworks, it's best to take metro lines 8, 6, 9, 10, or 13 and get off at Invalides, Cambronne, Émile-Zola, Ségur, La Motte-Picquet, or Varenne.