Know Before You Go: Celebrating Bastille Day in Paris

On July 14, 1789, rioters stormed Paris’ Bastille prison—a symbol of royal authority—to search for weaponry and free its prisoners. Economic precarity had already begun to contribute to public discontent with King Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette; the storming of the prison was just the first mass uprising by the French people against the king’s rule.

France first established Bastille Day in 1880, and today July 14 is celebrated as the country’s national day, one which commemorates the civic values of liberté, égalité, and fraternité.

Related: 9 Must-See French Revolution Sites in Paris

Bastille Day celebrations kick off with a great ceremony, beginning early in the morning on July 14. A military parade is held along Paris’ iconic Champs-Élysées—troops march in formation in front of adoring crowns, all overseen by France’s president. Then, the spectacle takes to the skies as military aircraft conduct a flyover and aerial show.

During the day, many of Paris’ museums and monuments are open to the public. (Note that the Arc de Triomphe, located at the end of the Champs-Élysées, only opens its doors once the parade has concluded.) If you need to beat the heat, it’s a good idea to head indoors for an hour or two of cultural immersion. Alternatively, you can toast with a flute of Champagne at one of the city’s cafés—or aboard a Seine river cruise.

Many Bastille Day celebrations are conveniently held in the heart of the city, and there are plenty of tours and other experiences that you can pre-book to make the most of the holiday. The occasion is an excellent time to visit top museums, and you can book a guided Louvre tour to see the best of the museum’s collections without quite so many other visitors.

Many walking tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours are also available, and will help you see an especially festive side of the city (though be aware some road closures will be in place). To really cap off the experience, you should book a Seine river cruise that’s perfectly timed with the evening fireworks show.

If you want to grab a spot along the Champs-Élysées—one of the best places in Paris to watch the Bastille Day festivities—prepare to arrive very early to beat the crowds; terraces overlooking the street begin to close starting at 8am, and many Métro stations in the area close from 6:30am until early afternoon. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to go through a security screening process.

It’s also possible to book a hotel room overlooking the Champs-Élysées for the best views, but you’ll need to do so well in advance—and prepare to pay a premium.

It wouldn’t be Bastille Day without the fireworks. Every year, the holiday peaks with a grand fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro Gardens. Though the show doesn’t typically kick off until 11pm (and lasts for about 30 minutes), spectators begin to gather in the afternoon on the Champ de Mars in front of the tower for picnics. A series of free concerts, including classical music performances featuring internationally celebrated artists, are also held from the early evening onwards.

However, if you’d prefer to watch the fireworks with slightly smaller crowds, consider an alternative vantage point—anywhere that offers a clear view of the Eiffel Tower is a good bet. Popular options include Belvédère de Belleville, Basilique du Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre, and Montparnasse Tower. Some evening river cruises also offer prime viewing of the fireworks.

Insider tip: Bathrooms are hard to find near the Champ de Mars, and you’re not allowed to bring alcoholic drinks.

If you’re hoping to truly celebrate le Quatorze Juillet like the Parisians do, check out the bals de pompier, a series of smaller-scale street parties hosted by fire stations all across the city. Beginning on July 13 and held late into the night on July 14, these decidedly local celebrations feature music, dancing, and copious amounts of Champagne. There’s no more festive way to see out the holiday in style.

Insider tip: Bring cash with you. Some firemen’s balls charge a small entrance fee, and the ones that don’t will still encourage donations to help cover the cost of the celebrations.

Bastille Day in Paris can feel like one long street party, and it’s best to prepare to be on your feet and exposed to the elements for the bulk of the day. Wear comfortable sneakers that will offer you support, bring a hat to shield you from the sun (or occasional rain—it is Paris, after all), and wear loose, comfortable clothes made with natural fibers for maximum breathability. Bonus points if you wear festive bleu, blanc, et rouge: France’s national colors.

If you can, also bring along a lightweight bag with a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, and sunscreen—just be sure to avoid glass bottles and other prohibited objects if you want to watch the parade or the fireworks from official viewing points.

It’s possible for disabled visitors in Paris to take part in Bastille Day celebrations, although it’s worth doing some advance planning. The main Bastille Day parade is held on the Champs-Élysées, a wide, flat boulevard that’s largely wheelchair accessible. However, it’s best to get there very early to secure a spot, and the crowds may make some access difficult.

The same is true for navigating popular fireworks-viewing areas; however, the fireworks themselves may be overwhelming for those with sensory sensitivities. Even so, many museums are open and fully accessible to visitors with disabilities; the holiday is a good time to see highlights including the Centre Pompidou, Rodin Museum, and Musée D’Orsay, or to take a Seine river cruise.

Insider tip: Paris buses, the RER A and B, and Métro line 14 are all wheelchair accessible; following the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the city has further improved its accessibility.

• Can tourists participate in Bastille Day events in Paris? Yes, tourists are welcome to celebrate Bastille Day with the French.
• Is public transportation affected on Bastille Day in Paris? Yes, some Métro stations and bus routes will be closed to accommodate Bastille Day events. You can also expect traffic disruptions, especially during the parade.
• Are there family-friendly activities during Bastille Day in Paris? The parade and the fireworks are both family-friendly. During the day, families often picnic in parks.
• Are there special foods to eat on Bastille Day? There aren't special foods per se, but eating in the streets and planning a simple picnic with traditional French food such as baguettes, cheese, and a bottle of wine will ensure you fit right in.
• Are there any free things to do on Bastille Day? While the parade and fireworks are free to attend, you can also visit some of Paris' favorite cultural institutions, such as the Louvre, for free.