What to Do in Paris on 14 July – France National Day

If you’re wondering what to do in Paris on 14th July to celebrate France’s National Day, this article has you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about 14 July – France National Day (known as Bastille Day in English) and the Paris 14 July program.

Table of Contents:

• Bastille Day vs 14 July
• What Does France’s National Day Commemorate?
• Paris 14 July Program

Bastille Day vs. 14 July

“Bastille Day” is a term coined by the Anglo-Saxons to refer to 14 July – France’s National Day.

“Bastille Day,” however, means nothing in France. If you ask your friends in France what to do on Bastille Day, they will look at you with big questioning eyes: “C’est quoi le Bastille Day?!” Same, wishing a “Happy Bastille Day!” has no sense in France.

I have also read the term “Independence Day in France,” perhaps in an attempt to find an equivalent to the US? There is no Independence Day in France.

In France, the National Day is called La Fête Nationale or Le 14 Juillet (July 14th). It is often also referred to as le Pont du 14 Juillet, when it marks a long weekend in France.

For us, the 14th of July is not a major celebration like Christmas, Easter, or Independence Day in the US, but it is, of course, a holiday. For some, Le 14 Juillet means the beginning of the summer holidays, while for others (including me), it is an excellent opportunity to explore other places in France on a long weekend getaway while waiting for the summer holidays.

So, if you plan to visit France during the National Day and expect to see us with berets, striped shirts, and French flags singing the Marseillaise everywhere, we are sorry to disappoint you!

What Does France’s National Day Celebrate?

The short answer is that it is not clear. The 14th of July – France National Day was instituted by the Raspail Law of 6 July 1880. Two important events in the history of France took place on the 14th of July:

14 July 1789 | Storming of the Bastille prison, the symbol of the end of absolute monarchy.

14 July 1790 | The Fête de la Fédération, the symbol of the union of the French Nation.

The Raspail Law (a single article) does not specify which event is commemorated on July 14th, so you can choose ;-). It reads: “The Republic adopts July 14 as the annual national holiday.”

Paris 14 July Program

Apart from the typical activities of any summer in Paris or any July in Paris, here’s the list of the best things to do on 14 July in Paris:

GOOD TO KNOW: During French National Day, there’s high security in Paris, so you may find some streets or metro exits closed by the police, especially around the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. If you have plans or a RDV, leave early to ensure you arrive at your destination on time.

1. Bal des Pompiers (on 13th July)

The French National Holiday celebrations typically begin with the Bal des Pompiers (Firefighters’ Ball) on the evening of July 13th (from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.). These balls are organized in a dozen or so fire stations in Paris and animated by the firefighters themselves.

There’s usually an entrance fee, and the drinks inside are paid apart, but it’s an excellent opportunity to see hot French firefighters and, who knows, dance with them! The money collected this evening will be used to improve the condition of the staff.

List of Bals des Pompiers in Paris confirmed for July 13 this year:

• Caserne Colombier: 11 Rue du Vieux-Colombier, 6th Arrondissement
• Caserne Blanche: 28 Rue Blanche, 9th Arrondissement
• Caserne Port Royal: 55 Boulevard de Port-Royal, 13th Arrondissement
• Caserne Grenelle: 6 Place Violet, 15th Arrondissement
• Centre de Secours de Dauphine, 16th Arrondissement
• Caserne Boursault: 27 Rue Boursault, 17th Arrondissement
• Caserne Bitche: 2 Place de Bitche, 19th Arrondissement
• Caserne Ménilmontant: 47 Rue Saint-Fargeau, 20th Arrondissement

2. Le Défilé (Bastille Day Parade)

The Défilé (or military parade) along the Champs-Élysées is what tourists commonly refer to as the “Bastille Day Parade.” The Défilé is the main official event during the French National Day, a traditional parade that honors the French military regiments. It is also a great opportunity to see the French President as he walks down the Champs-Élysées.

The military parade usually starts at 10 a.m. For two hours, spectators will see 4,300 soldiers on foot, 71 planes, 25 helicopters, 221 vehicles, and 200 Republican Guard horses. At the end of the parade, several activities will be offered to locals and visitors on the Esplanade des Invalides and other places in the capital.

The Défilé is a very popular event, so if you want to watch it live, try to arrive around 8 a.m. to find a good spot.

Watch the replay of the Défilé (2024)

3. Concert – Eiffel Tower Fireworks

The Eiffel Tower Fireworks is the main event in Paris to celebrate 14 July – France National Day. The fireworks display takes place around the Eiffel Tower after dusk (11 p.m.) and is always spectacular. The 30-minute show revolves around a specific topic. This year’s fireworks will revolve around the Seine River, the Paris Agreement (marking 10 years since COP 21), and Brazil, as this year France celebrates the Brazil-France season for six months.

Before the fireworks, there’s a completely free and particularly original concert on Champ de Mars, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. This concert usually begins at 9 p.m., and this year it will also have a Brazilian flavor.

The most popular place to watch the Eiffel Tower Fireworks is on Champ de Mars. Needless to say, it is also the most crowded, and finding a free spot of grass is quite challenging. Here are some other great places to watch the Eiffel Tower fireworks on 14 July.

Watch the replay of the Bastille Day fireworks (2023)

4. Special Seine River Dinner Cruise

A dinner cruise along the Seine River is an excellent opportunity to admire the Eiffel Tower fireworks from a unique perspective and without the crowds. Many Seine River Cruises offer a dining option, but the National Day Dinner Cruises are more festive (live music band included) and scheduled around the fireworks.

-This Bastille Day Dinner Cruise begins at 8:30 p.m. and includes a 3-course French gastronomic meal, accompanied by water and a complimentary bottle of wine. After the meal, move up to the panoramic rooftop for live music while waiting for the fireworks to start!

-This 14 July Dinner Cruise with a cabaret and dance party also looks very promising. The cruise begins at 7:30 p.m. with a gourmet dinner accompanied by live music. Around 10:30 p.m., the cruise will position itself in front of the Eiffel Tower for the perfect view of the fireworks from the water. After the fireworks show, the evening continues with a dance party hosted by a DJ, playing international music.

TIP: rent a private boat for partying and sailing along the Seine River (skipper mandatory).

5. Self-Guided French Revolution Tour

Learn about Paris during the French Revolution at your own pace with this self-guided French Revolution walking tour. This free tour visits interesting historical sites, including Place de la Concorde, the Conciergerie, and the few remains of the Bastille prison.

6. Visit Versailles

Why not spend the French National Day outside Paris? Admire the impressive Palace of Versailles, home to King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette during those turbulent times. With all those opulent interiors, it is easy to understand why the French were unhappy with their king!

On the 14th of July, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the Grandes Eaux Musicales – the special show in the Versailles Gardens, with music and all the fountains of Versailles running – and the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes, the spectacular night fountains show and fireworks in Versailles. Here’s how to plan the perfect day trip to Versailles from Paris.

NB. Versailles is usually closed on Mondays, but this year, 2025, it will be exceptionally open for the 14 July celebrations.

7. Monuments & Museums Open on Bastille Day

So, you were ready for a full day of sightseeing in Paris and just realized that July 14th is a public holiday in France? You will need to review your schedule, but don’t worry, as many monuments and museums are open on Bastille Day.

This year, 2025, however, National Day falls on Monday, when many museums and attractions typically remain closed.

• Sacré Coeur of Montmartre
• Panthéon
• Conciergerie
• Louvre Museum
• Montparnasse Tower
• Château de Vincennes
• Sainte Chapelle
• Catacombs of Paris (closed on Mondays)
• Musée Marmottan-Monet (closed on Mondays)
• Orsay Museum (closed on Mondays)
• Rodin Museum (closed on Mondays)
• Picasso Museum (closed on Mondays)
• Versailles (usually closed on Mondays, but exceptionally open on 14 July)
• Opéra Garnier
• Musée Carnavalet (closed on Mondays)

Due to the preparation work for the concert and fireworks, going up to the Eiffel Tower on July 14 is not possible. The Eiffel Tower will reopen its doors on July 15.

For bars and restaurants, stay in the central touristy neighborhoods of Paris. After all, it’s a holiday. Establishments in lesser-visited districts of Paris tend to be closed on July 14th.

Have you visited Paris during the French National holiday? Share your experiences and best tips in the France Bucket List – Facebook Group.

Click here to read more Paris travel tips

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