Taking place on the 14th July each year, Bastille Day is arguably the biggest national holiday in France. Known locally as “la Fête Nationale”, the event marks the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille Prison in 1789, which signalled the start of the French Revolution and France’s first step towards becoming a republic. Today, it gives French people the chance to celebrate their unique culture and heritage, with the entire nation coming together to enjoy the incredible party atmosphere. While gatherings take places across the country, Paris is the beating heart of the festivities. If you’re lucky enough to be in the City of Lights on July 14th 2018, here are just some of the fantastic Bastille Day events on the roster.
Champs-Élysées Military Parade aka Défilé Militaire
Every year, the Champs-Élysées and surrounding streets are closed to traffic from 7am for the opening event of Bastille Day. The day’s celebrations kick off in full swing around 10am, with the sound of trumpets and bugles hailing the arrival of the President of the French Republic at the top of the famous street. Elite units of the French military parade down the avenue to the sound of beating drums, as crowds of onlookers gather to cheer. Expect huge crowds who start gathering early in the morning. If you get there early enough, your best bet is to nab a seat on the upper level of one of the cafés or restaurants along the Champs-Élysées.
Classical Concert and Fireworks aka Concert et Feu d’Artifice
After the morning’s military parade, many Parisians and tourists make their way to the Champ de Mars at the base of the Eiffel Tower to stake out their spot for the music concert later in the evening. The extravagant classical performance by the Orchestre National de France and many special guests kicks off around 9pm, featuring everything from famous soprano singers to celebrated instrumentalists.
After the concert comes the big Bastille Day highlight: the dazzling firework display. An amazing array of choreographed fireworks are set off from the foot of the Eiffel Tower and Jardins du Trocadéro against the backdrop of the Parisian night sky.
Fireman’s Ball aka Les Bals des Pompiers
After the finale of fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, it’s tradition to conclude Bastille Day celebrations by attending one of the many parties that take place in fire stations across Paris. They’re a bit like mini outdoor festivals suitable for families, with plenty of food, drinks, dancing and live music to keep guests entertained until the early hours. Money raised from the parties is often awarded to charity, which is why there is often a small entrance fee, raffle tickets and various things available for purchase at these events.
By midnight, the children have often gone to bed and the celebrations take on more of a club-type vibe, with drinking until the early hours. With this in mind, the metro stays open until 2.15am on Bastille Day.
Celebrating Bastille Day 2018 in Paris? Take a look at our crossings from Dover to Calais.
