July 14 in Paris: Parade, Fireworks, Times and Where to Watch
On July 14 in Paris, the military parade goes down the Champs-Élysées from 10:00 and the fireworks are launched at 23:00 from the Champ-de-Mars, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower; both can be watched for free. 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 Champ-de-Mars concert
Every year the City of Paris organizes a major concert on the Champ-de-Mars (7th arrondissement). The invited artists change from one year to the next.
Practical info
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). To watch the parade, find a spot along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées; the full program is detailed in our guide to July 14 in Paris.
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. If you get off at Invalides, the Hôtel des Invalides and its golden dome are right next door.
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