Bastille Day is France’s main public holiday, a national celebration held throughout the country on 14 July. This date marks the beginning of the Great French Revolution. And the French love to celebrate – often for two or even three days in a row. The centre of the festivities is always Paris. Below, we describe the key events taking place in the capital on Bastille Day 2025.
It all begins on the evening of 13 July with a firefighters’ ball and music concerts. On the morning of 14 July, the President of the Republic will take his place on the podium at Place de la Concorde. A military parade will march past him along the most beautiful avenue in the world, the Champs-Élysées. This will be followed by an exhibition of military equipment and concerts throughout the city. The day concludes with a grand fireworks display near the Eiffel Tower.
» READ MORE – An audio guide for Paris in English
Military parade on the Champs-Élysées
The festive parade is different each year. In 2024, the theme of the Bastille Day parade was the 80th anniversary of France’s liberation from Nazi occupation and victory in World War II. The traditional aerial performance by the Patrouille de France paid tribute to two main themes: the historic anniversary and the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. The pilots closed the show flying over the city in a formation of nine Alpha Jet aircraft, leaving trails in the colours of the French flag across the sky.
In 2025, the theme will be the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy, the liberation of France, and the victory in World War II. As is tradition, the parade will end with the march of the firefighters.
Schedule:
- 08:30 – Troops assemble on Place de la Concorde
- 10:00 – Arrival of the President of France
- 10:30 – Start of the parade
- 11:00 – Air show
- 11:50 – End of the parade
- 12:00 – Departure of the President
» READ MORE – Paris in July 2025: weather, holidays and entertainment
How to watch the parade?
Almost everyone in Paris wants to see the parade and the aerial show by the Patrouille de France. That’s why people start reserving spots along the Champs-Élysées as early as 6 a.m. Don’t hesitate to take photos with the military – and not just the military!
To manage the crowds, metro stations along the parade route will be closed from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. These include: Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, George V, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Champs-Élysées–Clémenceau, Concorde, and Tuileries.
Travel tip: During these days, we recommend booking a hotel on the Champs-Élysées for quicker and easier access to the heart of the festivities
Museums and exhibitions are closed on 14 July, but a few remain open. Admission to the Louvre is free on this day.
Note: The Paris audio guide is available every day, including weekends and holidays
Concert at the Eiffel Tower
A concert by the French National Orchestra and the Radio France Choir (La Maîtrise de Radio France) will take place on the Champ de Mars, right at the base of the Eiffel Tower. The performers will present classical masterpieces and beloved pop hits. You can find the full concert programme here.
Schedule:
- Start – 9:10 p.m.
- End – 11:00 p.m.
Fireworks on 14 July for Bastille Day 2025
The fireworks display will be launched from the Trocadéro Gardens. This is the very show against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower that lights up social media every year. The best place to watch the fireworks is from the Champ de Mars. Arrive at your chosen spot well in advance.
Schedule:
- Start – 11:00 p.m.
- Duration – 30 minutes
Please note: from 7 p.m. until the following morning, many metro stations within a wide radius of the Eiffel Tower will be closed. See the full list here. Plan your route there and back in advance, allowing enough time for walking.
Where to stay? The best hotel locations for this evening are:
- The 8th arrondissement on the Champs-Élysées
- The 16th arrondissement across the river from the Eiffel Tower
- The 7th arrondissement near the tower
- The 15th arrondissement, a little farther away
Firefighters’ balls
In France, firefighters are seen as protectors and heroes of the nation. They are honoured during Bastille Day with grand celebrations. Firefighters’ balls take place both in fire stations and in larger event venues.
Traditionally held on 13 July, these balls now also happen on 14 July. The dance parties begin at 9 p.m. and often continue until morning.
Bastille Day is celebrated in every French city without exception. Where possible, smaller parades, concerts, balls, and fireworks displays are also organised. Even many Paris suburbs hold their own festivities. Join in!
Happy Bastille Day on 14 July!
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