Bonjour and welcome to your all-encompassing guide to celebrating Bastille Day in France, the day when the French nation commemorates the storming of the Bastille and the start of the French Revolution.
Whether you’re sipping a café au lait on a Parisian terrace or strolling through the lavender fields in Provence, this piece will ensure you celebrate July 14th, 2024, with the same fervor as the locals.
So, grab your tricolore and let’s dive into the heart of France’s national day!
Image Credit: Getty Images, Buena Vista Images. Image Location: Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
What is Bastille Day?
Bastille Day, or La Fête Nationale Française, marks the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, a turning point of the French Revolution. Today, it symbolizes the triumph of liberty over tyranny. Across France, Bastille Day celebrates French unity with fireworks, parades, and parties.
When is Bastille Day in France?
Bastille Day, symbolizing freedom and the fight against tyranny, is celebrated on July 14th, 2024. This year it’s on a Sunday.
How do the French say "Happy Bastille Day"?
“Joyeux 14 Juillet” or “Bonne Fête Nationale” are both phrases used to extend Bastille Day greetings.
How to celebrate Bastille Day like a local
In 2024, Bastille Day promises an array of festivities from dawn until dusk. The day begins with the traditional military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris — which is also the oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe.
This spectacle is broadcast nationwide and features the might of France’s armed forces, aerial displays by the Patrouille de France, and a showcase of international guests.
How to celebrate: Secure a spot early along the Champs-Élysées for the parade. For a truly local experience, join a neighborhood pétanque game or partake in a communal picnic, known as a pique-nique républicain.
Fireworks and festivities: lighting up the French sky
The highlight of Bastille Day is undoubtedly the fireworks. The most iconic display illuminates the Parisian sky above the Eiffel Tower, setting the Seine River ablaze with color. Cities and towns across France host their own fireworks shows, making for a night filled with splendor.
Local tip: For a memorable view of the Paris fireworks, find a spot on the Champ de Mars or aboard a Seine River cruise. Just remember to arrive early, as these locations fill up quickly. And for hotels with the best views of the Eiffel Tower, check out our specially curated guide.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Colors Hunter - Chasseur de Couleurs. Image Location: Evian-Les-Bains, Haute-Savoie, France
Dancing in the streets: Bal des Pompiers
The nights of July 13th and 14th see fire stations across France transform into dance venues for the traditional Bal des Pompiers (Firemen’s Ball). These charity events are open to the public, offering a unique chance to mingle with locals and dance the night away.
Insider hack: Don’t be shy! The Bal des Pompiers is a friendly and inclusive event. It’s the perfect opportunity to practice your French and learn some traditional French dances.
Savoring French delicacies: a gastronomic affair
Bastille Day is also a celebration of France’s renowned culinary heritage. Street vendors and local bakers prepare special treats, from freshly baked croissants to sumptuous éclairs.
Must-try: Seek out a local boulangerie and wish them a joyeux 14 Juillet before indulging in a pastry. Participate in a Bastille Day feast, where you can sample everything from coq au vin to ratatouille.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Yanis Ourabah. Image Location: Lyon, France
Bastille Day celebrations beyond Paris: discover France’s hidden gems
- Nice. Enjoy a fireworks display over the Mediterranean Sea along the Promenade des Anglais. Don’t stop there — explore the Côte d'Azur with ease from Nice’s three train stations.
- Marseille. Experience one of the largest fireworks shows in France at the Old Port, followed by concerts and festivities. And read on to find out the best things to do in Marseille.
- Lyon. Be part of the traditional dance parties in the streets and the impressive fireworks over the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
- Bordeaux. Attend the Fête le Vin (Wine Festival) which coincides with Bastille Day and offers tastings and fireworks over the Garonne River. Traveling to Bordeaux for wine? Start here.
- Avignon. Dive into the cultural festivities with the Avignon Theatre Festival happening around Bastille Day.
- Carcassonne. Witness one of the most extraordinary fireworks displays set against the backdrop of the medieval city.
- Toulouse. Enjoy concerts, outdoor activities, and a breathtaking fireworks show over the Garonne River. And here’s a list of the best hotels in Toulouse for every budget.
- Strasbourg. Explore the city’s celebrations with concerts, public dances, and fireworks near the European Parliament. Learn how to appreciate the Alsace culture in this charming city.
- Saint-Malo. Experience the unique setting of fireworks by the sea, along with historical reenactments and street performances.
- Aix-en-Provence. Relish in the classical music concerts and a fireworks display in one of Provence’s most charming towns. Here’s your travel-ready list of top things to do in Aix-en-Provence.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Ladiras. Image Location: Paris, France
Are Bastille Day celebrations the same across France?
While the essence of the celebration is consistent, the scale and specifics of festivities vary from city to village, offering a unique experience wherever you are.
Celebrating Bastille Day in France goes beyond just enjoying fireworks and military parades. It’s about embracing the beauty of French culture, history, and joie de vivre. Whether you find yourself beneath the glow of the Eiffel Tower or in the charm of a small village square, visiting France during Bastille Day is an unforgettable experience that brings the spirit of liberty, equality, and fraternity to life.
So, download the Trainline app, dust off your French phrasebook, don your bleu, blanc, and rouge, and prepare for an adventure steeped in tradition and festivity!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Buena Vista Images. Image Location: Paris, France
