7 Holiday Secrets to Navigating Bastille Day in France

Bastille Day in France is filled with festivities, parades, and fireworks. Make the most of your Paris celebration with these seven holiday secrets.

1.     Plan in advance. Find the information on activities that interest you most by doing some online research or consulting with our expert Bastille Day Travel team to plan the perfect day. You’ll be better prepared for navigating the city and have a better expectation how much your adventures will cost. (Keep in mind rates for venues near the festivities will be considerably higher than normal.)

2.     Make reservations. If you want to get into a particular restaurant with a view or cruise along the Seine during the fireworks, make sure to call Bastille Day Tours well in advance. Your favorite spots are guaranteed to be busy during Bastille Day in France.

3.     Consider alternatives to joining the crowd. If the thought of crowded mass transit and public parks doesn’t interest you, look into alternate ways to enjoy the festivities of Bastille Day in France. Options include: spending a night in a city hotel with a balcony, making reservations for the rooftop of a nearby museum, or taking a river cruise along the Seine. These are exactly the types of things that we can help with, so contact our Paris travel consultants to find the best solution for you.

4.     Get to tourist attractions early. The city will fill with people quickly, so make sure to arrive early whether you’re visiting one of the free museums, watching fireworks in Champ de Mars or lining the parade route along the Champs-Elysees. Enjoy the wait at your prime viewing location by bringing along a picnic and a good book.

5.     Be prepared to walk. Wear comfortable shoes and take in the sights of Bastille Day in France via foot. Taxis are scarce and the metro will be packed. Plus, the Boulevard along the Seine will be a pedestrian only route.

6.     Allow yourself plenty of time. Various metro stops are closed on Bastille Day in France. If you’re driving, traffic will be heavy, making it more complicated than normal to get into the city. Add extra time to your travel plans to avoid the frustration of missing your plans.

Stay safe. While Paris is considered to be relatively safe for tourists, make sure to take reasonable precautions. Considering talking to your bank ahead of time to find out local spots to exchange money without out-of-network fees. This can help reduce the need to carry large amounts of cash. Also, keep an eye on your personal possessions. Never leave items unattended and keep valuables close to avoid pickpockets.