Epic Bastille Day celebrations can be found in the few days leading up to this French national holiday.
Firemen’s Ball The most famous of these events are the Firemen’s Balls that are held throughout Paris. The majority of the firehouses open their doors on July 13th and July 14th and host parties for the public. Many of these epic events are free to attend with a suggested donation. Funds raised go toward better living conditions for the firefighters as firehouses are often buildings with significant historical importance which can be expensive to maintain and restore. Today, firefighters in Paris are the experts in emergencies, disasters, accidents, and victim aid. Parisian firefighters are popular and well-respected so the community comes out in droves to celebrate with them on the eve of Bastille Day. Unless you’re on a VIP list, however, be prepared to wait in line for numerous hours before entry. Military Parade On the morning of Bastille Day, there is an impressive military parade that takes place along the Avenue des Champs Elysees. Spectators can enjoy flyovers by military aircraft, mounted troops, motorized military vehicles, and hundreds of troops on foot. There are numerous premier vantage points for viewing, but you’ll want to contact your tour company early as many of these are reserved for paying guests and sell out quickly. Symphony and Fireworks The lawn of the Eiffel Tower is the best location to view the spectacular fireworks show and enjoy the live symphony performance. Plan to arrive well in advance so that you can choose a good viewing spot. If the thought of the crowd seems overwhelming, consider watching this spectacular Bastille Day display from a cruise boat on the Seine. Join in these epic celebrations to maximize your Bastille Day experience in Paris. Contact Bastille Day Tours for all of the best insights and tips for enjoying the best of these festivities!
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There are many fun and creative ways to view the famous La Bastille fireworks in Paris.
By Land The most traditional and popular way to view the Bastille Day fireworks is to find a spot at the Champ-de-Mars, the park at the base of the Eiffel tower. This vantage point will let you see the entire fireworks show (as not all of the fireworks are launched into the air) and hear the music from the symphony. Scoping out a strategic location with a view of the Eiffel Tower in the beautiful Sacre Coeur in Montmartre will allow you to see the majority of the fireworks. This area is also crowded, so make sure to arrive early to hold the best viewing spots. By far the least crowded Bastille Day option is to find a spot along the Boulevard Pasteur. This road has a downhill view of most of the Eiffel Tower. While you may not get the full effect, you can see the upper portions of the fireworks while still being close enough to hear the booms as the fireworks explode. By Water Another way to experience Bastille Day in Paris is by boat on the Seine. There are numerous cruise companies that offer this viewing option and the experience and price varies widely. Regardless of which you choose, reservations are quickly filled, so make sure to contact Bastille Day Tours as soon as possible. While not quite land or water, several of the bridges across the Seine are closed for Bastille Day and offer prime viewing locations for the fireworks. Depending on which bridge you choose, you might be standing for hours, so make sure to plan accordingly. By Air While air might be a slight exaggeration, there are several ways to experience Bastille Day from higher-up. Numerous hotels and flats have windows or balconies that overlook the Eiffel Tower. Plus, the bar of the Hyatt hotel boasts views of the entire city. As with any of the Bastille Day festivities, it’s important to contact your tour company early so that you can access these prime accommodations before they are booked. |
AuthorBastilleDay.com is the premier source of information about July 14th, France's national celebration. Archives
December 2015
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