Must-see places for July 14, 2019 in Paris
Looking for a place to go for July 14th in Paris? What activities and places to go for the French national holiday? Paris City Vision offers you a complete schedule to prepare your weekend this year: fireworks, military parade, public balls and concerts… Discover the capital’s must-attend events on July 14, 2019.
History of July 14: French National holiday
The French national holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 by the French people. The Bastille was until then a fortress where the king held many men prisoner. As a true symbol of arbitrary justice, just like the Invalides square, the French people are rising up to overthrow this government. Forcing its way into these places, freeing the prisoners, this date marks the end of the absolute monarchy to make way for the French Republic. Remembered as a revolutionary act, this celebration unites the people around freedom, equality and fraternity. It was not until 1880, however, that this day was declared a national holiday under the Raspail Act. This holiday gathers French people around festivities such as fireworks, military parades, open-air balls and fanfares.
Where to go for July 14, 2019 in Paris?
Still in the memory of the French in 2019, the festivities begin on the evening of July 13 until the following day. Are you still looking for a place to go for this year in Paris? Here is a program of must-see sites to celebrate this national holiday.
Military parade
Be there on Avenue des Champs Élysées from 10am on Sunday the 14th, for the traditional military parade. As every year, the French military regiments will walk down the most beautiful avenue in France with the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron. Come and vibrate to the rhythm of the fanfare drums!
The famous French patrol also offers you an aerial parade with the traditional smoke release in the colors of the French flag at a height of more than 300 meters.
Firefighters’ & Popular Balls
For this occasion, the Paris fire brigades organize open-air balls in the evening in the very walls of their station. The fire stations: Rousseau, Sévigné, Colombier, Blanche, Chaligny, Masséna, Port-Royal, Grenelle, Boursault, Montmartre, Bitche and Ménilmontant invite you on the evening of July 13! You will find other popular balls all over the city that will liven up your evening with music and a festive atmosphere. Each arrondissement is planning activities to entertain parents and children on this holiday!
Concert
As every year on the Champ-de-Mars, you can enjoy a free concert before the big fireworks show. This year, classical music is in the spotlight from 9:15 pm. The Choir and the Maîtrise de Radio France invite you to join the National Orchestra for a symphony concert on July 14, 2019. Jaap Van Zweden and Alessandro Di Stefano will be present to conduct this fabulous recital.
Fireworks
The highlight of the show will be in the heart of the city! A spectacular fireworks show will be launched at the foot of the Eiffel Tower at 11pm on July 14th. Nearly 35 minutes of show on the theme of Love this year 2019. To achieve this technical feat, more than 10 pyrotechnicians, technicians, lighting and sound specialists will be mobilized. Remember to choose the right place to see these pyrotechnic exploits, in height, from the Seine, on the bridges, it is also possible to go to the Champ-de-Mars to enjoy the event (beware of the crowd). You can even admire the show on board a barge, enjoy an unforgettable moment on a cruise, away from the crowd while enjoying a delicious meal. Incredible view of the fireworks, musical and festive atmosphere guaranteed to celebrate July 14.
The outskirts of Paris are not to be outdone. Indeed, many concerts, dances and fireworks will be held all day and night for the leisure activities of French people. Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Neuilly-sur-Marne, Fontenay-sous-Bois or Ivry-sur-Seine welcome you for the national holiday. Moreover, the week of July 8 to 14 takes place the festival of fire and light at the Palace of Versailles to put you in the spirit a little before the time. Walks in the heart of the gardens, breathtaking shows, fireworks, the palace is the scene of many activities before the national holiday.
Please note that the public transport timetables in the Parisian area are arranged so that you can enjoy this true festival of the French Republic. Check out our guide Getting around Paris to quickly reach the event of your choice on this public holiday.
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