Seine River cruise. Photo: Shutterstock Every year on July 14, Paris comes alive as France celebrates Bastille Day, the country's national holiday. Commemorating the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, the holiday marks the beginning of the French Revolution and is traditionally celebrated with military ceremonies, concerts, fireworks, and festivities that attract visitors from around the world.
However, this year, several of Paris' biggest Bastille Day events were exceptionally moved to July 13 so that July 14 could focus on official commemorations marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Nice terrorist attack. The annual Eiffel Tower fireworks and drone show, featuring more than 1,600 drones, took place a day earlier, along with the iconic Concert de Paris, one of France's largest free classical music performances.
An intense heatwave has also affected celebrations across parts of France, prompting several municipalities to cancel fireworks displays and some traditional Bals des Pompiers (Firemen's Balls) while emergency services remain on high alert.
Even so, July 14 remains one of the best days of the year to experience Paris, with military ceremonies, lively cafés, and a festive atmosphere throughout the capital.
Bastille Day, Palais Bourbon. Photo: Jeff Mott Photography / Shutterstock.comNonetheless, there are still plenty of fun things to do around Paris to celebrate with the locals or simply enjoy a festive day in itself.
Military parade in Paris. Photo: noriox / Shutterstock.comThe day's signature event is the Bastille Day military parade along the Champs-Élysées, one of Europe's oldest and largest military parades.
Beginning in the morning, thousands of soldiers, cavalry units, armored vehicles, and aircraft march through central Paris, while the French President reviews the troops near the Arc de Triomphe. The spectacular flyover by the French Air and Space Force, leaving trails of blue, white, and red smoke, is one of the day's most photographed moments.
A Seine River cruise offers a different perspective on Paris during one of its busiest days of the year.
Although this year's fireworks have already taken place, sightseeing cruises and dinner cruises continue to operate throughout Bastille Day. It's one of the best ways to admire landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower while escaping the busiest streets.
Seine River Cruise. Photo: ShutterstockWhile the Champs-Élysées draws most of the attention, many Parisians celebrate closer to home.
Neighborhoods such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Montparnasse, Le Marais, and Montmartre offer a more relaxed Bastille Day experience, with bustling cafés, bistros, terraces, and local restaurants. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch, discover neighborhood bakeries, or simply soak up the festive atmosphere away from the busiest tourist hotspots.
Tip: Rue de Montparnasse will take you to some of the best crêperies in Paris!
Paris, France. Photo EricBery / Shutterstock.comMany locals also spend the afternoon picnicking in Paris's parks before heading into the city later in the day.
If you truly want to spend a special day in Paris, go to Disneyland Paris. With seven indoor and outdoor roller coasters like the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril across its two theme parks (Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World), the thrill is guaranteed.
Disneyland Paris. Photo: ShutterstockIf you're looking for some adrenaline-pumping rides, be sure to check Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, the fastest coaster at the park. The indoor Iron Man-themed launch coaster will propel you from 0 to 92 km/h in 2.8 seconds and it also features three inversions!
This year's Bastille Day has an added sporting significance. Later today, France will face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal, with a place in the final at stake. Bars, cafés, and fan zones across Paris are expected to fill with supporters cheering on Les Bleus, making the evening one of the liveliest Bastille Day celebrations in recent memory.
Whether you're watching the military parade, cruising the Seine, enjoying a long lunch at a neighborhood café, or joining football fans as France chases another World Cup final, Paris remains one of Europe's most exciting places to be on July 14.