Must-Visit Spots for Celebrating Bastille Day 2022 in Paris
On July 14, the whole of France takes a day off, and this year is no different. On the eve of the holiday, every household hangs colorful flags, and all buildings are decorated with festive lights and garlands. Revelers pour into the streets, dancing joyfully to the music. Beyond that, the French public and government host various events such as military parades and fireworks displays. This little travel guide rounds up the hottest activities and must-see spots for celebrating France’s national day, so immerse yourself in the excitement of Bastille Day and the patriotic spirit of the French people!
To mark the national holiday, France holds a grand military parade on the Champs-Élysées every year. The flyover of air force squadrons above the Arc de Triomphe signals the start of the parade. As the formations soar down the avenue, their planes trail red, white, and blue smoke, unfurling like a giant French flag across the sky. After the Patrouille de France aerial display, the French president reviews the assembled troops.
2. Musical Performance
Following the success of concerts in previous years, the Champ de Mars will once again host a symphonic concert to celebrate France’s national day. The event takes place on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 9:15 p.m. at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, so the evening promises to be particularly spectacular.
You can watch the grand fireworks from anywhere in Paris, but many people choose to stay on the Champ de Mars after the concert to wait for the dazzling show. The national day ends with brilliant fireworks illuminating the sky above the Eiffel Tower, and the display doesn’t start until 11 p.m.
Besides watching from fixed viewpoints, some opt for a Seine River cruise, sipping champagne while enjoying the fireworks from different angles. Keep in mind that once the show begins, the position of each boat varies—some boats may be close to the Eiffel Tower, while others admire the display from elsewhere.
4. Celebrate with Drinks
What’s a French national day without a celebratory drink? Head to O’Château, the top-rated bar among wine lovers, to toast this grand occasion. On arrival, a professional sommelier will carefully select wines based on your preferences. You’ll have the chance to sample three different French cheeses and some charcuterie, perfectly paired with your chosen wine, for a delightful tasting experience.
For more than just a couple of drinks at a bar, why not embark on a French wine-tasting tour at the Louvre Royal Cellar? Your guide will introduce you to the history and wine regions of France, exploring the world of French wine from Sauvignon Blanc to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Plus, you’ll get to taste three different French wines, raising a glass to Bastille Day in this historic cellar.
On France’s national day, it’s not just the famous landmarks and historic monuments that are open. Many businesses are ready to welcome customers and even hold huge sales for Bastille Day. Is your wallet ready? You might just go on a shopping spree at Paris’s renowned Galeries Lafayette!
Though France needed several restored monarchies and bloody revolutions to establish a lasting republic, the storming of the Bastille remains the first symbol of the French democratic movement. That’s why this day is so important to the French. The Go City Pass is fully prepared, saving you time, money, and effort no matter when you travel. Several of the attractions above can be found with the Go City Pass. If you want to experience French patriotism this summer and learn more about French history, don’t miss this year’s Bastille Day!
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