© Unsplash / Marin Tulard.
What to do for Bastille Day? Discover the best events for the national holiday, from an elegant dinner on the Seine, a lively evening at the firefighters' ball, a symphonic concert at Hôtel de Ville, to the top spots for watching the fireworks.
Enjoy a Dinner with a View of the Fireworks
For the best view of the July 14th fireworks, head to Les Petites Mains, located in a tree-lined square at the foot of Palais Galliera, facing the Eiffel Tower. This summer, the museum's pop-up terrace offers a special menu (€160) by Australian chef Jared Phillips, featuring a cocktail, caviar canapés, tuna tartare with soy and cherries, veal ribeye with chanterelles and truffle, and a Paris-Brest with champagne to end the evening at 11 PM. Our tip? Sit at the top of the stairs for an unbeatable garden view.
Les Petites Mains, 14 Avenue du Président Wilson, Paris 16th. July 14th at 8 or 8:30 PM. Reservations required online.
© Les Petites Mains (@lpm.paris) by Maki Manoukian (@makimanoukian).
Experience a Symphonic Concert
The Concert de Paris returns with a spectacular program. This year, in honor of the Olympics, it takes place at Hôtel de Ville with the Choir, Maîtrise, and the Orchestre National de France performing classics themed around Olympism. Guest stars include duo M and Thibault Cauvin, pianist Lang Lang, cellist Gautier Capuçon, soprano Nadine Sierra, and opera singer Pene Pati. Don’t miss the historic arrival of the Olympic flame and the lighting of the cauldron.
The Concert de Paris, July 14th at Hôtel de Ville, Paris 4th. Starts at 9:15 PM. Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Free entry.
© Alex Mastro / shutterstock.com
Attend "La Teuf Nationale" by Peacock Society
On Saturday, Parc Floral de Paris transforms into an open-air electro festival. Expect 12,000 attendees for the wild Peacock Society night, featuring two large outdoor stages and two clubs. Performers include Skrillex, Marlon Hoffstadt, Marcel Dettmann & me, Sama Abdulhadi, Lacchesi & Mac Declos, Interplanetary Criminal, Anfisa Letyago, and WhoMadeWho.
Festival Peacock Society. Parc Floral de Paris. 26 Route du Champ de Manoeuvre, Paris 12th. Saturday, July 13th from 9 PM to 7 AM. All-night pass: €54. More info here.
© Festival Peacock Society (@peacocksociety) by @maxime_chermat and @geoh.photo
Dine on the Seine
Enjoy the perfect evening on July 14th with a special dinner cruise on the Seine. This 3-hour cruise offers sunset views, illuminated monuments, and the grand finale of fireworks at 11 PM by the Eiffel Tower. The gourmet dinner includes smoked salmon tartare, tomato carpaccio, olive tapenade, crispy herb fingers, veal medallion with truffle jus, and a Dame Eiffel chocolate and red fruit dessert, accompanied by wine and champagne. Secure a window seat for €20 extra for a VIP experience.
Join the Most Stylish Garden Party of the Summer
If you loved dancing at the wild JeuXdi by ParisLongchamp parties, this glamorous event is for you. To wrap up these evenings in style, join the grand finale on July 13th. In celebration of Bastille Day, the Hippodrome of ParisLongchamp, a hub of chic and fun, invites you to a Garden Party reminiscent of the best Ibiza fêtes. Put on your prettiest summer dress and enjoy incredible concerts from 7:45 PM, culminating at 10:45 PM with The Avener hitting the decks to set the dance floor on fire with his thrilling hits.
Meanwhile, enjoy a feel-good lineup during the final festivities at the Hippodrome, including the season's last races where jockeys will compete for the legendary Grand Prix de Paris at 9:25 PM. Delight in a Pretty Woman moment by grabbing street food and a drink right from the lawn. In short, the Garden Party is already shaping up to be THE can't-miss event of July 14th!
The Garden Party, July 13th at Hippodrome ParisLongchamp, 2 Route de la Tribune, Paris 16th. Open from 3:30 PM. Tickets from €25 available here.
PARTY AT THE POP-QUEER BAL DU HASARD LUDIQUE
On the Petite Ceinture railway, join the "Bisou la France" party on Saturday from noon with open-air queer DJ sets, kermesses by Fenouil2000, Lucifer, and James Marcreau, and an unforgettable drag show by Catherine Pine O’Noir. Shop for outfits at the thrift stand to be ready for the participatory parade.
Pop-Queer Ball, July 13th at Hasard Ludique, 128 Avenue de Saint-Ouen, Paris 18th. Open from noon to 10 PM. Free entry.
© Le Hasard Ludique (@lehasardludique) / Mathieu Genon and Catherine Pine O Noir (@catherinepineonoir) / Christophe Apatie
DANCE AT THE FIREFIGHTERS' BALL
No July 14th celebration is complete without the iconic firefighters' ball. Held in several Parisian fire stations on the evening of July 13th, expect R’n’B, 2000s hits, and lively dancing. The best spots to meet handsome firefighters? The Marais, Rue Montmartre, and Rue Blanche stations.
Free entry for most stations, with donation barrels available. From 9 PM to 4 AM. List of participating stations in Paris and suburbs.
© Unsplash / Ardian Lumi and Carson Arias, Paris Firefighters (@pompiers_paris) / BSPP Sylvia Borel
MEET THE MILITARY AT LES INVALIDES
Kids and adults alike will be amazed. On July 14th, at the Esplanade of Les Invalides, in the Cour d’Honneur, and throughout the gardens, the French Army, Air and Space Force, and Navy will showcase their world. The event features military equipment displays, exhibits of vehicles and planes from the Patrouille de France, military music, and demonstrations on intelligence and cyber defense. Wow!
Meet the Military, at the Invalides, 219 rue de Grenelle, Paris 7th. Sunday July 14 from 10 AM to 7 PM.
© French Army (@armeefrancaise) and SIRPA Gendarmerie - Gnd R. Culpin (@garde_republicaine_officiel)
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