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Bastille Day in France is July 14. Similar to our 4th of July, Bastille Day celebrates the overthrow of the monarchy and the beginning of democracy in France.
On July 14, 1789, revolutionaries in search of weapons stormed the Bastille, a medieval fortress being used as a prison. They freed the 7 prisoners and took over the Bastille. This was the start of the French Revolution.
Bastille Day celebrations in Paris begin at 10 am with formal military exercises at the Arc de Triomphe. It begins with an impressive bugle, trumpet and drum fanfare to announce the arrival of the French President.
At 10:45 am, there is a flyover of military aircraft with blue, white and red smoke trailing behind the planes. Those are the colors of France’s flag.
A huge military parade will go down the Champs Elysees from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concord. You’ll see approximately 5,000 participants on foot, on horseback and in vehicles, including tanks in this hour long parade.
Le Concord de Paris is the large symphonic concert held at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. No reservation is needed and it is free.
At 11 pm, there will be a spectacular fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower. The fireworks will be launched from the Eiffel Tower and Trocadero Garden. This amazing show will last approximately 30 minutes.
The partying begins on July 13 at the Bals des Pompiers, aka Firemen’s Balls. These are informal outdoor parties with lots of music, dancing and champagne. They are held on July 13 and 14 at fire stations all over the city from 9 pm until 4 am. T
Hotel Deals
If you’d like to visit Paris for Bastille Day, you should consider the following hotels. They offer discounted rates which can save you money. Here are some of the best deals.
- Secret de Paris – Hotel & Spa 35% Discount
- Hotel de la Place du Louvre 20% Discount
- La Demeure Montaigne 20% Discount
- Hotel du Rond Point Champs Elysees 20% Discount
- Hotel Korner Opera 20% Discount
- Hotel des Saints Peres 20% Discount
- Hotel d’Orsay 20% Discount
- Hotel Brighton 20% Discount
- Hotel Korner Etoile 20% Discount
- Hotel Mansart 20% Discount
- Hotel Soft 20% Discount
- Maison Axel Opera 11% Discount
- Drawing Hotel 11% Discount
- Victoria Palace Hotel Paris 11% Discount
- Little Paris Hotel 11% Discount
- Le 12 Hotel 11% Discount
- French Theory 11% Discount
- Hotel du Plat d’Etain 11% Discount
- Grand Hotel Dechampaigne 10% Discount
- Boutique Hotel de la Place des Vosges 10% Discount
- Pavillon Opera Lafayette 10% Discount
- Opera Deauville Hotel 10% Discount
- Hotel du Palais Bourbon 10% Discount
- Hotel Louvre Piedmont 10% Discount
- Villa Madame 10% Discount
- Hotel Renoir Saint Germain 10% Discount
- The Original City, Hotel Parisiana, Paris Gare de l’Est 10% Discount
- L’Hotel Royal Saint Germain 10% Discount
- Hotel de La Paix Tour Eiffel 10% Discount
- Villa Saxe Eiffel 10% Discount
- Hotel Le Royal 10% Discount
- Moulin Plaza Hotel 10% Discount
- Hotel Balzac 10% Discount