Where to celebrate July 14th in Paris in 2025
French National Day
July 14 is the day of the French National Day. Established in 1880, this date commemorates both the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 which ended absolute monarchy, and the Fête de la Fédération on July 14, 1790.
The Bastille, or more precisely Bastille Saint-Antoine, was a prison and a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of the Ancien Régime of Louis XVI. On July 14, 1789, rioters stormed the fortress. Although there were only seven prisoners at that time, this intervention marks the first significant action of the French people. From then on, the king's power was no longer absolute. This event is considered the symbol of the struggle against oppression for all French citizens. The three ideals of the Republic represented on the tricolor flag took on their full meaning: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
The best of July 14th: a dinner cruise on the Seine!
What could be better than admiring the monuments of Paris from the Seine, for the most important day of the year?
Board the Ivoire boat, and enjoy an unforgettable moment with family, friends, or as a couple, during a cruise meal!
Celebrations all over France
Today, national holiday celebrations are organized all over France. The oldest and largest military parade in Europe takes place on the morning of July 14th, on the Champs-Elysées in Paris, in the presence of the President of the Republic, French officials, and foreign guests. The procession consists of military units on foot, motorized, or aerial, and sometimes invites troops from foreign armies to march alongside the French armies.
Every July 14th, the famous firefighter balls also take place. This tradition dates back to 1937, when the Montmartre fire brigade opened the doors of its barracks to a small group of curious onlookers. There, the firefighters lively entertain the evening with gymnastics demonstrations and Bengal fires. Following the citizens' delight, this idea became popular in all other barracks. Since then, this celebration has become a must.
Numerous fireworks are launched in all major cities on July 13th or 14th. The most famous is in Paris, where thousands of people gather around the Champ-de-Mars, on the Seine, on a terrace, or even on the 1st or 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower. The fireworks are generally launched from the Trocadéro basins and offer an impressive pyrotechnic display that lasts about 35 minutes. It is advisable to be on the opposite bank to admire the show. Discover the best places in Paris to watch the fireworks.
We offer many special July 14th cruises to be front row for the fireworks.
Our July 14th cruises
Fly-Boats
Bateaux Parisiens
Paris Seine
