Bastille Day 2026, French National Day

Why is the French National Day celebrated on 14 July?

This date refers to the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789. This historic event marked the beginning of the French Revolution and the end of absolute monarchy.

A year later, on 14 July 1790, the Fête de la Fédération celebrated the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. It marked the reconciliation of the King and the French people in a climate of national unity.

Thanks to a law passed on 6 July 1880 under the Third Republic by Benjamin Raspail, a member of parliament, 14 July was adopted as an annual bank holiday to celebrate the two events mentioned above.

The aim of the first military parade in 1880 was to restore France's image following its defeat by Prussia and its allies in 1870, rather than to celebrate the storming of the Bastille.

The parade has only been held on the Champs-Élysées since 1981 under the presidency of François Mitterrand.

What's on the programme for 14 July?

A traditional military parade, an open-air symphony concert, a breathtaking fireworks display, a varied cultural programme... Take advantage of the French National Day to attend some exceptional free events!

The military parade

On the morning of July 14 in Paris, the famous military parade takes place along the Champs-Élysées Avenue, showcasing French military regiments.

The President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, travels down the Champs-Élysées in a military vehicle. The regiments then march from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde.

More than 6,686 people take part in the parade from 10 a.m. to noon, accompanied by 193 horses from the Republican Guard, 299 vehicles, 90 aircraft, and 32 helicopters. The aerial displays by the Patrouille de France open and close the event. The main branches of the French armed forces and police are represented.

The concert

The Orchestre National de France, the Maîtrise and the Chœur de Radio France are organising a major free symphony concert at the foot of the Eiffel Tower on Moday 13 July 2026 at 9pm on the Champ-de-Mars in Paris.

As Radio France states on its website, admission to the concert is free and no booking is required. However, concert-goers are asked to pre-empt security checks at the entrances by arriving 45 minutes before the concert.

The fireworks

This year, in tribute to the victims of the Nice attack on July 14, 2016, the fireworks display will exceptionally be moved up to the evening of July 13. As every year, the fireworks are launched from the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro gardens starting at 11 p.m., lasting approximately 35 minutes.

It will also feature, as every year, an original artistic creation combining music and visual effects. Several themed sequences will structure this edition, including a segment dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the French Navy, as well as a tribute to Rome and to the historical and cultural ties between the two capitals.

Activities to do during the week

A whole host of events are being organised in Paris to mark the French National Day. From popular balls and fire brigade balls to garden parties and cruises on the Seine, the choice is yours!

Fire brigade balls

Every year, fire brigade balls are organised in several fire stations of the Paris fire brigade on 13 and/or 14 July, from 9pm to 4am.

These traditionally very popular events are well attended. If you wish to attend, you may have to pay an entrance fee, but a "tonneau" is available for donations. The money raised goes towards improving staff conditions.

The Garden Party at the Longchamp racecourse

Every year on July 13th, the Longchamp Racecourse becomes the trendiest spot in the capital, offering an evening that’s both sporty and festive!

The hippodrome opens its doors at 3:30 p.m. The first horse race starts at 4:40 p.m. This is followed by a race every 30 minutes, with no fewer than 9 flat races in total. From 6:40 p.m., the first inter-race DJ set begins.

The start of the Grand Prix de Paris will be at 8:25 p.m. The last race of the evening takes place at 9:00 p.m. The night then continues with DJ sets from 9:30 p.m. This year, the DJ and producer Bakermat will take over the decks at La Garden Party, Cygames Grand Prix de Paris. Known for his signature tracks and his musical universe blending house, jazz, and soul, he captivates audiences with warm melodies and live instrumentation, especially the saxophone.

The hippodrome closes at 2:00 a.m. Ticket prices start at €17 for general admission, from €35 for panoramic stands, and from €80 for VIP seating.

To keep up with the festive atmosphere, check out our selection of the best summer festivals in Paris.

Cruises on the Seine

Several companies are organising cruises on the Seine on the evening of 13 July 2026. After boarding at the Île aux Cygnes, the "Capitaine Fracasse" dinner cruise offers an exceptional service in terms of both the quality of the food and wine and the length of the cruise (3 hours).

For its part, the Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches is offering an exceptional evening with a Champagne dinner cruise followed by fireworks that you can admire from the boat's panoramic terrace.

Make the most of the summer by exploring the streets of Paris at your own pace. Discover our selection of activities to do in Paris this summer with your family.