A Cultural Experience
Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14 in France, marking the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress in Paris that was an essential kick-off point for the French Revolution. It’s an incredibly important day in French culture — the equivalent of the Fourth of July in the United States or Canada Day.
This special day is celebrated with military parades, fireworks, firemen’s balls and lots of music and partying. Celebrations are held throughout the country — but where are the best Bastille Day celebrations in France? If you’re going to be in the country during this time, plan to be in one of the following locations on the 14th!
Champs Élysées, Paris
One of the best places in France to celebrate this national holiday is the famous tree-lined boulevard of Champs Élysées in central Paris. This two-kilometer street will be covered in blue, white and red decorations and is the route of a huge military parade.
The march leads from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde, with fighter jets soaring through the air in formation. After taking in the parade, you can head to the Champs de Mars, the area in front of the Eiffel Tower, where you can watch a spectacular 30-minute fireworks display.
The fireworks will be accompanied by a classical music concert by the National Orchestra of France, as well as the Radio France Choir. If you want to get a patch of grass with a good view, be sure to show up early!
Lyon
Besides parades and fireworks, what do they do to celebrate Bastille Day? Eat!
Known as the foodie capital of France, Lyon is another one of the best places to be in France during Bastille Day. This lovely city is located between Paris and the Mediterranean and features gorgeous Renaissance architecture and many bustling food markets. This is really the place to head if you love food — it has more restaurants per square mile than any other European city except Paris.
There will be plenty of food events and gourmet get-togethers on Bastille Day. If you want the best view of the stunning fireworks display the city hosts, head to the top of Fourvière Hill.
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Carcassonne
Another great place to head during Bastille Day is the medieval, walled city of Carcassonne. The Festival de la Cite takes place throughout the month of July and features a wide range of musical and theatrical performances.
The July 14 fireworks display here is considered to be the best in the entire country. The 25-minute show against the backdrop of the historic city is a sight to behold, with huge pyrotechnics taking place over the 600-meter-high walls. It’s hard not to fall in love with this beautiful town, as it feels like a medieval storybook.
Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful regions of France, making it an ideal place to spend Bastille Day. You’ll find the highest concentration of castles in the world along the Loire River, which is why it is known as the “Royal River.”
One of the best ways to celebrate Bastille Day in the Loire Valley is to have a picnic along the banks of the river. The fertile valleys and the temperate climate are ideal for produce, so each of the marketplaces in the small towns and villages will be overflowing with delicious fruits and vegetables in July.
Plus, you can even take a detour to a local vineyard and sample some of the excellent gentle reds and fruity whites that this region is known for.