A picnic on the Champ de Mars and a national celebration

On July 14th in France it’s almost impossible to miss the traditional celebrations. Public balls, concerts, military parades and other festivities enliven the nation on French National Day, or Bastille Day, as it’s known in many countries. This date is a public holiday that commemorates one of the most significant events in our history; the storming of the Bastille. In Paris the celebrations are grandiose as the festive impulse seizes the capital, climaxing with an incredible fireworks display launched from the Eiffel Tower and the ornamental basins at the Trocadéro, and lighting up the Champ de Mars to conclude the day in fine style.

July 14th in Paris, a celebratory programme...

Why not visit Paris to experience the National Day, this special day that is so important to the French nation? You are guaranteed a wonderful time during this festival, which is spread throughout the day.

In the morning, the Patrouille de France, the precision aerobatic team of the French Air Force launch the festivities with a flypast, their Alpha Jets trailing red, white and blue smoke. The flight across the Paris sky of the longest-established aerobatic demonstration team in the world is an awe-inspiring sight.

Then comes the traditional military parade along the Champs Elysees, from the Place de l'Etoile to the Place de la Concorde, marching past the President of the French Republic.

After the official celebrations the festival spreads throughout Paris, with various balls taking place in different neighbourhoods. But the heart of the celebration remains in the Champs de Mars, where a prestigious outdoor concert that is free and open to all takes place in the afternoon!

A picnic in the heart of Paris

Don’t miss out on one of the day’s most enjoyable pleasures; a picnic on the Champ de Mars, facing the Trocadero and the Eiffel Tower ... A traditional French ham sandwich is the perfect accompaniment to the beautiful view of the symbol of the capital! Thousands of people will find themselves in the midst of a friendly family atmosphere, eagerly participating in a giant communal picnic in the build-up to the highlight of the event, the fabulous Parisian July 14th fireworks display.

By opting for the picnic option and arriving a little early, you’ll have more chance of finding a good spot from which to admire the show, before it gets crowded.

More than a fireworks display, it's a fabulous show that lights up the Eiffel Tower and the Parisian sky with thousands of colours that reflect in the eyes of young and old alike, to the regal amusement of the Iron Lady.

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Learn more:
• July 14th - National Day
• Champs de Mars
• Trocadero gardens

Le Cler Hotel, a classic and contemporary 3-star hotel in Paris, close to the Eiffel Tower