About the event
Today, 14 July is marked by the world's oldest and largest military parade down the Champs-Élysées, with aircraft trailing red, white and blue smoke above the Arc de Triomphe. The event sparked the French Revolution, which toppled the monarchy, proclaimed the rights of man and citizen, and remade France as a republic.
The world's oldest military parade — troops, armoured vehicles and jets stream down France's grandest avenue.
Why this day
On 14 July 1789, Parisian crowds stormed the Bastille fortress — a royal prison and symbol of royal tyranny. The event sparked the French Revolution, which toppled the monarchy, proclaimed the rights of man and citizen, and remade France as a republic. The date marks the beginning of the modern democratic era not just for France but for much of the world.
The following year, on 14 July 1790, the first Fête de la Fédération was held on the Champ de Mars in Paris. Delegates from across France gathered to celebrate national unity and the new constitutional order. This first celebration set the template for what would become the defining French national holiday.
Today, 14 July is marked by the world's oldest and largest military parade down the Champs-Élysées, with aircraft trailing red, white and blue smoke above the Arc de Triomphe. The evening brings fireworks over the Eiffel Tower — the most watched fireworks display in Europe.
Every French city and village holds its own celebrations. Town squares host open-air balls — the Bal des Pompiers, where fire stations open their doors for dancing, is a beloved local tradition. Families gather for long lunches under the summer sun.
Timeline
- 1789Storming of the Bastille — the French Revolution begins
- 1790First Fête de la Fédération — a united French nation celebrates together
- 188014 July officially adopted as France's national holiday
Key figures
Stay for the event
Check-in 13 Jul, check-out 15 Jul 2027 — 2 nights around 14 July 2027. Change the dates to stay longer.
AREA
Find stays in ParisHost country
- Currency: euro
- Language: French
- Driving: on the right
- Capital: Paris
- Phone: +33
- Emergency: 112
- Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz, plugs C/E
What to eat
BaguetteThe French baguette — crusty, airy and ubiquitous — is central to every table on 14 July.
Steak-fritesPan-seared steak with thin crispy French fries — a bistro classic eaten at outdoor terraces.
CroissantButtery, flaky pastry consumed at morning celebrations and street-fair stalls.
CamembertNorman soft cheese served at room temperature with bread — a French picnic essential.
Tarte TatinUpside-down caramelised apple tart — a French dessert staple at summer gatherings.
CrêpesThin pancakes filled with salted butter and sugar or Nutella — sold at street stalls all day.
What to drink
ChampagneFrance's most famous export — popped at midnight during the fireworks on the Champ de Mars.
Rosé winePale Provence rosé is the quintessential French summer drink — served chilled in large pitchers.
PastisAnise-flavoured apéritif mixed with cold water — the favourite summer drink in southern France.
Culture & traditions
Champs-Élysées paradeThe world's oldest military parade — troops, armoured vehicles and jets stream down France's grandest avenue.
Eiffel Tower fireworksMillions watch the pyrotechnic display from the Trocadéro and the banks of the Seine.
Bal des PompiersFire stations across France open their doors for public dances — a deeply local Bastille Day tradition.
Open-air concertsFree concerts fill parks and public squares from Paris to Marseille throughout the evening.
Coming years
Bastille Day 2028
- Friday 14 July 2028Next event date
Bastille Day 2029
- Saturday 14 July 2029Event date
Bastille Day 2030
- Sunday 14 July 2030Event date