Bastille Day In Paris - 14th July

Bastille Day, the 14th July, is a national holiday in France. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille and the beginning of the French Revolution. It's great to be in France for this day, especially in Paris, as there are many celebrations taking place throughout the country.

The day starts at around 10am with a military parade on the Champs-Elysees. Jets fly overhead while the parade takes place. The parade starts at the Arc de Triomphe and then heads to the Place de la Concorde. The President leads the parade which also include members of the Foreign Legion and the Fire Brigade. You have to be VERY early to get a good spot and, depending how interested you are in the military, it is probably worth it.

Many attractions throughout the city are free on this day, including the Louvre and many other museums. If you're not interested in the parade then go straight to your favourite museum and get in ahead of the crowds.

Later in the evening, don't miss the fireworks at the Champ-de-Mars. They start at around 11pm but people start gathering at lunchtime. If you are going to go early then don't forget plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. You can see the fireworks from a number of places and the most popular is the Palais du Chaillot. If you are like me and can't stand crowds then try either the Pont de l'Alma (although this will still be quite crowded) or the Pont Alexandre III, near the Invalides.

If you want to take photos of the fireworks then I suggest you visit the Digital Photography School for tips on how to get the best shots.