Fête Nationale 2026: Historic Paris Firefighters’ Ball at the Montmartre Fire Station

The Caserne Montmartre invites everyone to dance the night away at its annual firefighters’ ball, held on the occasion of the national celebration, on the night of July 14–15, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. It’s one of France’s most beloved and widely shared traditions: each year, to mark the Bastille’s 1789 storming, Parisians and residents of Île-de-France gather to dance and sing, among the Paris firefighters.

And this is no ordinary ball, since the tradition of the firefighters’ ball has its roots in this fire station in the 18th arrondissement. In fact, the first firefighters’ ball is said to have taken place, according to the Paris Fire Brigade site, on July 14, 1937 at Caserne Montmartre, initiated by Sergeant Cournet.

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The tale goes that Montmartre’s firefighters, back from the military parade, were followed by locals eager to celebrate Bastille Day. In Paris, several fire stations are opening their doors to the public on July 13 and 14. But Montmartre’s event will carry a whiff of history, right in the heart of one of the capital’s most beautiful districts. On the program, as always, music, a bar, firefighters, and plenty to make for an unforgettable evening!

For safety reasons, the organizers reserve the right of access to this ball. Admission is free, and the traditional "tonneau" will be available to receive donations.

National Day: Firefighters’ Ball and community dances on July 13 and 14, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France
Looking for a night out on July 12, 13 and 14, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France? Discover the popular dances and firefighters’ balls waiting for you for the National Holiday, a chance to enjoy before or after the fireworks and dance the night away. Let’s party! [Read more]

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