National Day 2026 in Mantes-la-Jolie (78): fireworks canceled, but picnics and a brass band will go ahead.

The town of Mantes-la-Jolie is hosting a big, family-friendly evening to mark Bastille Day 2026. On the agenda: a picnic and games, glow sticks handed out, despite the fireworks being canceled, to take place on July 13.

Due to red vigilance for canine health issues, the risk of fire, and a prefectural order prohibiting fireworks in Yvelines, the town of Mantes-la-Jolie has decided to cancel the planned fireworks for Monday, July 13.

However, the events scheduled at Square Brieussel-Bourgeois will go ahead, and residents can look forward to a convivial gathering for Bastille Day.

⟪ At the program ⟫

7:00 PM to 10:00 PM: open-air picnic and family-friendly activity stations

9:00 PM to 10:00 PM: glow sticks handed out

10:15 PM to 10:50 PM: musical promenade with the DrumTeam drum troupe, from Square Brieussel-Bourgeois toward the Place du Cœur, in a festive, family-friendly vibe.

This decision, made in the context of exceptional weather conditions, is primarily aimed at ensuring everyone’s safety.

Did you know? The town of Mantes-la-Jolie has long been a favorite retreat for several French monarchs. Its name comes from Henri IV, who, during a visit, wrote to his mistress Gabrielle d’Estrées: "I am in Mantes, my pretty". Cute, right? Its strategic location and its crossroads between river and land routes have made it a bustling hub of trade and exchange.

Each year, for the National Holiday, Mantes-la-Jolie opens its doors to residents and curious visitors with a fireworks show along the Seine that kicks off with a big picnic and games in the Square Brieussel-Bourgeois. It’s a chance to gather with family or friends before heading off together to the rhythm of a blistering batucada. The evening then continues with the traditional fireworks launched on the Seine, but beforehand there’s a distribution of glow sticks!

This year once again, the city’s many celebrations are taking place on Sunday 13 July 2026, not July 14, the official National Day. Make sure you don’t mix up the date! Here’s the evening’s program.

The 2026 Bastille Day program in Mantes-la-Jolie

7pm to 10pm: Picnic and play workshops | Square Brieussel-Bourgeois
From 9pm to 10pm, look for the distribution of glow sticks in Square Brieussel-Bourgeois.
From 10:15pm to 10:50pm, the musical promenade departs from Square Brieussel-Bourgeois toward the banks of the Seine, looping through Place du Cœur, in a very festive atmosphere with DrumTeam, a high-energy batucada!
At 11pm, the fireworks will light up the riverside — along the banks of the Seine

Happy Bastille Day 2026 to one and all!

Bastille Day: Fireworks on July 13 and 14, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France
La Fête Nationale is celebrated in France on July 14, and for the occasion, the Île-de-France region is gearing up for the festivities. In Paris and the Île-de-France region, a rich lineup of celebrations awaits you on July 13 and 14, 2026, including the traditional fireworks displays. So, where to watch fireworks in the Paris region for National Day? Here is the schedule in the various cities of Île-de-France. [Read more]