July 14th is a festive day in France: it's the Fête Nationale. In Paris, the day promises to be a busy one: from the military parade down theChamps-Elysées to the popular balls and other entertainment, the capital is in the mood for a party. As night falls, Parisians and tourists alike gather to watch the highlight of the show: the traditional fire works display from the Eiffel Tower.
So here you are, looking for a spot to admire this pyrotechnic show! If you don't have the budget to go to a terrace with an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower, you can enjoy the show free of charge by visiting places that offer a beautiful view of our Iron Lady. But where are they?
WARNING: This year’s fireworks display has been unusually brought forward to July 13, 2026:
Bastille Day 2026 in Paris: The Eiffel Tower fireworks won’t be set off on July 14.
The traditional Eiffel Tower fireworks display will not take place on the evening of July 14 as usual, but on the day before, July 13, 2026. [Read more]
The most obvious is the Champs de Mars, the park that lies directly at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. But don't forget to get there well in advance, so you can sit back and enjoy a picnic.
Don't forget the streets overlooking the Eiffel Tower: rue Saint-Dominique in the 7ᵉ arrondissement comes to mind, as does avenue de Camoëns, in the 16ᵉ arrondissement, with its wildly charming staircase that plunges us into a scene worthy of a fine film. In the same district, the corner between rue de l'Amiral Hamelin and rue Galillée also offers a lovely vantage point. We're also thinking ofAvenue du Maine and Place de la Catalogne in the 14ᵉ or rue des Pyrénées in the 19e.
And what would you say to witnessing this scene... from the Seine? If your wallet doesn't allow you to cruise the Seine for the occasion, there are plenty of places to watch the fireworks from on the banks of the river: the Quai Branly, as well as the bridges of Bir-hakeim,Alexandre III, des Invalides and Grenelle all offer idyllic settings for watching the July 14th fireworks in Paris.
There are several high points from which you can admire the fireworks from the Eiffel Tower, a little further away though, but with small binoculars, you'll be safe. Think of the Terrasse du Fécheray in Suresnes on Mont Valérien, overlooking the capital. The Passerelle de l'Avre in Saint-Cloud also offers a breathtaking view of our beautiful Iron Lady.
Another good idea is the terrace of the Meudon Observatory. This historic site, built in 1876 and home to many CNRS laboratories, is exceptionally open after 8 p.m. to allow us to admire the fireworks.
And what's your spot?
Dates and Opening Time
On July 13, 2026
Prices
Free
Bastille Day 2026 in Paris: The Eiffel Tower fireworks won’t be set off on July 14.
