In this article, I am sharing my Parisian selection for you to fully enjoy this Sunday, July 14, 2025. For this celebration day, you will have a choice between firefighters’ balls, fireworks, garden parties… Everyone has their own way of celebrating the National Day!
Sommaire
Free Parisian events for July 14th
The traditional military parade on the Champs-Élysées
This year, the July 14th parade returns to the Champs-Elysées avenue in Paris. For this edition, a triple theme is planned: the army celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Flame Committee under the Arc de Triomphe, in charge of maintaining the Unknown Soldier’s Flame; the 100th anniversary of the Bleuet de France, a symbol of national solidarity; and youth committed to France and France’s strategic partners, with Indonesia as the guest of honor.
Military parade on Friday, July 14, 2025
from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
_
The Louvre Museum is free on July 14th
Like every year, the Louvre Museum will be open, and access to the collections will be free on that day (this is a recurring tip you can keep in mind). It’s the perfect opportunity to tour the most beautiful museum in the world (yes, I am completely objective…)! However, the museum will only be accessible upon reservation (select the date of July 14th, the time of your choice, and then the special “July 14th Day Free Admission” ticket).
Louvre Museum
Monday, July 14, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Free entry for all upon reservation only
_
A free ballet at the Paris Opera
Ballet lovers will head to the Paris Opera, which is giving a free performance of Rudolf Nureyev’s Sleeping Beauty at the Opéra Bastille. Please note, however, that since 2015, the free July 14th performance at the Opera is reserved exclusively for beneficiaries of partner associations.
Free performance of Rudolf Nureyev’s Sleeping Beauty
Monday, July 14, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.
Opéra Bastille
_
The Popular Balls of July 14th
The last must-do of the July 14th festivities are the popular balls where you can dance until dawn. A good dozen Parisian fire stations open their doors to the public on Thursday, and especially on Friday, with orchestras to celebrate in a festive mood. Outdoors in the station courtyards or by the water, you just have to choose your district! Be careful, these parties, often free or very inexpensive, are very popular with Parisians, so arrive early to avoid spending your evening standing in line on the sidewalk.
Balls on July 12, 13, and 14
from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., entry depends on the fire station
_
The July 14th Fireworks
The fireworks will be launched from the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro gardens. A sound and light show that will feature a “Brazil” theme this year with 1,000 drones. To enjoy the show in the best conditions, head towards the Champs-de-Mars-Eiffel Tower or the Parvis des Droits de l’Homme. To top off the National Day in style, the Orchestre National de France, the Maîtrise, and the Radio France Choir are also organizing a grand symphonic concert on Monday, July 14, 2025, starting at 9 p.m. (see below).
July 14th Fireworks in Paris
Monday, July 14, 2025, from 11 p.m. to 11:35 p.m.
_
The grand classical music concert of July 14th at the Champs de Mars
Once again this year, the Orchestre National de France, the Radio France Choir, and the Maîtrise propose an entirely free and particularly original concert to introduce the grand July 14th fireworks display. The symphonic concert will be held once again this year on the Champ-de-Mars. It is free, does not require reservations, and can also be followed live on France 2.
Grand classical music concert July 14th
Monday, July 14, 2025 from 9 p.m.
Champ-de-Mars, Paris
_
The Garden Party at the Longchamp Racecourse
For an elegant National Day, join us on Sunday, July 13th, in the 16th arrondissement at the Longchamp Racecourse for their Garden Party. On the program: horse racing, daytime activities for the little ones, and a DJ set by Trinix as the headliner.
Garden Party at the Longchamp Racecourse
Sunday, July 13, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., free admission
The best spots for July 14th
Mama Shelter La Défense
For the French National Day, Mama Shelter La Défense (which I mentioned in a previous article) is wearing the colors of France. On the program: a menu inspired by traditional French cuisine and musical entertainment. On July 14th, for the early birds, it will be possible to enjoy breakfast in the company of the Patrouille de France. For lunch, Mama Shelter offers a gargantuan brunch for young and old (price €46 per person). The little extra? The terrace opens its doors and invites you to dance under the colorful flashes of the fireworks to the rhythm of a nightly DJ set.
Mama Shelter La Défense
10 Rue Jean Jaurès, 92800 Puteaux
_
TOO Hôtel
Located in the heart of the 13th arrondissement, the TOO Hôtel, its panoramic restaurant, and its electric skybar invite Parisians and travelers from all over the world to admire the essential July 14th fireworks from over 100 meters high!
TOO Hotel
65 Rue Bruneseau, 75013 Paris
_
Skybar at the Hôtel Pullman Montparnasse
For July 14th, the Skybar offers two experiences to enjoy on its rooftop, 115 meters above Paris: an experience with a unique food & cocktail pairing menu with seating facing the Eiffel Tower for the fireworks (€350 per person) or “Festive time,” non-reserved access to the terrace with a glass of Champagne (€80 per person) starting at 10 p.m.
Skybar at the Hôtel Pullman Montparnasse
19 Rue du Commandant René Mouchotte, 75014 Paris
Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez and Melle Bon Plan Photos are not royalty-free, photographer authorization is mandatory before any use
