Bastille Day

The Louvre, Musée D’Orsay and Versailles Palace are all open on Bastille Day, as are many other attractions. Restaurants generally are open. as are food stores. Because of the crowds out & about, it’s best to make restaurant reservations if you’ll be dining out.

Usually all of the tourist sites are open on 14th July along with restaurants. Clothing stores may be closed but, at least around me, even the grocery stores are open at least through the morning. July 15th can be more of a challenge but still tourist sites are typically open. It's fun to be in France for their national holiday! I hope you enjoy your visit!

I sent an email to the Musée d'Orsay to see if they would be open this Bastille Day 7/14/2025 since it is a Monday and they responded say no, they are always closed on Monday's regardless of if it is a holiday.

Just a heads up, the French call 14 juillet " La Fête Nationale and all the French people I know think it's goofy that Americans call it "Bastille Day." In France, I'd be sure and say bonne fête nationale.

There is no single national rule regarding whether or not cafes, restaurants, museums, etc., are open on July 14th.
But there will be enough cafes and restaurants open to feed you.

The usual July 14th festivities (balls, concerts, fireworks) may be on July 13th, depending on the city.

However, July 14th will be a Monday, and on Mondays some small businesses (bakeries, butchers, etc.) are closed anyway.

Just as StellaB told you, Bastille Day is not the term used in France. Except for some of the staff working in tourism with Americans, 99% of the French people you'll meet won't know what you mean by "Bastille Day".

We enjoyed 14July2024 in Colmar.
Markets like Carrefour closed at 1300.
Many of the restaurants/cafes were closed.
We were lucky to get some shopping in and had dinner at our rental apartment.

The Louvre was free on Bastille day in the past. Dont know about recently.