Bastille Day 2023

The celebration really begins the night before, the 13th, with Firemen's Balls at all the firehouses. Fireworks in some towns are on the 13th or at midnight. A lot will be closed on the 14th.

Otherwise, we need more context. Have you found a one-day tour that's running on the 14th? It might be a way to spend the day since the Landing Beaches don't close. Should you drive by yourself? No, too far. Too many restaurants and shops are closed.

We haven’t found a one day tour to Normandy yet. Are you saying the shops and restaurants in and on the way to Normandy will also be closed also?

Rest stops on the autoroute will be open, but most shops in towns will be closed though some food shops may be open in the morning. You’d have to check about restaurants ahead of time. More will be open in Paris.

Just an FYI in your search for info. The French do not refer to it as "Bastille Day." That is a mostly English-speaking country expression. The more common name (in France at least) is "Fête nationale française," or more simply "La Fête Nationale."

This is a good remark from PharmerPhil, Because if you ask French people for a restaurant open on "Bastille day", they will not understand what you are talking about apart from a few exceptions accustomed to the terms used by American tourists.

Even if you say "Fête Nationale" there may be a couple seconds of reflection before your interlocutor understands that you are talking about July 14th.

If you say "14 juillet" (quatorze juillet) you will be instantly understood

This is good to know. Thank you

I loved Bastille Day in Paris! However, be aware that the central metro closes for most of the day and is jam-packed when it reopens. We stayed at a hotel on the same side of town as the Eiffel Tower so we could walk to the parade route, head back to the hotel for a rest, then walk over to the Eiffel Tower for the fireworks. It’s an exciting day to be there if you can swing it.

Thank you! Yes, are looking forward to experience this special day. We are also waking distance to the parade and Eiffel Tower so we plan on following your advice. Thanks!