Does anyone have advice for La Fete Nationale? I purposely planned our trip to Paris for the same time, and am really looking forward the festivities. I've heard about the Fireman's ball and located the one closest to where we are staying. What activities (tourist activities or La Fete Nationale activities) are best done on July 14th? We are hoping to see the fireworks from Montmartre, but are open to other places too.
Thank you for any advice!
You won't see much of the fireworks show from Montmartre, unfortunately. The show is designed to be seen from the Trocadero side of the Eiffel Tower. The closer you can get to this area, the better the experience. The show begins with a popular music concert (2.5 hours long) before the fireworks, which begin around 11 PM, if weather permits.
If you have the stamina, you can have an all-day picnic on the Champ de Mars, but better stake out your spot by noon.
Starting at 10 AM, there is a long military parade down the Champs-Elysees which is quite impressive.
Other than that, it's business as normal on 14 July in Paris. Some Metro stations will be closed for security reasons, and some restaurants and stores in the vicinity of the festivities will close, but most things will be open.
