We arrive in Paris at 7:00am on the 14th. I originally planned a walk from the Arc de Triomphe to the Tuileries after lunch (1:00ish) as our hotel is in the 17th and not far from the Arc. We are a party of 6 adults (hubby, 3 adult children and my spry 80 year old mother). Will the Champs Elysees still be packed/blocked off that afternoon making this possible? If so, what other suggestions do you have? We are not "sit in a cafe to people watch" sorts - especially our 3 boys. lol We already have booked most of our activities at major attractions in our brief 4 days in Paris before a river cruise. I thought about l'Orangiere to de'Orsay but they are in the same area we may need to avoid.
Posted by
Chicago
978 posts
One person's opinion....
I remember the military parade going on for a while, and I suspect that it's anyone's guess
how long it will really last. And if you're willing to avoid the Champs Elysees, there are
lots of ways to go to the gardens. Plus the chances of getting your pocket picked go way down.
But, it's a public holiday and you hopefully look at it as an opportunity rather than a hassle.
I'd consider watching some of the parade, just to see something most tourists don't get to
see. Find a Bastille Day party. Take a nap if you want to chance the sleep impact and go
to the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower. It would be a shame to pass on that if you are there.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
I appreciate the response. From what I have read, the parade starts at 11:00 and lasts about an hour. I think we would be really pushing it to make it. May just try the walk and if it is too crowded jump to a parallel street or wander the 17th as I know public transportation is going to be affected to.
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2964 posts
The parade down the Champs Élysées will be completed before noon, the flyby occurs about 10h. The area will be blocked off early and crowds arrive early for access to the best viewing locations. There are plenty activities however throughout the day.
The Orsay is normally closed on Mondays and as 14 July is a Monday this year, not sure about its being open. The Louvre is open. Still the Orsay is on the Left Bank and not directly involved in parade activities.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
The only museum that is open for which we do not already have tickets is l'Orangerie and I am concerned about transportation that day. Thinking of maybe walking down Av Des Ternes instead or maybe just wandering the 17th if we can find some things to do there. I'd rather stick to using our feet that day than even trying public transportation. ;)
Posted by
Franklin, TN
271 posts
The Champs Élysées feeds into the Place de la Concorde which feeds into the Tuileries Gardens which ends at the Louvre! I expect that whole area will be packed! If you don’t want to be in the middle of all that (it would be an adventure for sure) could you make your way over to Montmartre? There is a lot to explore there. Not sure how accessible the Metro or taxis will be from where you are staying on that day. You might have a pretty good walk over but be able to taxi/Metro back. I know there are fireworks and a concert at the Eiffel Tower that night, so I expect that whole area to stay crowded that day.