We're in Paris for Bastille Day. Yay! DH would like to venture out to see the parade. We have info on the timing and route but don't know where the best view might be had. Yes, we know there will be masses of people and security (etc.). But, hey, we're here. Any tips would be much appreciated. Merci!!
Posted by
Paris
2466 posts
The reviewing stands are inaccessible near Concorde.
I'd try to stand somewhere near the "Leon" mussel restaurant. It will be on the shady side of the street, on the Eiffel Tower side.
Posted by
Kenmore, WA
194 posts
Another idea is to skip the land-based parade completely, and get out on one of the bridges. You'll see wave after wave of military aircraft (including jets with red white and blue smoke) flying from northwest to southeast low over the river with the whole city as a backdrop. It's a pretty spectacular site, and much less crowded.
Bonus, you won't be standing for hours in a haze of diesel fumes spewed out by all the military vehicles slowly passing by. Once the air portion is done, jump on a Velib bike and ride down one of the several major arteries within the city that they close to car traffic. That was one of the highlights of our trip a few years ago, riding our bikes the wrong way up the middle of the Rue du Rivoli with not a car in sight!