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Bastille Day Week 2008 in Paris

Posted by (Toledo, Ohio, USA) on

We are making our first trip to Paris starting July 12 this year and, of course, we are just tickled and excited about our trip. As you can tell we will be arriving in Paris the Saturday before the Monday Bastille Day celebrations. Any tips about how best to celebrate the events for that weekend that are non-touristy?

Also, we will be staying at the Hotel Terrass in Montmartre during our stay. My thought, when we originally booked our trip, is that since we are walkers we can pretty much walk the city from Montmartre if we so choose. My understanding is that all in all things appeared to be within ten miles of everything else. Is that realistic, walking the city? Is it safe to walk the city at night?

Finally, does anyone have any recommendations for Montmartre in terms of eating and entertainment that are reasonably priced and non-touristy?

Thanks!

Posted by
14 posts

Sorry, some of my questions are answered in this thread.

I should have done a better search before posting. But any responses to the remaining questions would be helpful.

Thanks.

Posted by
14 posts

Just bumping this up to see if anyone with info might respond regarding Bastille Day weekend events prior to Bastille Day itself. Thanks.

Posted by
506 posts

Fête nationale du 14 juillet (it is not referred to as Bastille Day) will be nice this year.

The annual Fireman's Ball will be Sunday nite (13th) and typically involves a great deal of celebration at various locations. This is an annual fundraiser for all the fire stations.

Parade on the Champs-Elysées will require a bit of commitment - you will need to arrive early and I suggest water and chairs. Typically the parade lasts for several hours.

Arc de Triomphe will be closed the morning of the 14th until after the parade.

Fireworks from the Champs de Mars and Champs-Elysées are expected. Many Parisians choose not to be amongst the insanity (much like Time Square in NYC on New Year's Eve) and have dinner with friends and then walk to a location to watch the fireworks. (Sorry - I cannot divulge this secret because I must ensure my own spot ;) - but I recommend several bridges along the Seine).

Regarding your other items. I walk the city daily. Good shoes will always help. Bring a bit of Arnica Gel (a Whole Foods or natural food store) - great instant pain relief after a long walking day. Safety at night - I have little trouble walking at night - alone. There are areas that can be questionable - but are no different than any big city. But then I also speak French. Get a map - plan your route - and please don't do what I witnessed last night - Amercians so drunk on the Metro that they had no clue where they were. Just asking for trouble. In this case - I got them a taxis and sent them to their hotel. This too will help in your overall safety.

Posted by
82 posts

Are the fireworks on the night of the 13th or 14th?
We will be in Paris the 13th and leave early a.m. on the 14th for Avignon via TGV. It would be nice to see fireworks if there are any!

Posted by
11507 posts

Thank you Jona, for looking after the drunk tourists, I wonder if they can remember how lucky they were!

Jona, is it really no longer called "Bastille Day" when did this change, that is how I knew it to be.

Posted by
14 posts

Are the July 13 dances hosted by each arrondisment fire department? Are they free? Are non-Parisians welcome at them?

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