Where to Watch Bastille Day Fireworks in Paris, France (2026)
The Bastille Day Fireworks Show on the 14th of July is a grand event that must not be missed during the French National Day celebrations (Bastille Day / La Fête Nationale) in Paris, France! However, for 2026, there is one important change to know: the Eiffel Tower fireworks will take place on Monday, July 13, 2026, instead of the usual July 14. (Bastille Day Fireworks)
Starting at 11:00PM, the sky around the Eiffel Tower will light up with a spectacular fireworks and drone show lasting around 20 minutes. The display is launched from the Eiffel Tower and around the monument, with lights, lasers, drones, and pyrotechnics creating one of the most iconic summer spectacles in Paris.
France’s National Day itself remains July 14, commemorating both the Storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the Fête de la Fédération in 1790. However, in 2026, Paris has moved the evening fireworks and concert to July 13 so that July 14 can be dedicated to national remembrance for the 10th anniversary of the Nice attack. Of course, many other cities and towns across France also hold fireworks and festivities for the French National Day, but Paris is still one of the most memorable places to experience it for the first time — especially with the Eiffel Tower as the centerpiece.
» READ: Things to Do on Bastille Day
Come and check out this list of the top things to do in Paris which features the best activities and tours to do in and out of the city!
Given the significance of the event, the Paris fireworks attract huge crowds every year. If you want to watch the show in person, you need to plan ahead, arrive early, and expect security checks, road closures, and very busy public transport.
For 2026, the main public viewing areas are Champ-de-Mars and the Trocadéro Esplanade. Both are FREE to access, but they fill up quickly. The Concert de Paris begins at Champ-de-Mars around 9:00PM, followed by the fireworks and drone show at 11:00PM.
Important: the Eiffel Tower will be closed to visitors all day on July 13, 2026, while preparations are underway. It will reopen on July 14, 2026.
The best spot depends on the kind of experience you want. Champ-de-Mars is ideal if you want the concert atmosphere, while Trocadéro gives one of the most complete views of the Eiffel Tower fireworks display. Rest assured, there are also several other spots around Paris where you can enjoy the show from a little farther away!
Best Spots for Bastille Day Fireworks
» Champ de Mars
(FREE) Champ-de-Mars is one of the classic places to watch the Paris fireworks because it sits right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. For 2026, this is also where you can attend the Concert de Paris before the fireworks show — the concert usually begins around 9:00PM and features the Orchestre National de France, the Radio France Choir, and invited soloists. After the concert, the fireworks and drone show starts at 11:00PM.
This is the best option if you want the full festive atmosphere: picnic blankets, music, crowds, and the Eiffel Tower right in front of you. However, it is also one of the most crowded spots in the city, so arrive in the late afternoon if you want a good place.
Nearby metro: Champ de Mars / Tour Eiffel on line RER C, Ecole Militaire on Line 8, or Bir-Hakeim on Line 6.
TIP: Do not rely only on the nearest metro or RER stations. For 2026, several nearby stations are scheduled to close in the afternoon or evening, including Champ-de-Mars Tour Eiffel, Bir-Hakeim, École Militaire, Trocadéro, Alma-Marceau, Iéna, and Pont de l’Alma. Check the latest RATP updates before going and expect to walk part of the way.
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» Any cruise along the Seine River
($$) The next best thing you can do — especially if budget isn’t an issue for you — is to book a river boat cruise that goes along the Seine river.
Many cruise companies offer special Bastille Day fireworks packages with dinner, drinks, or extended sailing times. The boat usually cruises along the Seine before stopping in a good viewing position near the Eiffel Tower when the fireworks begin.
For 2026, make sure you are booking a July 13 fireworks cruise, not July 14. These special cruises sell out early, so reserve well in advance and double-check the boarding time, port location, cancellation policy, and whether the boat has an open-air viewing deck.
Some of the providers you can book from are: Bateaux Mouches, Vedettes de Paris, PARISCityVISION, and Bateaux Parisiens.
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» Montparnasse Tower
This is a tall office tower that’s close to the Eiffel, and it offers a great panoramic view that’s perfect for viewing the Bastille Day Fireworks.
($) Unfortunately, the viewing deck here is usually closed before the start of the fireworks display. If it does open in some years, you will have to fight with the crowd, apart from paying an entrance fee (around 13 EUR).
($$$) That’s why if you’re willing to pay a bit more while enjoying a nice dinner, you can book a table by the window at Ciel de Paris that’s located on the 56th floor of the tower (best to reserve weeks or even months in advance!)
UPDATE: The Paris Montparnasse Observatory closed to the public on March 31, 2026, due to a major renovation project, and the closure is expected to last several years. Because of this, the observation deck is not a reliable option for watching the July 13, 2026 fireworks. The former Ciel de Paris restaurant, which used to be a popular panoramic dining option inside the tower, has also closed. For a paid view with dinner, look ins
Nearby metro: Paris Montparnasse on Line 6.
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» A terrace restaurant
($$$) Several terrace restaurants offer a great view of the Bastille Day Fireworks up close, namely: Les Ombres, Monsieur Bleu, Maison Blanche, Gigi Rigolatto Paris, Girafe Paris, and hotel rooftop restaurants with direct or partial Eiffel Tower views — but naturally, you need to book as early as possible. These spots are expensive and fill up fast around the French National Day celebrations!
Before booking, ask the restaurant directly whether your table will actually have a fireworks view. A restaurant may advertise an Eiffel Tower view, but that does not always mean every table has a clear view of the show. Also confirm the date carefully: for 2026, the Paris fireworks are on July 13, not July 14.
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» The balcony of your Parisian friend’s house or your hotel
(FREE) If you’ve got a pal living in Paris and who has an apartment with a good view of the Eiffel Tower, then this makes it all easier, of course! But if you don’t know anyone there, maybe try Couchsurfing to see if there are any hosts who are nearby that are willing to take you in?
($$ – $$$) Otherwise, if you’re going to book your own accommodation, consider these hotels that have really good rooftop views: Hotel Terrass, Hotel Plaza Athénée Paris, Hotel Raphael, and Shangri-La Paris Hotel.
Hotels often charge premium rates around this period, so book early and confirm the view before paying. Do not just rely on phrases like “Paris view” or “city view” — ask specifically whether the room, rooftop, or terrace faces the Eiffel Tower.
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» One of the bridges crossing the River Seine
(FREE) If you can’t be on Champ de Mars nor on a river cruise, then the next best thing you can do is save a spot in one of the nearby bridges that cross over the River Seine.
Some of the best bridge options include Pont de Bir-Hakeim, Pont de l’Alma, Pont Alexandre III, and Pont de la Concorde. These give you different angles of the Eiffel Tower and the river, but expect crowds, blocked areas, and security controls.
When I celebrated Bastille Day in Paris, I watched from Pont de l’Alma. It was not the straight-on view you get from Champ-de-Mars, but it still gave me a memorable side view of the Eiffel Tower and the fireworks.
Transport note: Pont de l’Alma and several nearby stations may close in the evening, so plan your arrival and exit route before going.
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» Boulevard Pasteur
Photo by: LPLT / Wikimedia Commons (CC License)
(FREE) I read somewhere online about how someone found a nice spot over at the corner of Boulevard Vaugirard and Boulevard Pasteur in the Montparnasse neighborhood. Apparently, it’s a street that goes a bit downhill, so it gives a pretty good view of the Eiffel Tower during the Bastille Day Fireworks no matter what part of the street you ended up standing on.
Over the years, though, it’s not so much of a ‘secret spot’ anymore, so there will be people — BUT, probably not as many as the other areas (yet). That being said, go and give it a try! (It’s best to verify days before and not on the celebration day itself to avoid any disappointments.
Nearby metro: Pasteur on Line 6.
Other options are: Avenue de Camoens and Rue Le Tasse . They will not give you the same immersive experience as Champ-de-Mars or Trocadéro, but they can work well if you want a more photographic city-view angle.
Other possible free viewpoints include Place de la Concorde, Rue Saint-Dominique, Quai de Grenelle, Quai Jacques Chirac, and some open points along the Seine.
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» Trocadéro
(FREE) Trocadéro is one of the best places to watch the Eiffel Tower fireworks if you want a dramatic, front-facing view of the tower.
In fact, the official Eiffel Tower website describes the Trocadéro Esplanade as one of the best spots for the full experience because you can see the tower, the lights, the drones, and the fireworks display together. The downside is obvious: it gets extremely crowded, and leaving after the show can be slow and stressful.
If you choose Trocadéro, arrive very early, bring only what you need, and prepare for security checks. Also note that Trocadéro metro station is scheduled to close from 7:00 PM on July 13, 2026, so plan to walk from a farther station.
Nearby metro: Trocadéro on Line 9.
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» Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur Basilica
(FREE) Montmartre will give you great panoramic views of Paris from afar. HOWEVER, take heed of the word ‘afar’ in my sentence because even if you get a good spot here in Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and the fireworks display will be very small in your vision.
Additionally, you won’t hear much of the accompanying music, so make this as a last resort if you can’t go to any of the former places that I’ve mentioned.
Nearby metro: Anvers on Line 2.
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» Parc de Belleville
(FREE) This park is located on the hill of Belleville, so it is also a great vantage point for overlooking the whole of Paris.
Like Montmartre, though, Belleville is far from the Eiffel Tower. You may see the fireworks in the distance, but you will not get the full music-and-light experience. Consider it a relaxed neighborhood option rather than the best place for first-time visitors who want the classic Bastille Day fireworks view.
Nearby metro: Couronnes on Line 2.
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» A last alternative…
There is a special kind of joy in watching the Paris fireworks in person, surrounded by the crowd and the summer energy of the city. But if you cannot make it to the viewing areas, or if the crowds and transport closures feel like too much, you can still watch the show live.
For 2026, the Concert de Paris and the Eiffel Tower fireworks are expected to be broadcast live on France 2, with streaming and replay available through France.tv.
This is also a good option for families, travelers with mobility concerns, or anyone who wants to avoid the post-fireworks rush on public transport.
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Come and check out my list of the ‘Best Hotels in Paris’ which features the top recommended choices for cheap to luxurious accommodation choices.
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Overall
The fireworks display is one of the many great ways to celebrate the French National Day!
Once again, remember to check closures before going since many nearby stations close from the afternoon or evening on July 13, 2026.
If you want to learn more about Bastille Day and see the other things that you can do during this special day, come check out my article below:
» READ:Things to Do in Bastille Day
