Bastille Day Fireworks Moved to July 13 in 2026 Out of Respect for Nice Attack Anniversary

Fireworks Rescheduled for Bastille Day Celebrations

According to I am Aileen: In 2026, Paris will host its Bastille Day fireworks on Monday, July 13, rather than the traditional date of July 14. The shift is due to the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack in Nice, a tragedy that deeply impacted the nation. While the fireworks display has moved, France’s National Day-commemorating the storming of the Bastille in 1789-remains officially on July 14.

Event Program

The fireworks and drone show will begin at 11:00 PM and last approximately 20 minutes. Earlier in the evening, at 9:00 PM, the Concert de Paris will take place on the Champ-de-Mars. Spectators can access the main viewing areas for free:

• Champ-de-Mars
• Trocadéro Esplanade

On the day of the fireworks, July 13, 2026, the Eiffel Tower will be closed to visitors but will reopen on July 14. Several metro stations are also scheduled to close, including Trocadéro (Line 9) from 7:00 PM, as well as Champ-de-Mars Tour Eiffel, Bir-Hakeim, École Militaire, Alma-Marceau, Iéna, and Pont de l'Alma.

For those seeking alternative free vantage points to watch the fireworks, options include:

• Place de la Concorde
• Rue Saint-Dominique
• Quai de Grenelle
• Quai Jacques Chirac

Additional views are available from bridges such as:

• Pont de Bir-Hakeim
• Pont de l'Alma
• Pont Alexandre III
• Pont de la Concorde

Hotels with Eiffel Tower views-including Hotel Terrass, Hotel Plaza Athénée Paris, Hotel Raphael, and Shangri-La Paris Hotel-also offer excellent spots to enjoy the festivities.

The concert and fireworks will be broadcast on France 2 and France.tv, allowing those unable to attend in person to still experience the celebratory atmosphere.

This date change highlights the importance France places on commemorating tragic events in its history, such as the Nice attack.

Nevertheless, the government intends to maintain the festive tradition by providing a wide range of opportunities to participate-both on-site and via broadcast. This reflects a desire to balance remembrance with celebration, a key aspect of French culture. As a result, the rescheduling will not diminish the overall observance of France’s National Day, which remains a vital part of the nation’s identity.