The best places to admire the fireworks in Paris

La Rédaction Paris je t'aime - Updated on
A quick round-up of the most strategic places in Paris for the best views of the Bastille Day fireworks display

Exceptionally, the traditional National Day fireworks display will take place on 13 July 2026. This earlier date is part of the commemorations marking the tenth anniversary of the Nice attack on 14 July 2016, in order to preserve the solemnity of the tributes planned for the following day. The fireworks display, as always launched from the Eiffel Tower, promises once again to light up the Parisian sky. As every year, the Champ de Mars is expected to welcome thousands of spectators who come to admire this unmissable summer event, whilst the military parade will go ahead as planned on 14 July 2026.

🎆 Watch the fireworks in Parisian parks

To enjoy the 13 July 2026 fireworks from the front row without spending a penny, the best solution is to arrive early at one of the Parisian parks offering unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower.

The Belleville viewpoint offers a view of the entire city from the top of its hill. This option allows you to get away from the centre of Paris and enjoy a panoramic view of the city skyline, far from the crowds.

🏛️ Watch the fireworks from the top of Paris' monuments

To make sure you get the most out of the magic of the most eagerly awaited fireworks display of the year, why not climb to the top of Paris' monuments? The Sacré Cœur, the banks of the Seine, the lawns of the École Militaire and the Trocadéro esplanade are all places from which you can see the Eiffel Tower and where the atmosphere is guaranteed to be festive! There's only one thing you need to do to enjoy the show: arrive early to get the best seats. The fireworks are worth it!

The best places to watch the fireworks in Paris in pictures

Feu d'artifice 2026 - 13 juillet - Affiche 2026
© Ville de Paris
Aqua Kyoto - Vue sur Tour Eiffel Nuit
© Aqua Kyoto
The Peninsula Paris rooftop 2025 I © Maelle Saliou
The Peninsula Paris rooftop 2025 I © Maelle Saliou
© OTCP - DR
© Antonio Saba
© Canopy by Hilton
Balcon - Rooftop des Galeries Lafayette - Vue sur la tour Eiffel
© Balcon - Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
© Adrien Dirand
© Pley Hotel
© Les Bistrots pas parisiens
© OTCP - Amélie Dupont
© Fotolia - Laurent Davaine

🎉 Terraces and rooftops from which to admire the fireworks display on 13 July 2026

Some Parisian hotels and restaurants offer their guests a spectacular view of Paris from their terraces. Whether green, lounge-style, quiet or more lively, they are the ideal place to admire the fireworks display on 13 July. Far from the crowds gathered on the Champ-de-Mars, they allow you to enjoy all the magic of this unique pyrotechnic display. Sip a drink or share a meal with your partner, family or friends and enjoy a front-row seat for the National Day festivities.

🥂 Here is a selection of spots in Paris from which to watch the fireworks live in Paris.

🌇 You can also check out our selection of summer pop-up terraces and the best rooftops in Paris

📍 Where can you watch the 13 July 2026 fireworks display around Paris and in the Greater Paris area?

Whilst the Champ-de-Mars remains the iconic spot for watching the 13 July 2026 fireworks display, many towns in the Greater Paris area and the inner suburbs also put on their own fireworks displays to mark the National Day. From the banks of the Seine to urban parks, stadiums and esplanades, several towns in the Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne organise annual fireworks displays that can be enjoyed without having to travel into central Paris. An excellent alternative for enjoying the festivities in a more relaxed atmosphere, often accompanied by concerts, open-air dances and family entertainment.

❓Frequently asked questions

Where are the best places to watch the fireworks in Paris?

To watch the fireworks on 13 July 2026 in Paris, there are several locations offering exceptional views of the Eiffel Tower, from where the display is launched. The Champ-de-Mars remains the most iconic spot, but it also attracts the largest crowds. The Trocadéro Gardens, the banks of the Seine, the Bir-Hakeim Bridge, the forecourt of the Montparnasse Tower, and certain Parisian terraces and rooftops are among the best spots to enjoy the fireworks. For a quieter experience, you can also head slightly away from the centre and opt for certain vantage points in Greater Paris.

Where can I watch the fireworks for free in Paris?

You can watch the 13 July 2026 fireworks display for free from many public spaces across the capital. The Champ-de-Mars, the Trocadéro gardens, the banks of the Seine, the bridges crossing the river, and certain esplanades offering an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower allow you to enjoy the show without spending a penny. To get the best spots, it is recommended that you arrive several hours before the festivities begin. The municipalities of Greater Paris also organise free fireworks displays, offering an attractive alternative for those wishing to avoid the crowds in central Paris.

What time is the fireworks display on 14 July 2026 in Paris?

The fireworks display from the Eiffel Tower will begin at 11 p.m. on 13 July 2026 and will last approximately 20 to 25 minutes, until around 11:25 p.m.

Where can you watch the 13 July 2026 fireworks display in Paris on television?

To watch the 13 July 2026 fireworks display in Paris on television, tune in to the following channels:

  • France 2 will broadcast the fireworks display from the Eiffel Tower live at around 11 p.m., just after the Concert de Paris at the Champ-de-Mars

  • The Concert de Paris, orchestrated by the Orchestre National de France and Radio France starting at 9:10 p.m., will also be broadcast on France 2 and on France Inter radio.

  • France 3 will begin its coverage in the afternoon (around 3 p.m.), alongside France 2 for the rest of the festivities.
    You can also watch the fireworks and concert via streaming on the france.tv platform via franceinfo

Why has the fireworks display been brought forward to 13 July 2026?

The fireworks display has been brought forward to 13 July 2026 for a significant commemorative reason: 14 July 2026 marks the tenth anniversary of the Nice attack, which took place on 14 July 2016 on the Promenade des Anglais and claimed the lives of 86 people. The Mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire, in agreement with the President of the Republic, wished for 14 July to be entirely dedicated to reflection and national commemorations in tribute to the victims.

Is access to the Champ-de-Mars free on 13 July?

Entry to the Champ-de-Mars is completely free on the evening of 13 July to watch the fireworks display from the Eiffel Tower. No booking is required. A symphony concert precedes the fireworks display, which is also free to attend. It is advisable to arrive in the late afternoon to secure a good spot and make the most of the atmosphere. To get there, several nearby metro stations, such as Pont de l’Alma, provide easy access to the site, although restrictions on public transport are expected in the evening.

What transport should you take to get to the fireworks?

The RATP is closing stations from 7pm on 13 July, particularly around the Champ-de-Mars. It is advisable to get off at stations further away and walk to the site. The RER C, with the Champ-de-Mars Tour Eiffel stop, remains an option depending on the timetable. You should also plan to walk part of the way back, as trains will be very crowded after the show.

Can you see the fireworks from a cruise on the Seine?

Yes, a cruise on the Seine is one of the most spectacular ways to experience the 13 July 2026 fireworks display and enjoy the atmosphere of this exceptional event. Several companies offer special dinner cruises with a direct view of the fireworks display from the river. Departures are from various Parisian ports, such as the Port de Passy or the Île de la Cité. These cruises are subject to a charge and require advance booking, as places sell out quickly.

Are there fireworks outside Paris on 13 July?

Yes, many towns in Île-de-France organise their own fireworks displays on 13 July, separate from the one at the Eiffel Tower. This is particularly the case in Versailles, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Bobigny, Nanterre and Nogent-sur-Marne. These local festivities are often accompanied by public dances and concerts. A good alternative for families wishing to avoid the Parisian crowds and disruption to public transport.