July 13 in Paris: Where to Watch the National Day Fireworks?

Launched from the Eiffel Tower, the July 13 fireworks display remains one of the most anticipated spectacles of the year. Every summer, it lights up the Parisian sky and draws hundreds of thousands of spectators. Want to know where to watch the fireworks in Paris for the best experience? From large public parks to hidden-gem terraces, check out our guide to plan your evening.

Why is the Paris fireworks display held on July 13?

To understand how this year’s event is organized, we need to look back at a significant change to the official schedule. Traditionally held on July 14, the capital’s grand fireworks show has been moved up by one day.

This decision by the City of Paris stems from a duty to remember: to honor the victims of the July 14, 2016, attack in Nice. By moving the fireworks display to Tuesday, July 13, the capital allows for a day of national remembrance the following day, while still maintaining the festive and popular celebration of Bastille Day. The schedule remains unchanged: the first fireworks will be launched at exactly 11:00 p.m., immediately following the grand symphonic concert.

The Best Spots to Watch the Fireworks in Paris

To feel the vibrations of each explosion, several public spaces offer a direct view of the monument. However, these spots require careful planning.

The Champ-de-Mars: The large lawn at the foot of the structure is the main gathering place. The experience there is completely immersive, punctuated by the soundtrack of the national concert broadcast live.
The Trocadéro: Located directly across from the monument, the plaza offers the most symmetrical view. However, access is strictly regulated starting in the early afternoon.
The Sacré-Cœur Plaza: This highest point in Montmartre overlooks the Parisian skyline. The monument’s slender silhouette stands out clearly against the zinc-roofed buildings.

Secret Places

If you’re looking to avoid crowded gatherings, regular visitors to the capital tend to prefer riverfront or elevated vantage points.

The Bridges and Banks of the Seine

The Pont des Arts, the Pont de Bir-Hakeim, and the Debilly Footbridge become temporary viewing platforms. The reflection of the blue, white, and red lights on the water adds a striking visual dimension to the spectacle.

Rooftops and elevated terraces

Watching the fireworks from a terrace facing the Eiffel Tower offers a completely different experience. The rooftop of Café de l’Homme is one of the few spots where you can enjoy this spectacle in an intimate setting, with an unobstructed view of the monument, far from the crowds and in the comfort of a gourmet dinner.

Practical Information: Our Tips for a Great Evening

To ensure this event remains a fond memory, here are a few logistical guidelines to keep in mind:

Plan your travel in advance: Starting at 6:00 p.m., the area around the Champ-de-Mars and the Trocadéro will be cordoned off. Several metro stations (including Trocadéro, Passy, and Bir-Hakeim) will close in the late afternoon.
Leave your car at home: Traffic is completely prohibited in the 7th and 16th arrondissements near the venue. Walk the last few kilometers.
Bring what you need: If you’re heading to the public lawns, bring water and arrive before 5 p.m. if you hope to get a seat.
Reserve your table in advance: Finding a restaurant for the July 13 fireworks isn’t something you can wing on the night of the event. Restaurants with unobstructed views operate on reservation only.

Where should I go for dinner to watch the July 13 fireworks?

Combining the comfort of a table with the beauty of the show is the best way to avoid the crowds. But to do that, you have to find the right restaurant facing the Eiffel Tower.

At 11 p.m., the first fireworks rise behind the monument. For about twenty minutes, the tower’s silhouette disappears in turn behind the bursts of light before reappearing against the illuminated sky. Experiencing this moment while seated, a drink in hand, turns the evening into a memorable experience.

The Café de l’Homme Dining Experience

From the terrace of the Café de l’Homme, you can enjoy the show from a prime vantage point, right above the Trocadéro Gardens. The experience combines a dinner of contemporary French cuisine, a direct view of the fireworks, and a musical atmosphere designed to complement this unique evening.

The experience begins in the late afternoon. You walk through the Palais de Chaillot to reach your table as the sun begins to set over the Place du Trocadéro. Champagne is served, the orchestra strikes up its first notes below on the Champ-de-Mars, and the Eiffel Tower lights up. You dine with a view of the tower until the lights dim to make way for the first fireworks display.

The Three Options Available for the Evening

For this July 13th dinner, three experiences have been designed based on the location of your table:

The Paris Experience: Set in our indoor dining room, the wood-paneled decor and large floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to dine with a view of the Eiffel Tower, sheltered from the elements, while enjoying a special gourmet menu.
The Eiffel Experience: Located on our terrace, this option places you right in the heart of the evening’s atmosphere. You’ll enjoy dinner and the sunset with an unobstructed view of the monument.
The Firework Experience: The ultimate spot, front and center on the terrace. Nothing stands between you and the Eiffel Tower. You’ll watch the fireworks from the best vantage point in the capital, accompanied by a signature tasting menu.

Reservations Required: To ensure the highest quality of service, access to the event is by online reservation only through a secure booking system.

Discover the details of our menus and reserve your table at Café de l’Homme.