Due to a change in flights I now find myself flying into Paris early on Bastille Day. Does everything close down for this day or are all the shops,etc open. This is not my first visit but I have 3 days.

Have seen many of the sights, not Palace of Versailles though. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

The Louvre is open (and possbibly free)

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...55C0A961948260

from the Times

Hi ragingregan,

Love your screen name ! Many thanks for your post.Think I will be having a stroll along the Champs Elysees as that sounds where all the action will be and having a bite to eat. As I will be flying in from BKK just thought ? Will there be any Currency exchanges open or should I get some euro at the airport which is the last place I would normally go ?
Thanks.

I will be there on Bastille Day as well. I have told by an ex pat who lives there that one must get to Champs extremely early to secure a place to view the parade. Additionally, much of the area is cordoned off and certain metro stops are closed.

And in the evening try to find one of Le Bals de Pompiers, at the fire stations , a big street party with all those sexy parisiasn firefighters!

http://www.parismarais.com/bastille-...ters-paris.htm

Hi avalon,
I'll be arriving in Paris the 12th. The pictures of Le Bals de Pompiers looks like great fun. Are these held on the night of 13th? or actually pm of 14?. We missed all this activity last year and don't want to again. In refrence to the parade.Get there very early and definately get off Metro early and walk remainder. We were in masses of people trying to get off at last stop. Will not repeat that again. The bus for us and a nice walk.

nicerue, most of them are on both nights. If you go to the following site ans click on liste de bals , it will give you all the dates and locations

http://www.pompiersparis.fr/1407/01.htm

Thanks avalon.......got the info and looks great.

For money just use an ATM at the airport. There will also be fireworks on the 14th. The one thing that may surprise you is that there will be people, mostly teenagers with large firecrackers that they throw. They throw them to the ground within crowds of people. I've seen this in Italy too and wonder how noone seems to get hurt or even notice but noone does.

Paris is jammed on Bastille Day, and check with your hotel to make sure that whatever route and means you were planning to use to get to your hotel is open.

I doubt you'll be able to "stroll" on the Champs Elysees. It is a mob scene.

If I wasn't jet lagged and I got in early, I might check out going to Versailles if they stage a big party.

Versailles would be about the last city in France to celebrate the revolution, no?

Not from my point of view. Finally got the bastards out and our turn to enjoy the gardens.

http://sermeno.com/photo_gallery/tra...lles/index.htm

The Versailles website says they're having fireworks on the 13th, not the 14th, at 23:00.

I have not done it in years, just expect a big party and you will not be disappointed.

For those of us stuck at home, be sure too eat something French on the 14th...even if it's just French Fries (not very french but a good concept).... celebrate in your own way with our friends in France!

Last time I was there on that date (couple years ago), the currency exchange places I saw on the Champs Elysees and other main areas.

I wouldn't try to go to the Louvre, it is an absolute zoo on that day. The Pompidou is better, not as crowded. I've been to the Pantheon on that day also, and it was free, and not too crowded at all (as a lot of folks don't care about that kind of history).

Some of the Bals are only on the night of the 13th, that is the better night -- like the Bal de la mairie is only on the 13th (which is at place de la Bastille). At least, used to be that way, I haven't checked recently.

sorry I left off the first thought -- the currency exchange places I saw were CLOSED in the city.

Thanks everyone for yout thoughts and experiences. Looks like the airport will be the place for exchange till the 15th. " Strolling " does not seem the right word !!! Maybe it should read " packed in like sardines "

Still, there does seem to be lots happening and Paris here I come.