Bastille Day
 

Visiting Paris in July, having 8 full days to enjoy the "City of Lights". One of those days happens to fall on Bastille Day. Besides watching the parade, fireworks, going to balls, and other festive stuff, what else is open or are you able to do on the French Independence Day?

Most shops are closed, so just enjoy a different kind of Paris. Have a blast the night before, then get crushed in the Metro or on the blocked off streets going to the parade. Make sure you have a look at the Champs Elysees, as the flag-lined boulevard is very impressive.

ttt

It's similar to a Sunday feeling, more or less. There are some museums and monuments/tourist things open. You can always walk around as tourists do any other day, stroll in the parks, you can bet some of the tourist shops will probably be open, anyway. Basically, you can do almost anything as any other day, except major stores won't be open, and everyone is on holiay so things may be crowded.

Last year we spent the day wandering around Montmartre, and in the evening ate at a restaurant I had previously booked, then on the way to the fireworks we got distracted by a street party in Rue Mouffetard, and didn't get any further! Great fun!

Have a great time!