I will be in Paris on Bastille Day next month. Can anyone give me some details about the events that day? I know that they have a large parade in the morning and fireworks at night -- where are the best spots to watch those events from and how early should I get there? Are cafes, restaurants, and retail stores open that day? Does anyone know anything about the parties that are held the night before at fire stations? Which ones are the best?
Thanks in advance for your help.

Ooooh, that will be so fun! All I get to do is watch the French Waiters Race in NYC
I would think that any spot along the Champs Elysses would be good for watching the parade.
Wish I could be there, have fun for those of us who will be there in spirit~

The parade is in the morning and people line Les Champs Elysees as it marches from le Arc de Triomphe to la Place de la Concorde. At night people gather again at Champ-de-Mars to view the fireworks at le Trocadero. Most bars and clubs host their own celebrations so you will have your pick depending on your location. People gather the evening before to dance in Bastille Sqaure. There's also the Incredible Picnic and it's one of the largest in the world. I know the fire station parties are alot of fun and the firefighters use their uniforms to impress the ladies. Maybe the concierge and other employees at your hotel can lead you to the best local parties. Arrive early for anything you intend to attend. Have a great time. What a wonderful time to be in Paris.

That should be spelled square.

i went to the parade last year on the Champs-Elysees. I would suggest arriving around 730 am if you want to have a place against the barricade. i didnt get there that early so i had nothing to lean on or hold.

As the crowds continued to arrive people kept pushing us closer to the barricade. It was so crowded i could not even lift my camera to my face unless i slid it tightly along my body. It was virtually unbearable but I could not leave as there were about 8 layers of people behind me. I stood in one place for over 3 hours. I thought my legs were going to go out!

The parade was great though. If i had been up front I could have held onto the barricade and also leaned on it and put my legs through it. Plus I would have had no one in front of me. That would have been much more bearable. be sure to take water!