Paris on Bastille Day: Alternatives to Les Crowds & L'Oontz-Oontz-Oontz?
June 21, 2013 10:31 PM   Subscribe

What are some alternatives to the large-scale celebrations of Bastille Day in/around Paris?

Really looking forward to the five days I'll be spending in Paris in mid-July with my fiancee. First time to France for both of us (Americans, late 30s).

While we view the fact that we'll be there over Bastille Day as a bonus, certain features of major holidays in major cities aren't really our style: parades, giant elbow-to-elbow crowds, huge sound systems, fireworks shows, etc. We're not opposed to celebrating--we like to eat, drink, and laugh around other people--but we'd never go to Bourbon Street for Mardi Gras or Times Square for New Year's Eve, for example.

The problem: our hotel is right on the equivalent of Times Square. So while we definitely want to go out on Bastille Day, we'd like to find a different place to celebrate, where the sensory overload is dialed back a bit (e.g., dozens of people instead of thousands, not having to yell above the noise to have a conversation). Though not "quiet" or "private" per se... but more "interesting" than "spectacular." Quirky, kitschy, and unique are welcome, and we're not opposed to a long ride to our destination (even outside of Paris would be fine for the right place). Maybe even a trip to a small town or rural area to see how they celebrate?

Is this a possibility in the City of Light on Bastille Day, or am I trying to avoid sand in the desert here?
posted by Rykey to Travel & Transportation around Paris, France (3 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
We took a blanket and a picnic to the Champ de Mars a couple of years ago on Bastille Day - and it was fun. While there were other picnickers around it was laid back. Other, similar parks not in the city center nor near the Eiffel Tower should be less crowded.
posted by hapax_legomenon at 11:25 PM on June 21, 2013


we'll also be in Paris for Bastille Day, this question could not have come at a better time! What I have read is that for the fireworks show in the evening to just find a bridge and enjoy them from there. You don't have to be at the Eiffel Tower or Champs de Mars to have a good view.
posted by alchemist at 1:09 AM on June 22, 2013


You might enjoy the traditional Firemen's Balls (bal des pompiers - not as lewd as it sounds) that are held on either the night of July 13th or the night of July 14th, or both.

If you want to see the fireworks over the Eiffel Tower, you can find many nice spots along the banks of the Seine or on the bridges crossing it. It'll be more or less crowded depending on the weather (and the bridge).
posted by Paris Elk at 5:25 AM on June 22, 2013


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