July 13, 2026 Fireworks Display in Paris: 1,600 Drones, the Eiffel Tower, and the Exact Schedule You Need to Know So You Don’t Miss a Thing
This year, Paris is celebrating its National Day with a big surprise: the July 13 fireworks display officially replaces the traditional show on the 14th. Before you spread out your blanket on the Champ-de-Mars, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the evening without any unpleasant surprises.
Why are the fireworks set off on July 13 instead of July 14, 2026?
The mayor of Paris has decided to move the fireworks display up by 24 hours. The reason is clear: July 14, 2026, will mark the 10th anniversary of the Nice attacks. Thus, this day will remain a time for reflection, free from fireworks and marching bands.
As a result, the July 13 fireworks display has become the main event of the National Day celebrations in Paris. The program, however, remains true to its time-honored traditions: an outdoor concert, fireworks, and dances throughout the city. So the 13th is now the new 14th, and Paris is gearing up for it in a big way.
What’s more, this decision creates a rare and welcome situation: Parisians can go dancing right after the show, since the dances begin as soon as the performance ends, on the very same night of July 13.
The July 13 balls: a rare occasion in Paris
Usually, the dances and the fireworks take place on different nights. This time, the July 13 fireworks show leads right into a night of celebration. Dances, parties, and festivals that stand out—whether for their lineup, venue, or message—deserve to be highlighted rather than the traditional firefighter’s dances.
So, the evening of the 13th promises to be a full one: fireworks at 11 p.m., followed by dancing until the early hours of the morning. This is a first for Paris, and undoubtedly the best reason not to stay home.
The Fireworks Show: Key Figures and Aerial Displays
The July 13 fireworks display will take place, as it does every year, from the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro Gardens. The Champ-de-Mars will be transformed into an open-air auditorium to welcome tens of thousands of spectators. Admission remains free and open to everyone.
The 2026 edition features a record number of 1,600 drones. With their pyrotechnic effects and LEDs, they create 12 aerial displays on a variety of themes: the Seine, the 400th anniversary of the French Navy, and the 70th anniversary of the Paris-Rome sister city partnership. The show runs from 11:00 p.m. to 11:35 p.m. sharp.
- Location: Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro Gardens
- Time: 11:00 p.m. to 11:35 p.m.
- Admission: Free, with enhanced security checks
- Number of drones: 1,600
- Aerial photographs: 12
- TV Broadcast: France 2, france.tv, and France Inter
For those who prefer to avoid the crowds, the July 13 fireworks display will be broadcast live on France 2. This is also an option for residents of the Île-de-France region who are watching from their living rooms.
Viewpoints and restaurants: Be aware of prices and availability
Restaurants with a direct view of the Eiffel Tower, such as Girafe, Ducasse sur Seine, and 10e Ciel, are offering menus priced at at least 450 euros for Bastille Day. What’s more, many have been fully booked for months. So it’s best to plan ahead or look for lesser-known streets to enjoy the view.
Because there are hidden vantage points all over Paris. Some streets offer an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower without the high prices of Michelin-starred restaurants. Finding these spots in advance is still the best strategy for the July 13 fireworks display.
Concerts in Paris and Transportation: How to Plan Your Evening Without Stress
Before the fireworks display, the Concert de Paris kicks off the evening at 9 p.m. at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. The Orchestre National de France, the Radio France Choir, and the Radio France Children’s Choir will accompany international soloists. Radio France, France Télévisions, the City of Paris, and Électron Libre Productions are jointly presenting this event, which will be broadcast live in more than twenty countries.
The program lasts an hour and a half. It concludes with “La Marseillaise,” before the July 13 fireworks display takes over at 11 p.m. The concert can also be watched live on France 2, france.tv, and France Inter for anyone who wants to settle in comfortably at home.
As for transportation, the RATP will close several metro stations starting in the late afternoon around the Champ-de-Mars and Trocadéro areas. It’s a good idea to plan your route in advance and arrive early to find a good spot. However, on July 14, there will be additional closures around the Champs-Élysées for the military parade, which has not been rescheduled. Two evenings, so two separate travel plans to make.
To fully enjoy the July 13 fireworks display without any stress, here’s a simple tip: arrive at the Champ-de-Mars well before 9 p.m., have a Plan B for getting home, and save some energy for the dances that follow later that night.
