Eiffel Tower Fireworks – Best viewing spots, time, & more! 

The Eiffel Tower hosts a spectacular fireworks display each year on the 14th of July to celebrate France’s Independence Day, commonly known as Bastille Day. 

This event of Eiffel Tower Fireworks is also known as the Bastille Day Fireworks, attracting millions of tourists worldwide to witness this breathtaking spectacle. 

For those planning to attend and enjoy the fireworks, it’s essential to have information about what to expect, the perfect time to visit, and other relevant details. 

Read further to learn more about the Eiffel Tower fireworks in detail, the best spots to watch the fireworks, and how you can spend your day to make it the most memorable.

Date and Timings for the Eiffel Tower Fireworks

The Eiffel Tower fireworks are conducted on the 14th of July every year at 11 pm and continue for 35 minutes. 

Before the show, a musical concert by the French National Orchestra is organized on Champ de Mars at 9 pm. 

The Eiffel Tower fireworks 2023 began with a concert performed by the Orchestre National de France, the Maîtrise, and the Choeur de Radio France in Champ de Mars at the foot of the Tower. 

The Eiffel Tower remains closed for the entire day of the 14th of July to prepare for this grand celebration and opens the next day, on the 15th, at 2 pm. 

Only limited Eiffel Tower tickets are available for the 15th of July; hence, we recommend you purchase your tickets online.

What should you wear to the Bastille Day Fireworks Show?

Bastille Day is the French National holiday celebrated on the 14th of July every year to commemorate the Fête de la Fédération from 1790. 

It celebrates the French nation’s unity; hence, wearing clothes that symbolize France’s values is recommended. 

Locals usually give up their neutral clothes on this day and instead wear red, blue, and white, as these colors belong to the French flag. 

Some people also paint their faces with these colors. Locals also wear simple black and white striped clothing on this day.

We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes like flats or sneakers since you may not get much place to rest around Eiffel Tower due to the crowds.

Where Are the Best Spots to Watch the Eiffel Tower Firework

There are many famous spots from where you can view the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower. Some of the best spots to view the fireworks are:

Champ de Mars Garden

The Champ de Mars Garden offers the closest view of the Eiffel Tower and the fireworks, as it is located at the foot of the Tower. 

Many tourists gather here to view the light shows, as a musical concert begins at 9 pm and is conducted in the garden before every fireworks show.

Don’t get confused between Eiffel Tower Light show and Eiffel Tower FIreworks.

The Light Show at the Eiffel Tower takes place every evening after sunset. However, the Eiffel Tower Fireworks occur only once a year on a specific day.

Trocadero Garden

The Trocadero Garden is another spot that offers a clear view of the Eiffel Tower fireworks show. 

The garden is behind the Eiffel Tower, so visitors gathering here to see the fireworks will see them from a completely different perspective.

The Seine River

The Seine River flows beside the Eiffel Tower and offers the most spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower fireworks happening every year. 

You can enjoy a dinner on the Seine River cruise and watch the fireworks from a comfortable, non-crowded cruise. 

Visitors riding this cruise can view the lights from close up and far away and see many new perspectives of the Eiffel Tower on the 14th of July. 

Since the cruise stops at the Eiffel Tower during the fireworks show, you can also hear all the music played at the show. 

You can also book a cruise special dinner options to celebrate Bastille Day with the most authentic French delicacies. 

We highly recommend this option for those traveling with kids and those who cannot stand in crowded places for a long time.

Learn more about Eiffel Tower Seine River Cruises.

Sacre Coeur Basilica

The Sacre Coeur Basilica steps is another well-known spot for tourists to watch the Eiffel Tower fireworks on the 14th of July every year. 

It is located away from the Eiffel Tower; hence, it offers a complete view of the Tower with the sparkling fireworks from a distance. 

The steps get crowded early in the evening; hence, arriving an hour before the fireworks shows begins is best.

Montparnasse Tower

The Montparnasse Tower is a famous tourist spot that offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Paris and the fireworks show. 

Visitors who still want to watch the fireworks from this location can book a dinner at the Montparnasse Tower to view the show at 11 pm, as the observation deck closes before the show begins.

Tips to Watch the Fireworks at the Eiffel Tower

• Arrive 2 or 3 hours before at your chosen spot for the Bastille Day fireworks shows since Paris is crowded on this national holiday. 
  
  
• Carry along portable seating if you can, as there is little space to sit because of the crowd. 
  
  
• The Eiffel Tower will remain closed on the 14th of July; hence, you can book your visit on the 15th of July from 2 pm. Book online to ensure you get in. 
  
  
• Bring along water, snacks, and other necessities like medication since finding open stores and refreshments in the crowd would be difficult. 
  
  
• Follow security guidelines at the location you are visiting. Avoid carrying big bags or heavy luggage as it would be difficult to take care of in the crowd. 
  
  
• Keep an eye on your valuables so they don’t get lost. 
  
  
• Try to take public transport instead of your vehicle, as finding a parking space during the fireworks show will be impossible. 
  
  
• Have lunch at Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower for the best experience!

History of the Eiffel Tower Fireworks

The Bastille Day fireworks at the Eiffel Tower have been a beloved tradition for over 130 years. 

The first official display was on July 14, 1888, to celebrate France’s independence even before the tower opened to the public. 

The inaugural show launched fireworks from the second level of the tower. 

The next year, in 1889, pyrotechnician Ruggieri orchestrated another fireworks spectacle on Bastille Day in a similar fashion. 

Ever since, this day has marked stunning firework shows at the iconic Eiffel Tower, continuing to draw crowds from around the world year after year.

Some of the special fireworks shows conducted since then are:

• 17th June 1989- A one-hour-long show with singers, dancers, and acrobats under the colorful sparkling lights of the Tower and lasers of many colors.
  
  
• 31st December 1999- To celebrate the beginning of the year 2000, the fireworks, which were broadcast over 250 channels on TV and were a major attraction worldwide, were lit up.
  
  
• 14th July 2009- The Eiffel Tower celebrated its 120th anniversary, and people gathered at Champ de Mars to view the fireworks and concert by Johnny Hallyday, joined by dancing visuals and music. The organizers aim to improve the show every year by adding fun themes and elements.

Why Should You See the Eiffel Tower Fireworks?

Here are some reasons why you should not miss this marvelous spectacle:

The Bastille Day fireworks show conducted every year is unique, as a completely different show is conducted every year. 

Since the fireworks shows are not repeated yearly, even the locals can enjoy a unique experience with new themes and colors when they visit the following year. 

Watching the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower is an entirely free experience and can be seen clearly from the 21 best spots around the Eiffel Tower. 

You can learn more and participate in the cultural celebration on Bastille Day, a French National holiday. It signifies national unity and pride! 

The fireworks enhance the romantic atmosphere of Paris and are a perfect day to create memories with a loved one or your family and friends. 

Locals can get into the festive mood with the Eiffel Tower fireworks and concerts organized every year.

Things to Do Before Watching the Fireworks at the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower fireworks show begins at 11 pm on the 14th of July, allowing tourists and locals to attend other festivities around the streets of Paris on Bastille Day. 

These are some of the other popular tourist attractions that are a must-see:

Attend the Military Parade

The Military Parade begins at 10.45 am and showcases the French armed forces, including various units from the military and weapons. The parade route begins at Arc de Triomphe and ends at the Place de la Concorde.

Several aerial demonstrations, marches, and award-giving ceremonies are organized for the armed forces, and people travel from all over the world to be a part of this parade. 

Arrive before 8 am when visiting this Parade as the metros and other transportation may be blocked from the area for security reasons. 

You have enough time to explore the other attractions and get to the Eiffel Tower for the fireworks show once the Parade comes to an end.

Picnic at Champ de Mars

Champ de Mars is located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and is the perfect place to get a closer look at the fireworks show and the Eiffel Tower. 

If you want to secure a comfortable spot in the garden early, we recommend you visit in the early evening and have a picnic there, as a million people usually crowd the garden on this day.

The Louvre Museum

Most places to visit in Paris are closed on the 14th of July, but the Louvre Museum allows visitors to explore their permanent collection for free!

The Louvre Museum opens at 9 am daily. 

This is the most famous museum in Paris and the largest existing art museum in the world. It is a must-see for all tourists visiting the city. 

Due to the national holiday, the Museum will be crowded on this day; hence, you can purchase a skip-the-line ticket to enter the museum at your allotted time slot.

Some of the famous paintings and sculptures in the Louvre Museum are:

• The Mona Lisa
• The Raft of the Medusa
• The Venus de Milo
• Psyche revived by Cupid’s kiss sculpture and more;

You can also take a guided tour of the Museum to learn more about France’s history and look at the artwork before the fireworks show. 

We highly recommend this activity for all history buffs and art enthusiasts!

Balls Conducted by Firemen All Over Paris

The Fireman’s Balls conducted in the main fire stations in the city’s 20 districts all over Paris are especially popular during the Bastille Day celebrations. 

They begin celebrating on the evening of the 13th of July and continue till 4 am and for the whole day of the 14th. 

It is a must-visit for all locals and tourists!

A Revolution Walking Tour

If you want to learn more about the exciting history of Paris on Bastille Day, picking a revolutionary walking tour is the best option for you! 

This two-hour tour is led by a professional guide who will take you to all the best historical spots around the streets of Paris on foot. 

Learn about Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and famous rulers of Paris, wars, massacres, and facts that are more exciting when you are at the event’s actual location. 

We highly recommend this tour for first-time visitors and those who take a keen interest in the history!

You can then visit the fireworks after understanding the history of France, which will make the display more symbolic and memorable to you.

FAQs for Eiffel Tower Fireworks

Featured Image: Financialexpress.com