Bastille Day in Paris

by Lisa Michaux, Tastemaker in Residence

Bastille Day is July 14th. Create your version of a table full of French treats and enjoy!

Fireworks, July 14, Paris (photo courtesy of Lisa Michaux)

I love summer in Paris—especially if I can be there on July 14th and can enjoy the Bastille Day festivities from my apartment just a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower. This gives me the advantage of having a home base close to all the action—I get to experience it all but I can escape the crowds when I want ;)

We spent our first La Fête Nationale (aka Bastille Day) at our friends’ apartment just down the street. Michelle prepared the perfect feast—she went to Davoli, the wonderful Italian deli on nearby rue Cler, and then artfully arranged her table. We had a selection of beautiful sliced meats, ripe melon, delicious little champignon de bois (mushrooms marinated in oil), giant Barlotti beans, couscous, and, of course, cheese and a crunchy baguette. So simple, yet it was the perfect summer meal with friends.  

Eiffel Tower and Parisian Rooftops (Photo courtesy of Lisa Michaux

One of the special surprises of Parisian apartments is that one can never tell about the view from the street. Our friends have a duplex apartment that occupies parts of the 6th and 7th floors of an amazing Art Nouveau building in the heart of the 7th arrondissement. When we went upstairs after dinner, we were treated to the most incredible sight—an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower above the rooftops of Paris! 

Bastille Day Fireworks, Paris (Photo courtesy of Lisa Michaux)

Thousands of people gather on the Champs de Mars in front of Eiffel Tower to see the fireworks and listen to the concert, but I loved our view up and away from the crowds. The cheering starts when the lights on the Tower sparkle and then rotate from level to level. But the show really begins when the Tower goes black and the fireworks begin to light up the sky.

Fireworks Finale, Bastille Day, Paris (Photo Courtesy of Lisa Michaux)

What a view and what a display!! For the finale the lights of the Eiffel Tower come back on and joined the act to create a truly fabulous night. I have to say that watching the fireworks from my friends’ place has ruined me for all other displays! 

Military Display on the Esplanade des Invalides for Bastille Day, Paris (Photo courtesy of Lisa Michaux)

But Bastille Day in Paris is about more than just fireworks. The day begins with a grand military parade down the Champs-Élyseés led by the French President. To start the parade, fighter jets streak through the sky leaving streams of red, white, and blue exhaust. Visible all over Paris, I have to admit that I was a little startled the first time I saw and heard this! At the end of the parade, everyone wanders over to the huge display of tanks, helicopters, and other military vehicles parked around the Esplande des Invalides. 

Photo Op with Military Vehicles on the Esplanade des Invalides, Paris (Photo courtesy of Lisa Michaux)

While the soldiers watch and assist, children of all ages climb on the vehicles. My daughter and her friend thought this was the perfect photo op!

My Bastille Day Feast (Photo courtesy of Lisa Michaux)

When it was my turn to host Bastille Day, I took the cue from my friend Michelle and let Davoli do most of the work. Although I did add some festive napkins and plates I brought from Target. We were happy to invite some visiting friends from Minnesota along with a few of our son’s friends from England, Argentina, and France for our Americanized Bastille day celebration. 

Fireworks from the Balcony (Photo courtesy of Lisa Michaux)

The fireworks viewed from my balcony don’t quite deliver the same punch as when seen from my friends’ place, but I still loved the opportunity to be only a few blocks away and to see the buildings outlined by glowing light and sparkle. 

Like any holiday, the celebration varies with the cast of characters around the table. Our family has had the amazing opportunity to share Bastille Day with good friends and the sight of fireworks and the Eiffel Tower always makes me smile.