The most beautiful firework displays on Bastille Day
Published on
For Bastille Day on July 14th, discover the most beautiful firework displays in France.
On the night of Bastille Day, everyone, no matter young or old, eagerly awaits the magical moment when the nocturnal sky will welcome the first exploding firework rockets. On that National Day, French cities compete to offer the public the most spectacular display of pyrotechnics. Do you know where the tradition stems from?
When the country was still a monarchy, fireworks were reserved for the privileged and set during princely celebrations, in either Versailles or Fontainebleau. In 1880, the July 14th was chosen as the French yearly national holiday – almost a century after the Storming of the Bastille on July 14th 1789, which marked the end of French absolute monarchy. The people have elected fireworks to honour the Republic and this sumptuous spectacle remains a must-see of that celebration day in France.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Paris, against an Eiffel Tower backdrop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
30 miles from Geneva (Switzerland), Lake Annecy in France crackles in many colours.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One hour away from Toulouse, the town of Carcassonne sets ablaze.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Lyon, from the Fourvière square, in front of the Basilica.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
18 miles from Nice, Cannes and the Croisette shine in white.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the garden of the Palace of Versailles.