Where to Celebrate Bastille Day - Top 5 Fireworks Shows in France

Who doesn't like a good, bright and loud firework show on the 14th of July, celebrating the French National Day - you know, the day when back in 1789 the French took to the streets to behead their Kings and Queens? Yeah, that.

France is wide, and has so many different kind of landscapes, both natural and urban. So how are you supposed to pick which town to celebrate Bastille Day in? We have got you! We've put together a Top 5 of the best firework shows in France, from the capital to the French Riviera and rural Brittany. Hang on to your socks, because it's a feisty one.

Paris

Of course, the French Capital holds its own fireworks-wise, with a breath-taking 40-minute-long show, where the Eiffel Tower looks like it's going up in flames, but in a good way. If you want to go to Champs Élysées or Champs de Mars to watch the show up close, that's fine. Just keep in mind that the the crowds are massive.

Pro tip - In any viewpoint that's high enough for you to see the Eiffel Tower, you should also be able to enjoy the fireworks from afar. Montmarte is one of the most beautiful locations to watch the '14 Juillet' show, although it takes no less than 222 steps to get to. Make sure to get there before 11pm, as that is when the celebration begins. You'll get a breath-taking panoramic view of Paris, illuminated by the pyrotechnic show.

Biarritz

Besides the turquoise water and luxurious resorts, Biarritz is also known for its magnificent fireworks show on the 14th of July. If celebrating Bastille Day on the beach, Biarritz is the place to be. After the 20-minute show, starting at 10:45pm on "Biarritz Great Beach", you can head to the Bodegas village to keep the party going.

Cannes

The French Riviera is a dream-destination all year long. Of course, Cannes is one of its brightest-shining jewel. In true Cannes Festival fashion, it's not one, two or three, but six stunning fireworks displays lighting up the beautiful Bay of Cannes as part of the Festival of Pyrotechnic Art. Talented firework artists from around the world compete on July 14. Starting at 10 p.m., head to the waterfront to witness this breathtaking show that sets the bay aglow.

Just keep in mind that if you want to stay in Cannes for the 14th of July, or anytime of year for that matter, you need a significant budget as it's one of France's most high-end destinations.

Carcassonne

If you're a history fiend, you've probably heard of Carcassonne, France's most famous medieval town. Do fireworks and French castles sound good to you? Then that's your pick. The firework display is set to start lighting up the Medieval City at 10:30pm, scheduled to go on for about 25 minutes.

Étretat

Last, but certainly not least, you can head to Normandy to celebrate Bastille Day in the most gorgeous setting. One might say the Étretat Cliffs are France's most famous cliffs, and they would be right. While the scenic landscape is breathtaking all year round, it truly comes alive on Bastille Day.

Beware, for this one, the show takes place on the 13th of July, and not the 14th, at 11pm. You can watch it from the beach. Pro tip: to avoid the crowds, hike up to the chapel on Amont Cliff. You'll get a panoramic view from 80-meters high.