France – 14 July 2009

Bastille Day festivities 2009

Article published on the 2009-07-09 Latest update 2009-07-13 11:27 TU

Fireworks at the Eiffel tower, 14 July 2008
(Photo: Sarah Elzas)

This year’s 14 July fireworks show in Paris will celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Eiffel tower. Around the country, cities will host military parades and firework displays on the 14th, as well as outdoor concerts and traditional firemen’s balls, some starting the day before. Here’s a list of some of the planned events, to help you plan your party:

PARIS

13 July, 8 PM - Dance party at the Bastille
Two stages featuring rock groups Tony Marlow (8:15 PM), Jim Murple Memorial (9:30 PM) and Java (11 PM), and world groups Migrating Fellows All Stars (8 PM), Orquestra Do Fuba (9 PM) and Damily (10:30 PM). Also, roaming batucada and percussion concerts by Tarace Boulba (8:40 and 10 PM), and organic food tastings.

13 July, evening - Fireman’s balls (nationwide)
Parties in many fire stations in most cities, from 9 PM to 4 AM.

In the Paris’ 18^th arrondisement, a special festival to celebrate the 18^th annual ball. Starting at 8:30 PM in front of the local city hall at Place Jules Joffrin (Metro Jules Joffrin), it will feature the Lapins Superstars fanfare, the 35 singers of the Echos Râleurs, among others. A parade starts at 9:30 PM which will go to the Carpeaux fire house (12, rue Carpeaux, Metro Guy Moquet or Lamarck-Caulaincourt) for an all-night party.

Fireman’s balls are also held the night of 14 July.

14 July, morning – Military parade
French soldiers parade down the Champs Elysees, this year joined by 450 Indian soldiers, as guests of honour. Troops are in place between 8:30 and 9:25 AM. The programme starts at 10:30 AM. Air show of 100 planes starts at 10:45. The parade starts at 10:50 and lasts about one hour.

14 July, 7 PM – Free concert
Free concert on the Champs de Mars with legendary rocker Johnny Hallyday and others.

14 July, 11:45 PM – Fireworks
Fireworks and pyrotechnic show at the Eiffel tower, celebrating the iron lady’s 120 years. Views from the Champs de Mars or Trocadero. Note that surrounding metro and RER stations will be closed: Alma, tour Eiffel and Champs de Mars will be closed as of 6 PM, Ecole Militaire will close at 10 PM.

MARSEILLE

14 July, 9:20 AM – Military parade
Traditional military parade on Marseille’s Quai d'Honneur

14 July, 10:30 PM – Fireworks
A 25-minute fireworks display from three sites, the Vieux-Port, Fort d'Entrecasteaux and Notre-Dame de la Garde. The theme is 1001 nights. Note that last year, a strong wind delayed the show. Listen for loudspeakers instructions should this happen again this year.

LYON

13 July, 10:45 AM – Military parade
200 personnel and 80 vehicles will start from Place Lyautey and go along Franklin Roosevelt (Lyon 6e).

14 July, 7 PM – Dance parties
From 7 to 10 PM, three dance parties along the left bank of the Saône, with the Kinkin Trio, Berberessences and Bar Folk (between the Juin and Bonaparte bridges).

14 July, 10:30 PM - Fireworks
Firework display on the banks of the

BORDEAUX

13 July, evening – Firemen’s concert and balls
The Benauge station hosts a free outdoor concert with the Caméléons, Kaskad Band, Gamy, Zapata's Blood and Dj Flo. The concert is followed by a ball/dance party. Another party is organised at the Ornano station

14 July, 7 PM – Military parade
Troops arrive at 7 PM, and the parade starts at 8:10 PM, with parachute jumpers at 8:20. The ceremony will end at 8:30 with a military concert.

14 July, 9:30 PM – Dance party
A dance party hosted by DJ Mixart Concept on the Richelieu quay

14 July, 10:30 PM – Fireworks
Firework display on the Garonne river