Illustrative image: previous fireworks display in Paris
Emmanuel Macron, X
1,600 drones to light up Paris on July 13 Fête nationale show
The event is brought forward a day due to national tributes for the 2016 Nice attack victims
The annual Fête nationale (referred to as Bastille Day by many English-speakers) celebrations in Paris will take place on July 13 this year and will feature 1,600 drones deployed above the Champ-de-Mars.
The decision to bring the event forward by a day from July 14 was taken to respect the national commemoration marking the tenth anniversary of the 2016 Nice terror attack, in which 86 people were killed, including 15 children, and 458 were injured.
The victims’ commemoration ceremony will take place on July 14.
For that reason mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, “in agreement with the President of the Republic,” announced that the traditional fireworks display would exceptionally be brought forward by one day.
The mairie said that the adjustment ensures that remembrance ceremonies can take place “with all the solemnity they require.”
As in previous years, the celebrations will combine fireworks with a large-scale artistic performance visible from the Champ-de-Mars, the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro.
This year’s display will feature 1,600 drones using pyrotechnic effects, up from 1,000 last year. These will be ultra-light drones, equipped with LED lights and high-powered lights with 360-degree diffusers and pyrotechnic effects.
The show will be structured around 12 “tableaux”, including a sequence marking the 70th anniversary of the twinning between Paris and Rome, highlighting the historical and cultural links between the two capitals.
Another sequence will commemorate the 400th anniversary of the French Navy and the River Seine, forming part of what the City of Paris describes as a “musical and visual creation” using the drone formation.
The use of drones forms part of a growing trend internationally, with many cities including Lyon, Nice, Bordeaux, and La Ciotat already replacing traditional fireworks with drone light shows.
For example, for the November 13 remembrance ceremony in Paris, drones were used to form a glowing peace symbol around the Eiffel Tower.
Can you set off fireworks at home in France?
Private fireworks are permitted in France, but they are regulated depending on their category and location. Smaller fireworks (generally categories F1 to F3) can be used by private individuals, while the most powerful fireworks (F4) are strictly reserved for professional displays.
In general, you do not need prior authorisation to use fireworks on private property. However, local restrictions may apply, particularly during periods of drought, high fire risk, or municipal safety measures. It is always advisable to check with your local mairie before using them.
What about pets during fireworks?
Fireworks can be extremely distressing for pets, especially dogs and cats. Loud bangs and flashes may trigger anxiety, hiding behaviour, or attempts to escape.
Owners are advised to create a safe space indoors where animals can retreat, ideally with familiar bedding and toys. Closing windows, drawing curtains, and using background noise such as music or white noise can help reduce the impact of the sound.
In more sensitive cases, calming products such as pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps may be useful. If you know your dog/cat can be particularly reactive, consulting a vet beforehand can help identify additional calming options.
