Videos: Relive July 14 fireworks and drone shows that lit up France for Bastille Day

People across France may be waking up slightly tired today after staying up late to celebrate la fête nationale (July 14, anglicised as Bastille Day). 

The national holiday is marked by several traditions, including military parades and firemen’s balls. However, the main events often consist of massive firework displays put on by local authorities.

Some events replaced fireworks with equally impressive drone shows. 

In Paris, a mixture of both was used. 

Set against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, the display provided stunning views to the 60,000 people who watched from the Champ de Mars.

The show focused on nature and biodiversity – with drones flying in sync to create 3D Images of giraffes and tropical birds – as well as paying homage to Brazil, where a major climate change summit is taking place this November. 

The full 20-minute display can be seen on YouTube.

In Lyon, a more traditional display using only fireworks illuminated the city from the hills around Fourvière Cathedral. 

The display in Marseille included a fitting ‘blue, white, and red’ theme, lighting up the sky around the city’s old port. 

In Toulouse, the display was held on Sunday night (July 13). 

The southern city of Toulon replaced all fireworks with drones, using more than 1,000 in a ten-minute display.