Fourth of July is fast approaching, and preparations are underway across the U.S.
This year, the holiday is even more special, because 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Here in France, numerous museums, historical sites and organizations have created special programming to celebrate not only the Fourth of July but also 250 years of Franco-American friendship. France has also organized a light show at the Statue of Liberty in New York.
So before you feel too nostalgic for the yearly barbecue at your family house, or the National Independence Day Parade in D.C. here’s a list of some — though certainly not all — of the Fourth of July celebrations taking place in France.
What: On the eve of Independence Day, the Musee de l’Armée in Paris’ 7th arrondissement has put together a program which touches on themes of Franco-American partnership. Discover a guided visit of real objects from the Battle of Normandy, followed by a jazz concert inspired by the 20th Century American composer and bandleader James Reese Europe.
Where: Musée de l'Armée, 129 Rue de Grenelle 75007 Paris
When: 20 minute concert and 20 minute guided tour at regular intervals between 18:00 and 22:00 on July 3
How much: Entry comes with a nocturnal ticket to the museum. The standard rate is €10.
What: Château de Versailles is in the midst of its saison américaine, an approximately four month long period of programming on Franco-American relations. On Independence Day weekend, the Chateau is offering a night fountains show, where visitors can walk through the groves - usually closed to the public - see lit up fountains and enjoy baroque music. There will also be two days of historical reenactment, where during certain hours visitors can tour the grounds, converted into an 18th Century military scene. There will also be a recreation of the 1781 Battle of Yorktown, when the insurgents and their allies defeated British troops.
Where: The night fountains show takes place at the Versailles gardens, and the reenactment in the Estate of Trianon. Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles.
When: The night fountains show is from 20:30 pm to 23:15 pm on July 4. The reenactment is from 10:30 to 18:00 on July 4 and from 09:30 to 17:00 on July 5.
How much: A combined ticket for both events starts at €40. Tickets for each separate event are available.
Visitors to the Château de Versailles can enjoy watching historical reenactmentsChâteau de Versailles
What: Democrats Abroad Paris marks the country's 250th anniversary with tables reserved at an open-air bistro near the Seine, timed with Paris Plages' own July 4th activities. Picnicking is welcome and there will be food options available to buy. Voter registration assistance runs throughout.
When: 14:00 on July 4 (voter registration training at 13:00 beforehand)
Where: Location provided upon reservation, Paris 75004
How much: $10 or €8.78 required donation, free for kids under 18
What: Did you know there is a replica of the Statue of Liberty in Nice? Near this mini statue located on the Quai des Etats-Unis, Democrats Abroad France is organizing a gathering to celebrate democracy, civic pride and shared values. Afterwards, there will be an all-American lunch at Le Napoléon.
Where: Quai des États-Unis, Nice 06300
When: 11:00 on July 4
How much: The gathering is free, and the lunch is $17.76 dollars or €15.61. RSVP here.
What: For Americans living outside of Nice and Paris but still hoping to partake in the festivities, Democrats Abroad France is also holding a potluck picnic in Rennes. On the agenda is informal conversation, fun activities and a chance to learn more about voting abroad as an American.
When: 12:00 to 15:00 on July 4
Where: Parc des Gayeulles, Rue du Professeur Maurice Audin, 35700 Rennes
How much: Free, but plan on bringing a dish to share. RSVP here.
What: This Fourth of July, Paris Plages is offering a chance to get active. Created in partnership with the French American Football Federation, the event brings flag football to the banks of the Seine, where you can try out a match for free. Flag football is a no-contact version of American football.
What: France’s gastronomic capital is drawing from American influences to offer a delicious Fourth of July weekend spread. It’s part of a year-long culinary diplomacy initiative by The Food Capitals Network, called Bon Appetit America! This weekend in Lyon, Tucson-based Chef Mateo Cancio has collaborated with a local pastry chef to offer a tea time experience influenced by flavors from the American Southeast. The menu is available at Le Dôme, a bar and historical landmark.
When: 15:00 to 18:00 from July 1 to July 8
Where: 20 Quai Jules Courmont, 69002 Lyon
How much: Tea time formulas start at €51, and individual delicacies at €12
What: Villefranche-sur-Mer marks 250 years of American independence with a full day honoring its long-standing friendship with the U.S. Sixth Fleet. A photo exhibit at Riviera King traces the town's history with the American fleet, followed by a parade of vintage Jeeps rolling through Villefranche, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Place Amélie Pollonnais then turns into a dance floor, before an open-air Nissa Swing concert closes out the night.
When: 10:00 to 23:00 on July 4
Where: Old town and Place Amélie Pollonnais, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer
What: Alsace's Club Hippique de Saverne hosts the first edition of Western Roots Festival, a two-day immersion into American western culture with country dance, equestrian performances, and stands from barbers, artisans, tattoo artists, and food trucks, plus falconry displays. Saturday night brings The Fire of Life, a nighttime show combining equestrian vaulting, live music and fire performers.
When: July 4 to July 5. The Fire of Life show starts at 22:00 on July 4
Where: Club Hippique de Saverne, Saverne
How much: €30 (pre-sale price) for a weekend pass, €19 or €25 per day. Buy tickets here.
What: Tucked in the 12th arrondissement, Cimetière de Picpus holds the grave of the Marquis de Lafayette, the French officer who fought in the American Revolution and received his commission as major general. He's buried under soil brought from Bunker Hill, a major site in the American Revolutionary War. Just past the tombstone, two mass graves hold roughly 1,300 victims of the French Reign of Terror, among them relatives of Lafayette's wife.
When: 14:00 to 17:00 on July 4
Where: Cimetière de Picpus, 35 Rue de Picpus, 75012 Paris
