Bastille Day on the French Riviera
How to enjoy Bastille Day on the French Riviera — the 14 July fireworks over the bays of Nice, Cannes and Monaco, with a private chauffeur.
Bastille Day, the fourteenth of July, is the great summer night of the French Riviera. Every town along the coast stages fireworks over the water, and the seafronts fill for celebrations that run late. Here is how to enjoy Bastille Day on the French Riviera.
Fireworks over the bays
After dark on 14 July, fireworks burst over the bays all along the coast. Nice's display over the Baie des Anges, seen from the sweeping Promenade des Anglais, is among the most spectacular, and Cannes, Antibes and Monaco all light their own skies over the sea.
The reflections on the water make the coast one of the finest places anywhere to watch the national fireworks.
- Fireworks over the water after dark on 14 July
- Nice's Baie des Anges display is a highlight
- Cannes, Antibes and Monaco all stage shows
- Reflections double the spectacle from the front
Celebrations across the coast
Beyond the fireworks, Bastille Day brings village fêtes, open-air balls and packed seafront terraces, in the middle of the summer season. It is a warm, festive night with the whole coast out to celebrate.
Pairing an early dinner with a good viewpoint makes the most of it.
- Village fêtes and open-air balls
- Packed seafront terraces and beaches
- A warm, festive peak-summer night
- Best paired with dinner and a viewpoint
Getting there and back
As the biggest night of the summer, 14 July brings enormous crowds and heavy road closures to the seafronts, and taxis are impossible afterward. A private chauffeur drops you near your viewpoint and is waiting at an agreed point once the crowds thin.
It is the difference between a magical evening and a long walk home in the crowds.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the best Bastille Day fireworks on the Riviera?
Nice's display over the Baie des Anges is among the most spectacular, with Cannes, Antibes and Monaco all staging their own over the sea.
When are the Bastille Day fireworks?
After dark on 14 July, when towns all along the coast light fireworks over the bays as the highlight of the summer season.
Is Bastille Day busy on the Riviera?
Very. It is the biggest night of the summer, with huge seafront crowds, village fêtes and balls, so planning ahead is wise.
How do I get to and from the fireworks?
A private chauffeur drops you near your viewpoint and waits at an agreed point once the crowds thin, avoiding the impossible taxis.
Ready to book your private driver on the French Riviera?
Tell us your route, dates and preferred service and we will recommend the right vehicle and booking format for your stay.
Continue planning your Riviera journey
Best Things to Do in Nice
From the Promenade des Anglais to Old Nice and Castle Hill, the best things to do in the Riviera's capital.
Cannes Fireworks Festival Guide
The Cannes Fireworks Festival — the summer pyrotechnic competition over the bay, and the easy way to enjoy it.
How to Get Around Nice
Walking, the tram, bikes, taxis and chauffeurs — how to get around Nice and reach the rest of the Riviera.