Bastille Day Fireworks 2011

Celebrated each year, since 14 July 1790, and also known as La Fête Nationale, this date marks the storming of the Bastille in Paris on July 14, 1789.

Expect to see Military and civilian parades, musical performances, communal meals, dances, and of course some spectacular fireworks displays.

Crowds will be flocking to the Champs-Elysées in the morning to watch a military parade led by the President and accompanied by policemen, fire-fighters and a display of jets flying over the Arc de Triomphe, leaving red, white and blue trails - the colours of the French tricolour flag.

Amid a street-party atmosphere that lasts all day, the crowds will then move on, to congregate again by the Eiffel Tower to watch an awesome hour-long Bastille Day fireworks display, complemented by music, starting around 10pm.

But Bastille Day events actually kick off on the night of 13 July, when each district hosts a 'bal des pompiers' ('firemen's ball'), a street party with live music and drinking. One of the best is in “Place de la Contrescarpe”.

Many Métro stations are closed on the 14th, a national holiday, so set out early to find a good vantage point.

Vive la France.