Bastille Day and New Year's Eve: experiencing the big Paris events from the Seine

Some Paris evenings deserve a view worthy of the occasion. The Bastille Day fireworks over the Eiffel Tower or the countdown to the New Year take on a whole new dimension from the deck of a private boat, far from the crowds packed along the quays.

Why the Seine offers the best view

From the water, the perspective on the illuminated monuments and the Paris sky changes completely: no buildings blocking the view, no crowds to deal with, and a slow pace that lets you enjoy the show from several angles as the cruise goes on.

What to plan for these dates

Bastille Day (14 July) and New Year's Eve are among the most sought-after dates of the year: bookings need to be made well in advance, ideally several months ahead. Navigation is also more tightly regulated on these evenings, with times and areas sometimes adjusted according to the security arrangements in place in Paris: something to confirm with your provider when you book.

Building an evening around the event

Rather than simply timing a cruise to the fireworks, these dates lend themselves to a proper evening: drinks or dinner at the start of the cruise, the highlight during the show, then keeping the atmosphere going until the end of the cruise. It is also the perfect occasion for an end-of-year corporate event or a birthday that falls on the right date.