Bastille Day fireworks in Normandy

Nothing beats watching a firework display with family and friends. Every 14 July, the skies of Normandy come to life with spectacular fireworks to celebrate France’s national day, namely the anniversary of when the Bastille prison in Paris was stormed on 14 July 1789, a major turning point for the French Revolution and the nation’s history. Each year promises more dazzling fireworks in the cities, towns and villages of Normandy. If you’re lucky to be in the region this July and are keen to see some fireworks, listed below are some of our favourite displays, organised by département.

Calvados

Arromanches-les-Bains

For an emotive celebration, head to the iconic artificial harbour of Arromanches-les-Bains in the Gold sector of the D-Day Landing Beaches. This one-of-a-kind evening features a live concert and ends with an astounding firework display at dusk.

Deauville

Bastille Day celebrations in the glamorous seaside resort of Deauville usually kick off with a parade and brass band concert as visitors and residents find a prime spot to settle and wait for the highlight of the evening; the beautiful firework display. A great spot from which to admire the show is the prestigious Casino Barrière, where you can also have dinner and then hit the dance floor!

Honfleur

There’s just something about watching the fireworks while hanging out on the quays of Honfleur’s Vieux Bassin that we simply love on Bastille Day! This picture-perfect town’s annual firework display is spectacular, and is launched from the east pier of the harbour. Visitors can also enjoy entertainment themed around maritime traditions or take part in a torchlight procession. There is also another firework display celebrating D-Day in June if you happen to be around then.

Port-en-Bessin

Celebrations in the pretty fishing town of Port-en-Bessin feature a torchlight procession, brass band concert and fantastic firework display. Fireworks also take place around the Vauban Tower throughout the summer.

Eure

Les Andelys

Enjoy a spectacular show on the banks of the River Seine followed by a firework display and ball after sunset, which is open to all. Why not make it an extra special experience and climb up to the medieval Château Gaillard, Richard the Lionheart’s Castle, which affords spectacular views of the meandering River Seine and surrounding valley?

Manche

Saint-Jean-le-Thomas

As the sun starts to set, everyone gathers for an extravagant firework display over the beautiful Bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel. This is a truly unique spot in which to enjoy a summer night under the stars, watching explosions of colour fill the skies above.

Saint-Pair-sur-Mer

The annual Bastille Day celebrations in this seaside town near Granville feature live music and entertainment, followed by an impressive firework display that is often described as one of the best in the region.

Orne

Bagnoles-de-l’Orne

Hidden in the heart of the Andaines Forest, the spa town of Bagnoles-de-l’Orne is a great place for visitors of all ages to enjoy live entertainment and the annual pyrotechnic show after sunset, which take place around the scenic lake in the centre of town. Bag yourself a good spot and enjoy the fireworks exploding in bursts of bright colours above the water.

Seine-Maritime

Etretat

Soak up the atmosphere of the annual torchlight procession which runs through this picturesque seaside town and ends at the seafront in good time for a spectacular firework display followed by a ball where you can boogie the night away. This firework display is very popular so be sure to get to Etretat early to get a parking space, bring a picnic hamper and bag yourself a good spot from which to enjoy the proceedings! Another fantastic option is to walk up to the chapel on the famous ‘Amont’ cliff to the east of the town.

Rouen

Bag your spot early on if you plan on watching the fireworks over the River Seine in Rouen! Fireworks are launched from the Presqu’ile Rollet with the river as a backdrop, making this one of the most stunning displays in the region. If you fancy a slightly different fireworks experience to everyone else on the quays, why not book yourself a dinner cruise on one of the boats that cruise up and down the River Seine?

Fireworks displays may be cancelled or postponed. Please check these events’ official websites or social media channels before undertaking any travel.