Bastille Day in Paris: Planes, Crepes, and Fireworks
There’s nothing quite like waking up in Paris on Bastille Day—the energy in the air is palpable, and the city feels even more alive than usual. We started our day bright and early to catch a glimpse of the military planes soaring over the city, part of the traditional July 14th flyover. The kids were mesmerized by the spectacle in the sky—jets, helicopters, and even colorful smoke trails painting the clouds.
After the excitement, we wandered toward a cozy café for lunch, and yes—crepes made another appearance on our Parisian menu (because can you really have too many?). This time, the kids enjoyed a well-rounded children’s meal that included steak, fries, and a fresh salad, all wrapped up with a warm Nutella crepe for dessert (not eaten all together- ha!). Safe to say, it was a hit.
With happy bellies, we continued our exploration with a visit to the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Even in its ongoing restoration, the building remains breathtaking. We meandered through the surrounding streets, letting the city guide us—no agenda, just Paris.
Later in the afternoon, we returned to our apartment for a break and a "clean out the fridge" dinner—a surprisingly lovely way to end the day. We laid out a variety of leftovers and market finds, creating little mixing plates and encouraging the kids to try everything. I had picked up some roasted carrots from a nearby shop, convinced they’d be a hit—but alas, they were politely tasted and promptly passed over. The kids made it clear they preferred their go-to raw veggies: crisp red peppers and cherry tomatoes. Fair enough!
As the sun began to set, we headed out once more—this time for an evening stroll to watch the Bastille Day fireworks. Paris truly knows how to put on a show. Standing together under the glittering night sky, watching bursts of color light up the Eiffel Tower in the distance, we felt the full magic of the city.
It was our last night in Paris, and honestly, I can’t think of a better way to say au revoir.
🍽️ Little Eaters Takeaway
Even in Paris, where the food is legendary, kids still crave their favorites! While we hoped the roasted carrots would wow them, it was the familiar crunch of raw red peppers and cherry tomatoes that won. The key? Keep offering new tastes without pressure—and celebrate the small bites. Paris taught us that trying just one bite is still a win.
