On July 14th in Lyon, it’s a bit like an outdoor blockbuster: there’s spectacle, symbolism, and above all… fireworks! This year again, the National Day promises to make the city buzz with a mix of republican emotion and an amazing pyrotechnic show. Right from the morning, the tone will be set at Place Bellecour with a military ceremony that’s nothing short of impressive: awards, troops in uniform, artillery music, and a solemn parade. No less than 375 soldiers will march to showcase the commitment and diversity of the French forces, all under the watchful eyes of officials like Prefect Fabienne Buccio and Mayor Grégory Doucet.
A "defense village" in Place Bellecour
Alongside them, a genuine “defense village” will take over the square until 2 PM, turning the morning into a full-scale military job fair. Stands from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Municipal Police, Customs, and more will be there to meet you!
firefighters… an impressive array to discover the behind-the-scenes of defense professions. It’s also a great opportunity for the curious ones to hop onto armored vehicles and chat about recruitment with passionate pros.
But of course, it’s when night falls that the magic happens. From the hill of Fourvière, the fireworks set to go off at 10:30 PM promise to light up the Lyon sky while keeping the planet in mind. Yes, even fireworks are going eco-friendly: cardboard projectiles, carbon footprint offset, and special measures to protect the birds. A first that shows we can sparkle without burning everything down.
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Fireworks and Safety Measures
When it comes to traffic, Lyon takes safety seriously. Pedestrian zones, blocked streets, locked parking: it's best to plan ahead (or consider biking!). On the hill of Fourvière, car traffic will be banned from 7 PM to midnight, and pedestrian access will be restricted from 8 PM to midnight. In the Old Lyon area and along the banks of the Saône, car traffic will also be prohibited from 7 PM to midnight. Place Bellecour will be off-limits to vehicles from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM and again from 7 PM to midnight. Lastly, in the Presqu'île area, traffic will be regulated by the Limited Traffic Zone. But no worries about the traffic jams; this July 14th promises to be vibrant, festive, and truly unifying. In short, a big “yes” to celebrating the Republic with our eyes on the stars!