A trip to Paris is always cause for celebration.
A trip to Paris during summer? Even more so.
Summertime sees Paris come alive with a whole new joie de vivre. Days are longer, monuments are brighter, cafés bustle endlessly with locals and visitors alike, and the city’s fabled allure becomes a vibrant, tangible reality. For families with teenagers, multigenerational travelers, or groups of friends, this is one of the most exciting times of year to experience the French capital.
And this is what France by Travelive is inviting your travelers to do with a trip that combines culture, fun, and food, with a one-of-a-kind, private celebration of Bastille Day on the Seine.
So, cue the French national anthem and let’s go!
- 4 Nights in Paris
- 4 Nights in Normandy (Optional Extension)
Day 1 — Arrival and a Sparkling Glimpse of Paris
Arrive in the iconic heart of Paris and settle into your hotel before stepping out to embrace the city in all its summer glory; whether with a stroll along the Seine or a beeline for your first pain au raisin. As evening falls, set the festivities in motion with a private ride in a classic (and rather cute) Citroën 2CV, gliding past the golden Pont Alexandre III, along the Champs-Élysées, and toward the luminous Eiffel Tower. With glimpses of Notre-Dame and Montmartre along the way, and a glass of champagne in hand, this effortless introduction sets a celebratory tone for the days ahead.
Les Jardins du Marais
Tucked away on Rue Amelot, 4-star Les Jardins du Marais blends Parisian elegance with 1930s charm, opening onto one of the city’s largest private terraces. Located just 1 mile (1.6 km) from the Bastille Day boat departure point, it offers both tranquility and easy access to the festivities.
SO/ Paris Hotel
A bold, design-forward address overlooking the Seine, 5-star SO/ Paris places you at the crossroads of art, fashion, and contemporary luxury. With sweeping views and just 0.4 miles (700 meters) from the Bastille Day boat departure, it offers a front-row seat to both the river and the celebration.
Day 2 — Paris, Up Close & Personal
Paris stands with a graceful air about it, and nothing represents that more than the Iron Lady itself: the Eiffel Tower. Visit the city’s most iconic monument, before setting off on a scenic journey past its grand boulevards and landmarks. Then, head to Montmartre, a favorite of legendary authors and Impressionist painters, where cobbled streets and the gleaming Sacré-Cœur tell a timeless Parisian story. Upon adding your own chapter to it, younger travelers can enjoy a fun carousel ride while a stop for crêpes or sweet treats will give travelers of all ages something to smile about.
Day 3 — A Royal Day at Versailles
Today invites a touch of imagination. Watch history take a playful turn with an interactive treasure hunt in the lush, labyrinthine gardens of Versailles. Follow clues through tree-lined alleys, hidden groves, and grand fountains as you uncover a regal mystery that brings stories of kings, queens, and courtly intrigue come to life. Between discoveries, take time to admire the scale and beauty of the gardens, where symmetry, sculpture, and nature come together in spectacular fashion. A day of family fun à la French royalty.
View Alternative Experience
- Day Trip to Disneyland Paris
For those seeking a different kind of fantasy, a full day at Disneyland Paris offers an immersive escape into a world of fairytale adventures and beloved characters. From thrilling rides to enchanting shows, it’s an experience designed to delight travelers of all ages and add an animated (pun intended) highlight to any Parisian getaway.
Day 4 — Bastille Day on the Seine
Paris knows how to celebrate, and today, it does so in spectacular fashion.
As Bastille Day unfolds, the city hums with anticipation, building toward an evening that transforms its most iconic landmarks into the stage for a truly unforgettable experience. And rather than watching from the crowds, you’ll take in the festivities from the Seine itself.
Board your private boat as the golden hour settles over the city and cruise along its storied waters, passing illuminated bridges and lively riverbanks. As you approach the Eiffel Tower, the atmosphere shifts. Music swells, lights shimmer, and soon, fireworks erupt across the Parisian sky, reflecting in the river around you.
With champagne flowing, curated bites to enjoy, and the city celebrating all around you, this becomes more than an event, but rather a shared moment that’s endlessly festive and distinctly Parisian.
For many, this is a quintessential highlight of the journey.
This Bastille Day experience is designed for travelers who want to celebrate Paris in a lively, social, and atmospheric setting.
Rather than a formal dinner or structured event, the evening unfolds organically, allowing guests to relax, take in the views, and enjoy the festive energy of the city from the Seine.
Please note that due to Bastille Day security regulations, exact return times following the fireworks may vary and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Meanwhile, restroom access is available via a nearby companion vessel with crew assistance.
For the most seamless experience, we recommend pairing this activity with accommodation within walking distance.
Key Booking Details
Date of Event: 14 July 2026
Booking Window: 1 March to 30 April
Private Bastille Day on the Seine Includes:
- Private Boat for up to 12 Guests
- Assortment of “cocktail bites”
- A selection of drinks (champagne, wine, beers, and soft drinks)
- Unforgettable View of the Celebration
Day 5 — Departure or Onward Discovery
After a night of celebration, Paris eases you gently into the next chapter of your journey. If you’re choosing to enjoy your trip with a bang, a private transfer will whisk you off to Charles de Gaulle Airport, with memories of fireworks and summer evenings still fresh in mind.
If, however, the festivities have put you in the spirit for more French discovery, the journey continues beyond Paris, where new landscapes, flavors, and stories await in Normandy.
Day 6 — French Impressions from Paris to Normandy
Following your lively days, the journey takes a softer, more flowery turn as you leave the city behind and head towards the boundless coasts of Normandy. Along the way, step into the picturesque world of Impressionism legend Claude Monet with a visit to Giverny, where his home and gardens let you experience some of his most iconic paintings in the flesh. Stroll past lily-covered ponds, cross the iconic Japanese bridge, and take in the colors that inspired his most celebrated works. By day’s end, arrive in Normandy, where a more tranquil rhythm awaits.
Novotel Deauville Plage
Set between the town center and the sea, 4-star Novotel Deauville Plage offers a relaxed, family-friendly stay with bright, modern rooms and a panoramic restaurant overlooking the coast. With the beach, port, and promenade just steps away, it’s perfectly positioned for a breezy Normandy escape.
Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy Deauville
A timeless icon of the Normandy coast, this Anglo-Norman landmark combines historic grandeur with refined 5-star comforts just moments from the beach and boardwalk. With its rich heritage, elegant interiors, and family-friendly amenities, it offers a truly classic seaside experience.
Day 7 — Cycling Through Time
Part of this journey is about capturing France’s resilient spirit. And today, you have the honor of doing so with a meaningful bike ride across the D-Day Landing Beaches, where scenic paths trace one of the most significant chapters of World War II. As you cycle along windswept shores and quiet countryside, stories of courage and resilience unfold in a way that feels both accessible and deeply moving. Balancing reflection with discovery, it’s an experience that offers meaningful moments and adds a layer of depth to the beauty of Normandy’s coastal landscapes.
Day 8 — Flavors & Coastal Charms of Normandy
Every festive journey is bound to pack plenty of charm and flavor, and today Normandy serves up plenty of both. Reveal its more indulgent side starting in the postcard-perfect harbor town of Honfleur, where colorful facades and the picturesque Vieux Bassin invite a leisurely wander. From there, venture into the Pays d’Auge, across rolling countryside and into fragrant orchards that set the stage for a sweet tasting of the region’s celebrated cider and apple brandy. Later, continue along the Flowered Coast and let the refreshing ocean breeze give way to an airy, relaxed afternoon, and perhaps an even more refreshing swim.
Day 9 — Departure, Au Revoir France
With your journey at its end, France leaves you with the feeling of having experienced it at its most joyful and authentic.
From sunlit strolls through Paris and unforgettable Bastille Day celebrations on the Seine, to the scenic beauty of Normandy, each day has been a festive ode to both summer and France itself.
As a private transfer takes you to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, you depart not only with memories, but with a sense of occasion that only truly special events can instill. And that, after all, is always cause for celebration.
