National Day of July 14th in Blois

The National Day in Blois: ceremony, parade and concert on the banks of the Loire

The July 14th celebrations in Blois are an unmissable event of the Blois summer. The City of Blois organizes a festive and popular evening each year that gathers thousands of spectators on the banks of the Loire, in an exceptional heritage setting: the Jacques-Gabriel bridge, the royal castle and the historic facades of the city center offer a magnificent backdrop.

Official ceremony and parade

The evening begins with an official ceremony at Place de la Résistance, with the traditional taking of arms and the military parade. Elected officials, representatives of the armed forces, the Harmonie de Blois and patriotic associations participate in this republican tribute. The ceremony is open to the public and constitutes a solemn moment before the festivities.

Free concert on the quays

After the ceremony, a large free concert is organized on the banks of the Loire, at the Port de la Creusille. The program varies each year and features renowned artists: recent editions have notably welcomed the Fatals Picards in 2025 and Broken Back in 2026. The festive atmosphere of the Loire quays, with its open-air cafes and refreshment stands, creates a unique popular celebration atmosphere, extended by a DJ evening.

The fireworks display: now at the end of August, for Liberation Day

Historically launched on July 14th over the Loire, the grand fireworks display of Blois is, since 2026, organized during a major evening on the last Saturday of August, around Blois' Liberation Day celebration and as the closing event of the summer festival « Des Lyres d'été ». This postponement from July 14th aims to protect the terns and gulls that nest on the Loire islands during the summer. The pyrotechnic show is still launched from the riverbanks, visible from the Creusille, the Jacques-Gabriel bridge and the bishop's gardens.

An eco-responsible commitment

The City of Blois is committed to an eco-responsible fireworks display: elimination of aluminum and plastic caps from pyrotechnic products, preferred use of cardboard projectiles, control of sound emissions to protect wildlife, use of reusable firing supports and recycling of copper and cardboard. This environmental commitment demonstrates the desire to reconcile festivities and respect for the natural heritage of the Loire region.