The sky was red as if on fire, the temperature was hot…and everyone was lining up to be first to enter the beautiful Hotel de Chavigny courtyard, home to the famous Marais fire station for the traditional Bal des Pompiers on Bastille Day, July 14.
We always tell our friends and visitors that this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris – and everyone agrees! We divided our time between the crowded Marais streets and the two local fire stations on rue de Sévigné and rue du Jour. In both courtyards live orchestras were playing hits from the 90’s and classic disco. The crowd was a fabulous mix of military men, firemen, local residents, tourists, sexy young girls, gay men, couples looking for fun… all together in a « bon enfant » ambiance that you cannot find anywhere but in Paris.
Bottles of Champagne were cheap so we decided to have one and we kindly offered Parismarais t-shirts to the sexiest firemen in the place. They were good enough to invite us back for more drinks including a very fancy cocktail of rosé and grapefruit juice. Some of my American girlfriends were lucky to have invitations to visit deeper into the building (including some of the bedrooms!). But this is top secret, so we won’t tell you more…!
At 1 a.m. The Parmentier team in the second courtyard annonced they were going to do a strip show just to please the Parisians… something they would normally never do. Paris firemen are part of the French army and have to respect etiquette and maintain a certain level of dignity, which they take very seriously when it comes to their reputation of respectable life-savers.
But on Bastille Day, almost everything is permitted… So 3 of the very cutest pompiers started to dance on the podium to Donna Summer’s « Hot Shot » and The Village People « In the Navy ». They started to undress slowly and toss their clothes into the crowd, which was getting more and more hysterical by the minute…
Could you imagine this happening in London, New York or anywhere else in the world? No way! And all this fun for only 2 euros entrance fee to the « Caserne »! If you’ve never been to the Bal des Pompiers, you’ll want to come back to Paris for these two unmissable nights – July 13 and 14. We wish this would happen every month, but it’s a very special event, only once a year – so be sure to plan your holiday in advance ! After we left the fire station, the streets were still very lively with people dancing everywhere and the gay bars of le Marais were offering even more extravagnaza with drag queens in bleu, blanc et rouge and sexy gogo dancers wearing nothing but white, blue and red swimming trunks to celebrate our national holiday in their own way. Start planning your attire for next year – but certainly, do not miss the Bals des Pompiers or Bastille Day in Paris – there’s no better party, anywhere in the world!
Le bal des pompiers : Did you know that one of Paris’ most popular tourist attractions wears boots and navy blue uniforms?
There is no question that « Le bal des pompiers » held on July 13 and 14 is one the most popular parties on the Paris calendar. Every July, fire stations across Paris turn up the heat as they turn into the hottest dance halls. The Paris firemen are cute, sexy, smiling, open-minded and welcoming. The fact that they are also life savers contributes as much to their popularity with Parisians and tourists as does their friendly attitude.
This year as usual, our team was first in line, press cards in hand, to enter through the VIP back entrance at number 9 rue de Sévigné. The fire trucks were out in the street so the two beautiful courtyards of Hotel de Chavigny, a 17th century mansion built by Louis XIV architect François Mansart, could welcome hundreds of people and a musical band.
This house has been home to the Marais fire station for nearly two centuries. The Paris Fire Brigade was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 19th century to improve safety in the city of Paris after the revolution. Unlike firemen in most cities and countries, Paris fire fighters are part of the French army, and that may be why they inspire so much respect and admiration.
Joining the Paris Fire Brigade is not a simple job. You have to be in top physical condition and practice no less than four hours of sport activities each day. It is no wonder that the fire fighters have gorgeous bodies and are the dream of all Parisians – men and women alike.
Back at the fire station…we were offered a bottle of champagne and became just intoxicated enough to make more new friends in blue shirts. Unfortunately, we missed the traditional « full monty » show they love to do just to make the crowd hysterical. But we had the chance to visit two other fire stations in central Paris, just to find out if the atmosphere was as nice as in le Marais.
The station in Les Halles on rue du Jour was packed, and the crowd enjoyed a band playing music that was more 80’s and traditional. The busiest fire station was the one in Saint-Germain-des-Prés on rue du Vieux Colombier, where the techno music was hot and the ambiance felt more like gay pride or the techno parade.
We ended up back in le Marais, at what was certainly the most lovely of all fire stations, due to the beautiful courtyards and architecture. Everyone in our group got to bed very late, with a few phone numbers in our pockets – and dreams of being saved and rescued more often.
Every good story ends with a wedding or fireworks, and this year the fireworks held at the Eiffel Tower, hosted by the city of Paris, were the most beautriful we’ve ever seen! The theme was a celebration of the 250th year of Mozart. The light show was astonishing and the music was a subtle medley of Mozart’s masterpieces, from « Les Noces de Figaro », « La Flute Enchantée », and the « Concerto Pour Clarinette », the music heard a number of years ago on the « Out of Africa » soundtrack. Nearly one million people gathered on the Champs de Mars, bringing their picnics and their high spirits to enjoy an endless night of excitation and fun.
14 july 2005: a hot bastille day
Pictures by Pascal Fonquernie & Tara King. The young fireman are totally dreamy -- all under 35, most of them "metrosexual" with their short hair, muscular tattooed bodies and adorable smiles. With a press pass, a business card and a little charm, we snaked our way into the back entrance of the party at the "caserne" (fire station) on rue de Sevigné before the party even began. That gave us a chance to "schmooze" with the guys before the crowds started to flow in and fill the large courtyards to capacity. Lynda Sydney, one of our team wasn't complaining, as she got propped up on the bar to be surrounded by adoring fellows.
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The band played, the dancing began and we didn't stop until we were dripping in sweat and our feet were in pain. The "merguez" and fries were surprisingly delicious. One of our journalist and her friend Caroline managed to make good-enough friends to get a tour of their sleeping quarters and party with a corps of firefighters until the wee hours of the morning…
A few blocks away at place de la Bastille, a Brazilian band on a large stage with big screens had thousands of people dancing and partying in the streets. Lucky to conjure up a table at the Café Français, we rested our weary bones and re-energized over drinks while the music played and the masses of humanity streamed by. I reflected on how many memorable occasions seem to happen for me at that very spot.
The day after, we gathered our picnic goodies and headed out to reach the Champ de Mars in time for dinner on the grass and the annual fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower. To get a good spot, one must stake a claim about 7 p.m. We were fortunate to have a friend arrive early, spread a large sheet and "reserve" a good "table." Dead center, it could not have been more spectacular. There simply isn't much more divine than the elaborate and elegant fireworks display set behind La Grande Dame -- this year with a light and music show featuring the Year of Brazil. "The Girl from Ipanima" started to play, the sky lit up with intense color..and I started to cry. Every year, it just gets better.
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