July 13 early arrival...avoid jetleg & still see fire works?

I arrive in Paris at 8 am July 13 from the west coast. I have heard that much of the Bastille celebrating is done on this day and I was hoping to witness some of it, yet experience utter exhaustion. Does anyone have suggestions for what to do the day I arrive? Or general advice about the Bastille holiday? Thanks!

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the year we were there for Bastille Day the fireworks were announced for 10 (it wasn%26#39;t even dark then) and actually went off at just before 12 -- s0 you aren%26#39;t going to make it without building in a nap -- they were pretty cool

the flyovers are in the afternoon and involve tricolor smoke etc

each arrondisement has little neighborhood parties -- we just joined in on the one we found in our%26#39;s which was the 20th -- and so quite local and non touristed -- I don%26#39;t know what happens in the center. there was a little band -- people bought drinks at a nearby bar -- dancing etc

(and the Louvre is free and unlike free Sundays was not crowded)

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Thanks, Graceh. That tip about the Louvre is good to know!

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