Celebrated on July, 14, Bastille Day is the French national day and the most important bank holiday in France! Setting the storming of the Bastille in 1789 as an essential part of the French History. The 14th July has become a major public holiday, traditionally considered as the symbol of the French Revolution.
The French Bastille Day is definitely a joyous national day that causes popular celebrations in the streets as well as political events. The best way to experience the 14 July bank holiday - widely known as Le 14 Juillet - is to go to Paris, more precisely on the Champs Elysees. Expect military parades, public speeches and fireworks, but also convivial gatherings in all cafés and restaurants!
Every single town in France actually commemorates the Bastille Day with excitement and pride as this national day represents the first step to the French Revolution which eventually led France to Republic. On July, 14, patriotic feelings break out throughout the country, French people wear blue, white and red, "tricolore" clothes or make-up and sing the typical Marseillaise (the French anthem) after one - or more! - glasses of Champagne!
Bastille Day in Paris...
Beginning in the morning of the 14th July, on the Champs Elysées in Paris, Bastille Day is the opportunity to admire the French military. Saint Cyr and Polytechnique cadets parade, along with official troops, whilst the French Air Force, Patrouille de France, carry out flying in the sky.
A popular custom on Basttille day in Paris is going for a friendly picnic in a public park, socialising, enjoying French food and wine, before watching the fireworks from the Place de la Concorde for example.
In many French villages, people traditionally get together on July, 13 to enjoy a typical Barbecue and sing and dance all night long - taking the advantage of the relaxing public holiday the day after!
The President of the Republic normally attends all the Parisian festivities and ends the 14th July ceremonies with a public interview from the Elysée (Predisent's official residence).
French National Day
The well-known storming of the Bastille has become a benchmark in terms of Revolt and Liberty all over the world!
Referring to July 14 1789, when a massive crowd of Frenchmen rose up and invaded the prison, Bastille Day is considered the beginning of the French Revolution. Capturing this prison, a symbol of the Ancient Regime, indeed marked the end of Louis XVI's absolute and arbitrary power and led France to the three ideals of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. Bastille Day has been known and celebrated as the creation of the Sovereign Nation and what would be the "First" Republic of France (in 1792).
Bastille Day became the National Holiday in 1790, originally called Fête de la Fédération ("federation feast"), to celebrate the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille and the end of the French Revolution.
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FAQs
Celebrated on July, 14, Bastille Day is the French national day and the most important bank holiday in France! Setting the storming of the Bastille in 1789 as an essential part of the French History. The 14th July has become a major public holiday, traditionally considered as the symbol of the French Revolution.
Why is the 14th of July a public holiday in France today? ›
One of the revolutionary days in Paris and now a national holiday, the 14th of July ("Bastille Day") is celebrated with a mixture of solemn military parades and easygoing dancing and fireworks. The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 has been commemorated in France for more than a century.
Why is July 14 a French national holiday? ›
In 1880, the Third Republic granted France a national holiday on 14 July in memory of the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789.
Is everything closed on Bastille Day in France? ›
ie Lourve? Most museums, restaurants, cinemas, clubs, and the like remain open; offices and banks close. Large department stores may close; smaller stores often remain open; tiny shops may close. There's a large military parade on the Champs-Elysées, and fireworks and celebrations at night in many locations.
Are shops closed in France on 14th July? ›
What are you looking for ? The following days are public holidays ("jours fériés") in France, when most shops tend to be shut. Many tourist attractions remain open during Spring and Summer public holidays. On Christmas, New Year's Day, 1st May and 14th July, virtually all shops are closed.
What do the French say on Bastille Day? ›
There is no French equivalent to "Happy Bastille Day" – all you can say is, generically, Bonne fête ! And of course, there's also Vive la France ! (but try not to overuse it).
Are restaurants open in Paris on Bastille Day? ›
Unlike other major French holidays, department stores will be open — including Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, Le Bon Marché, BHV, Carrousel du Louvre, and Printemps. Most restaurants will be open but we advise you to make a reservation just to be certain. Most food stores and other similar services will be open.
Do trains run on Bastille Day in France? ›
So expect the last trains to leave somewhere between 1am and 2am the evening before Bastille Day and between 12am and 1am on Bastille Day. If you're a real party animal, metro trains start running again at 5:30am.
Are French roads busy on Bastille Day? ›
This weekend is set to be one of the busiest of the year on French roads, as people turn the July 14th Bastille Day holiday into a long weekend away - here's what to expect.
What should you say when you enter a store in France? ›
Upon entering a shop – When you first walk in, scan the shop to see if you can spot the proprietor. When you do, immediately smile and greet him or her with a pleasant “Bonjour Monsieur/Madame,” and also nod to include in your greeting any other customers that may be in the store within earshot.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the peak tourist season in Paris, with warm and pleasant weather. This is a great time for outdoor dining in sidewalk cafes, picnicking in parks, and enjoying long daylight hours. Many events and festivals take place during this season, including Bastille Day (July 14th).
What day is everything closed in Paris? ›
Sunday and public holidays are the usual closing days, although there are some exceptions ... During the week, department stores all have one late-night opening day, known as a 'nocturne', until 9pm.
What happens on the 14th of July in the evening France? ›
Fireworks, firemen's parties, and military processions mark the bank holiday on 14 July when we commemorate the French Revolution's storming of the Bastille in 1789.
Is today a special day in France? ›
Holidays Today in France
There are no holidays in France today. Holidays are calculated using the local time in Paris.
What holiday is July 14th? ›
2024 Daily Holidays that fall on July 14, include:
Bastille Day. International Nude Day. National Grand Marnier Day. National Macaroni and Cheese Day.
What happens in Paris on Bastille Day? ›
Bastille Day is a national holiday throughout France. Normally, Paris Bastille Day events kick off with a military ceremony followed by a huge military parade down the Avenue des Champs Élysées and flyover by military aircraft.
