Bastille Day is France's most important national holiday,
commemorating the storming of the former high-security prison and
the uprising that marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
There's a huge military parade on the Champs-Elysées, and further
celebrations take place all over the city.
The evening before the big day is spent dancing in the Bastille
square and at numerous balls that are organised around the city.
Worth a look-in are the many parties held by the fire service in
their stations, at which the fire-fighters themselves are usually
the star attraction (their uniforms providing a lure for the
ladies). There is also a big outdoor Gay Ball if you fancy
something more boisterous. If that doesn't take your fancy try
sitting down to the Incredible Picnic, one of the largest in the
world, taking place in some 20 of France's départments on
Bastille Day.
On the big day itself, the crowds come out and line the
Champs-Elysées to watch the military parade which, led by the
President and accompanied overhead by jets in formation, marches
from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. Bringing up
the rear and receiving the loudest applause are the fire brigade,
perhaps suffering from a hangover or two. It's wise to arrive
early if you want to get a good view.
The partying continues all day and later thousands of people come
together again at the Champ-de-Mars to watch the fireworks at the
Trocadéro. On top of all that, most bars and clubs stage their
own celebrations, so take your pick. If you're not in Paris, don't
worry: every single village in France has their own dance, with
champagne, fireworks, street fun and lots more. Everyone should
take in at least one Bastille Day in their lives.
Although nothing now remains of the Bastille fortress itself, the
place where it once stood remains an enduring symbol of the ideals
of liberté, egalité and fraternité.
