Bastille Day is an important national holiday that the French take very seriously, as is everything related to their heritage. If you happen to be inParis On July 13th and 14th, you will undoubtedly witness one of the most elaborate celebrations you have ever seen. The purpose of this article is to explain to you why the French celebrate this day with such devotion and to provide you with information on the most worthwhile celebrations and, of course, where it is best to see the fireworks.
So let's get started and start by trying to understand what happened there and how July 14th became a national holiday.
The History of Bastille Day (French Independence Day)
The truth is that there is no greater and falser myth in French history (except perhaps the myth that 90% of the French were in the Resistance), than the storming of the Bastille.
As you can read in my article The Bastille – 7 things you didn’t know about the mythical fortress of ParisThe Bastille was not really the terrible prison we all think we know. Instead, it was a “prison de luxe” where most of the people imprisoned were not major political opponents but people whose families had asked the king to imprison them for a while so they would stop committing shameful acts (according to the Marquis de Sade).
But before we continue, do you want to see what the Bastille looked like before it was destroyed? You are welcome to watch the following short video I created:
What is interesting is that if they had waited a little longer, Louis XVI himself would have destroyed the Bastille, but history has no time to wait. In the summer of 16, a number of events occurred that ultimately led the Parisian mob to storm the Bastille. It was a combination of hunger resulting from several unsympathetic winters and the dismissal of the esteemed Minister of Finance, Necker, which heated up the situation and caused the mob to start demonstrating.
On July 14, 1789, a mob gathered near the Bastille and demanded that the commander of the Bastille, De Launay, open the gates and give them their weapons. The commander of the Bastille did not agree and began stubborn negotiations between himself and the leaders of the rebels (in a side note: the negotiations took place during breakfast, which shows us that even in the greatest historical moments, food always comes first). Then, suddenly, a shot was fired from inside the fortress and the angry mob charged.
It may sound like a heroic act, but it really wasn't. The Bastille was defended by a group of old or wounded soldiers, and the capture of the Bastille was more like the capture of the Kirya by a Tel Aviv mob, just after they announced an operation at the Azrieli Mall. When the mob captured the Bastille and massacred the soldiers there, it discovered 7 prisoners, including 4 thieves, one madman, and two others whose families had been imprisoned in the fortress at the express request of their families.
So as you can see, it's not a great act of heroism, and the Bastille isn't exactly the "Dark Fortress," but the capture of the Bastille is rightly considered one of the highlights. French Revolution And so it quickly became a holiday that we celebrate to this day.
Things to do on Bastille Day
So after you understand what's being celebrated and have decided to be in Paris on July 14th, it's time to see what's happening on this festive day.
Street parties
I attended one of the street parties that took place in Republic Square. The party is basically singers singing rock and roll songs, there are beer stands and people dancing, laughing and having fun. The atmosphere in these places is very similar to our Independence Day, only without the hammers, the shouting, and the foam.
In addition, there are special parties at fire stations, where firefighters open the station and host people. There is a DJ and it's really fun there. Recommendation! It is recommended to arrive at these parties early, as the place fills up very quickly because it is a special event. The parties last until dawn.
The Bastille Day parade
The day after Bastille Day, crowds come to the Champs-Elysées to watch the military parade that leaves from the Arc de Triomphe and reaches the Place de la Concorde. The parade starts at 10:00. It is recommended to take a seat as close as possible to the Place de la Concorde, since that is where the whole show takes place. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive at 9:00 and take a good seat, but you should take into account that there are crowds of people and standing in a crowded place. It is recommended to bring a portable chair and a bottle of water, it is very hot, there is no shaded place and it takes a while for the parade to start.
Anyone who walks along Sderot a few weeks before will notice the iron bars laid on the floor and the preparations for the parade. As befits the French who take their time slowly, the entire lower part of the boulevard will be built and eventually stands will be erected there that will accommodate hundreds of parade guests who will stand on the stage of honor and receive the parade.
The parade features a cavalryman with hundreds of soldiers on magnificent horses, tanks, combat units, jeeps, paratroopers who parachute directly into the square, and more. On this day, you can watch the broadcast live on the French channel. The celebrations continue all day with picnics throughout the parks, a cruise along the Seine, and more. The museums on this day function normally, as do the restaurants. Just keep in mind that on this day the occupancy will be higher, and the crowding will be accordingly.
pay attention: Eiffel Tower That day it is open until 18:00 PM only.
Additionally, if you peek and look at the Sderot Road, you will notice that the traffic lights have disappeared. The traffic light system during these weeks is mobile, as the Tour de France world cycling competition is also taking place in Sderot at the end of July, and therefore the Sderot Road is cleared of any hazards that could interfere with the Tour riders and the parade participants.
Watching the Bastille Day fireworks
Towards nightfall, thousands of people arrive at the Champ-de-Mars to watch the fireworks display. In addition to the fireworks, a festive concert is also held there, as every year. Celebrities from all over France They perform in it. Because this concert is considered the elite of French performances.
People arrive in the afternoon to get a good spot for the concert and to watch the fireworks show. A few years ago, when I lived in Paris, I said that I had to experience this Parisian experience, but I will emphasize that I will not repeat it again because the grass is so crowded that people fight for every free spot.
In addition, the issue of toilets… is problematic. There are about 4 toilets for 100 people, so there are 2 choices. Either hold off until… or simply crawl into one of the bushes surrounded by crowds of people. At the end of the show, all the metro stations around are closed and there is a good few kilometers of walk to the nearest metro station. After a 25-minute walk with another 100 people, you find yourself on the Avenue des Elysées and from there you can take the metro back to the hotel or a night bus.
How can you watch the Bastille Day fireworks in style and without being crowded?
If you don't want to push through crowds of people, hold back, and then walk for miles to see the fireworks show, then there is a solution.
The companies that do cruises on the Seine have a special cruise that day that includes a gala dinner and a stop at the Eiffel Tower so you can watch the fireworks show, while sitting comfortably at a table and drinking champagne. It's not a cheap experience, but on the other hand, it's not every day you're in Paris on Bastille Day...
So if you want to celebrate Bastille Day in style you can find some great options atLink this.
Bastille Day celebrations outside Paris
In addition to the concert, most bars and clubs in the city hold small, cheerful parties. Then, on July 15, the French go on their annual vacation, the Vaucluse. Crowds of locals travel out of town, leaving the city to tourists. If you are not in Paris during the celebrations, there is no need to worry. Even the smallest villages in France hold Bastille Day celebrations with parades, street parties and fireworks. Everyone must be on Bastille Day at least once in their lives.
A few words about Gal Steiner Yaniv
Gal Steiner Yaniv is a tourism consultant in Paris and a photographer. The writer builds unique and personalized itineraries, photographs, and does personal bookings in Paris.
Gal has extensive knowledge of everything related to Paris and her photos were published in the book "The Family Traveling to Paris" and also won competitions. Photography in ParisYou can contact her on Facebook and read her warm recommendations.