Is Bastille Day a big deal in France?

Yes, Bastille Day (or *Le 14 Juillet*) is a massive, nationwide celebration in France. As the national day, it commemorates the 1789 storming of the Bastille and the birth of the Republic with major military parades on the Champs-Élysées, spectacular fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, and, popular firefighter balls, or Bals des Pompiers.
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Is Bastille Day big in France?

Essentially, Bastille Day is one of France's most celebrated national holidays – with many people taking long weekends and infamous fireworks at the Eiffel Tower's Champ des Mars every year.
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Why is Bastille Day so important in France?

It commemorates the anniversary of the fall of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, marking the beginning of the French Revolution. Although by the late 18th century it was little used and was scheduled to be demolished, the Bastille had come to symbolize the harsh rule of the Bourbon monarchy.
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Is everything closed on 14th July in France?

Public holidays in France, when most things are closed

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.
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What do French people do on 14 July?

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.
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France braces for big Bastille Day, World Cup final weekend

Why is July 14 important to the French?

One of the revolutionary days in Paris, now a national holiday. Nowadays, July 14 (or "Bastille Day" as it is also known) 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.
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Are restaurants open in France on Bastille Day?

Bastille Day in Paris is such a vibrant celebration, and the city definitely doesn't shut down. Most restaurants, cafés, and many shops stay open, especially in central areas, though some smaller boutiques may close for the holiday.
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Is Bastille Day a good time to visit Paris?

The famous Bastille Day celebrations in July are a highlight, with parades, fireworks and dancing in the streets. Paris-Plages, the city's unique summer transformation of the Seine's banks into beach-like retreats, offers an oasis of sand, lounge chairs and food trucks.
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Why don't the French call it Bastille Day?

La fête nationale was established to commemorate not the Bastille, but rather la fête de la Fédération, which was held on 14 July 1790 to celebrate the first anniversary of the storming of the prison. So la Bastille is not entirely unrelated to le Quatorze Juillet, just sort of once removed.
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What food is eaten on Bastille Day?

Some of the traditional Bastille Day foods you might see people eating at celebrations around France include easy cakes and other pastries. Breads and charcuterie, quiche and (of course) nice wine are also popular. Because Bastille Day is often celebrated with picnics and outdoor events, the food is kept simple.
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Why is 14 July so special?

In addition to personal milestones like birthdays, July 14 has historical significance too. It's known globally as Bastille Day in France—a national holiday commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 during the French Revolution.
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What are the five main French festivals?

10 Best Festivals in France
  • Nice Carnival.
  • Cannes Film Festival.
  • Bastille Day Parade.
  • Festival of Lights, Lyon.
  • International Kite Festival, Berck-sur-Mer.
  • World Music Day.
  • Menton Lemon Festival.
  • Saint-Nicolas Celebrations.
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Where is the best place in France to celebrate Bastille Day?

Paris. It's no surprise that the grandest of all celebrations takes place in the nation's capital.
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What is the meaning of "Liberté, égalité, fraternité"?

Liberté, égalité, fraternité – Liberty, Equality, Fraternity: these words are regarded as the most famous slogan of the French Revolution. Men and women are born and remain free and equal in rights. Social distinctions may be founded only upon the common good.
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Is everything closed on 14 July in France?

Shops - most large stores, supermarkets and chains will open, although they may have reduced opening hours. Smaller independent shops will usually close for the day.
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What do French people do on Bastille Day?

How do the French celebrate Bastille Day? Across the country, people gather to celebrate with fireworks, parades, picnics and parties. Paris is at the centre of Bastille Day celebrations. Revellers fill the French capital and blue, white and red tricolour flags flutter in the streets.
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What should you say when you enter a store in France?

Each time you enter a store, make eye contact with the salesperson and say bonjour madame or bonjour monsieur. As you leave the store, don't forget say au revoir madame or au revoir monsieur.
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What does 93 mean in Paris?

Seine-Saint-Denis (French pronunciation: [sɛn sɛ̃ d(ə)ni]) is a department of France located in the Grand Paris metropolis in the Île-de-France region. In French, it is often referred to colloquially as quatre-vingt treize or neuf trois ("ninety-three" or "nine three"), after its official administrative number, 93.
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What is a red zone in France?

The Zone Rouge, or Red Zone, is the name given to about 460 square miles of totally devastated land in the Meuse. Littered with unexploded ordnance, it became a physical and environmental catastrophe.
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Do and don'ts in France?

French Etiquette- 10 Essential Tips
  • 1 Always “hello” - toujours “bonjour” ! ...
  • 2 The kingdom of politeness. ...
  • 3 Kissing not hugging. ...
  • 4 Punctuality : never be on time ! ...
  • 5 Table manners. ...
  • 6 Clothes: less is more. ...
  • 7 Don't talk too much about money. ...
  • 8 Food, politics, art: the top 3 topics of conversation.
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What is the biggest holiday in France?

For the ultimate summer party in France, visit over July 14: Bastille Day, the country's big national day. This summer holiday is celebrated with gusto, with all-night parties, picnics, and fireworks. And the fun permeates the country, from tiny towns to Paris.
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What to do in Paris on Bastille Day?

You can gather on the Champ de Mars with a blanket and picnic to relax and enjoy free concerts before the fireworks, attend one of the popular Bals des Pompiers (Firemen's Balls), cruise down the Seine river while enjoying dinner and fireworks, or visit one of the many museums open for the occasion.
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What do you say on Bastille Day?

A common expression for the day is Vive le quatorze juillet ! (Long live the fourteenth of July!). What other French phrases could you say to celebrate Bastille Day in France? Vive la France !
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