The quatorze juillet, Bastille Day

Each July 14th France celebrates its national holiday, known in English as Bastille Day. The French simply call it: “la fête nationale” or “le 14 juillet” or perhaps “La fête de la Bastille.” Commemorating the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the end of absolute monarchy, this date has become synonymous with celebrations all over France: dances, concerts, and of course, fireworks.

It’s the holiday that marks the definitive end of the school year, the results of the posting of the bac exam for 12th graders, the beginning of summer, the start of the endless summer traffic jams and madness in the rail stations and airports, the waning of the sale season, the official use of shorts and T-shirts in the streets, the arrival of tourists, big parades and long summer meals. Since the French daylight time is two hours ahead of sunrise, the days are long at this time (twilight starts around 10 pm) and the splendid fireworks on this day don’t begin until 11 pm.

This year the fête is on a Saturday, giving two “official” days to the celebration, since on both Saturday and Sunday the stores will be closed, as will be banks, supermarkets, post offices, some restaurants, etc. There are festivities everywhere in France on the fête nationale. If you have the good fortune to be in France, check with your local tourist office to see where the fireworks and the “bal des pompiers” (the firemen’s ball—outdoor dances in the streets) will be held.

Here are a few of the activities in store for those lucky enough to be in and around Paris this year. Whether you are Parisian yourself or simply visiting the capital, profitez-en and enjoy the festivities!

• Military Parade in the morning on the Champs-Elysées starting at the Arc de Triomphe at 10 am. Always a magnificent parade, with the President of the République and his cabinet in attendance.

• July 14th fireworks display on the Champs-de-Mars, under the Eiffel Tower or from the Jardins du Trocadéro across the river. Métro: Trocadéro. This year’s theme: “Disco Years” with music from the 70s and 80s. Starts around 10:45 p.m.

• Free admission to the Louvre today (other museums may be closed).

• Free performance at the Opéra National de Paris, Palais Garnier. 7:30 p.m. Limited seating. • Fireman’s ball. Dance through the night at many fire stations all over Paris, July 13th and 14th. Donations accepted at the door.

• Longchamp Garden party at the Longchamp racecourse in the 16th arrondissement. Free. Following the races there will be concerts and fireworks. Une belle soirée au champ de course! Métro: Porte Maillot.

• Picnic in the park of the Château de Versailles on the banks of the Grand Canal. Vendors, bands, Grandes eaux musicales (musical fountains). From 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free. Dress code: White.

Bon déjeuner sur l’herbe! Bonne fête à toutes et à tous!