It it’s Friday, it must be France …
Bonne Fête de La Bastille! Bonne Fête Nationale! Happy Bastille Day! 
Every July 14 the storming of the Bastille in Paris in 1789 is celebrated throughout France and around the world by French ex-pats. A fabulous party is guaranteed!
This national holiday commemorates what is recognized as the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of Louis the 16th’s Ancient Regime. With this uprising, the people signaled that the king’s power was no longer absolute as they fought for freedom from oppression and the establishment of liberty, equality and fraternity.
The holiday celebrates the birth of the French Republic. In most communities, all kinds of festive events are planned for the day – including parades, dances, feasts – and a bang-up finish to the evening with the kind of fantastic fireworks the French love!
Last summer we were living in Antibes and loved being right in the midst of all the festivities. This year trying not to whine we will be celebrating in Toronto … hmmm, not quite the same!
We’re living a little vicariously this July 14 as our youngest son (26) is in Antibes/Juan Les Pins and somehow we know he’ll be only too happy to party for us!
So whip over to your closest French bakery and load up on croissants for breakfast, practise the words to La Marseillaise and get out the corkscrew to toast the day with some fine vintage French wine. Wherever you celebrate, I wish you a bonne fête!
Writing this while listening to the familiar pomp and circumstance! Happy Bastille Day to you! I do hope that next July 14th you’ll find yourself celebrating in Antibes again!
Bonne fête nationale Patricia! I saw all the preparations being made down the Champs Elysees last week and flags in the centre of Aix yesterday, will be watching for the fireworks tonight.
Our bakery closed. 🙁 No croissants for me.
But this festival looks amazing. I love fireworks so I’d be out there all day in anticipation. How cool you lived there during it one year. Take me with you!
I would love to, Jess!
Came by for the fireworks — just can never get enough fireworks – but stayed to tell you {again} how much I love, love, love your pic in the top right corner. It just makes me smile!
You are too sweet, Bridgette! Thanks! The pic does make me smile too because the surprise was so unexpected and special!
It is my dream to be in Paris for Bastille Day. So far, the closest I’ve come is heading to the theatre to see Les Miserables on Bastille Day when I was in high school. One day…
Keep that dream going, Naomi, and I just know it will come true. I can see you walking through the Jardin Luxembourg hand in hand with Madeleine!