vive la france

July 13th, 2012

© Celeste Hutchins & Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia Commons

The storming of the Bastille not only triggered the French Revolution, but also a mid-summer celebration.  Taking place on the 14th of July each year, cities all around the world join France to honor the countries national holiday, La Fête Nationale, a.k.a Bastille Day.  Celebrations include much more than tasty wine, French hors d’oeuvres, and shouting “Vive la France!” The day is filled with Military Parades, fireworks, concerts, and balls.  Commencing at 9am,  join in on the fun with the Military parade, where the crowd will honor the French Military while the French Military Jets distribute blue, white, and red smoke overhead in celebration of the nation’s colors.  Post-parade events consist of an invite-only presidential garden party and a gigantic picnic for all on the banks of the Grand Canal.  If you need some downtime before the infamous Eiffel Tower firework display, head to Musee d’Orsay or the Louvre – all museums throughout Paris are free to the public in celebration!  Nevertheless, be sure to preserve some energy for the lively night scene because the festivities will continue into the wee hours of the morning at various nightclubs and hosted events.  Retire with your dancing shoes to a lavish room at either Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome or Pavillion de la Reine to enjoy all the luxuries the French have to offer.

For apparent reasons, there is no better location to commemorate the holiday than in Paris.  However if you can’t make the trip, put on your beret and look closer to home because this holiday is internationally celebrated.

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