BASTILLE DAY

Bastille Day as it is known in France, le Fete Nationale or le quartoze Juilliet (14th July), is the national holiday in France, celebrating the fall of the Bastille Prison at the start of the French Revolution. All around the country there are many festivities, starting with the free music concerts at major areas of Paris (Bastille, Republic etc.), the Bal du Pompiers (see previous post), the military parade, and the concert at the Champ de Mars, the park under the Eiffel Tower, followed by fireworks. I have to say, the French really know how to celebrate in (free) style. Although we missed the parade (although I have seen it before - and I was told it was boring), we did everything else. The concert on the Champ de Mars had a star- studded line up, including Nelly Futardo (who was really boring actually), to some old French singer from the 80's. This weekend was the first weekend for ages it was actually hot (too hot!)........ which was perfect for all the outdoor celebrations.