Le 14 juillet

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Arial displays above the Grand Palais in Paris

Everyone knows the story behind Bastille Day, right? The lowly French peasants rose up against the cruel rich aristocracy, freed their comrades from prison, and founded the French Republic we know today. But there are some little-known facts and myths about the fateful day which shaped French history.

Did you know…

In France no-one calls it Bastille Day? 
It is either referred to as le Quatorze Juillet (14th July) or la Fête Nationale (The National Holiday).

The infamous storming of the Bastille prison only freed a handful of prisoners?
Whilst the revolutionary’s expected to find numerous inmates, the prison was nearly empty except for 7 political prisoners in good health. The identities of the infamous 7 were never confirmed.

Several different dates were considered for the national holiday? 

In 1880, the French senate thought the country needed a new national holiday and, after much debate, it was agreed that 14th July would become "la Fete Nationale". Many were against it as they felt it commemorated a bloody part of their country's history.

It is traditional for Firemen to throw public balls? 

Many stations throw large dance parties that are open to the entire neighbourhood. Whilst 

most of these events are free of charge, it is considered polite to leave a small donation.

                                       Bal des Pompiers Lyon

You get into The Louvre for free on Bastille Day?

So if you find yourself in Paris on 14th July, and don’t mind the queues, you can explore the 

world’s largest museum without spending a Euro.


14th July is a bank holiday?

Most shops are closed. Most town will put on a free firework and "bals populaires" - live 

band performing in the town square.

            Fireworks by the Eiffel Tower

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