Bastille Day Is France’s Most Important National Holiday

July 14th of every year

Bastille Day is one of the biggest days of celebration in Paris. Known as the most important national holiday of the city, it is the commemoration of the day when the local people went to the prison house to in an uprising that sparked the beginnings of the French Revolution. Also, on the eve before the celebration, various parties are already held around the city.

The highlights of these parties are those held by the fire departments. Dances and picnics are everywhere. Aside from the fire fighters’ party, there is also a Gay Ball which is held outdoors for those who wish to experience the celebration in a different way.

On the day itself, the celebrations open in Champ-Elysees. Expect this place to be crowded with people to watch the military parade. The parade is led by the president and the best thing to see here are the jet planes flying overhead in aerial formations. The parade starts from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. The fire brigade is at the end of the line of the parade and as usual, in every parade of the Bastille Day, they are the ones who garner most of the applause because of their costumes during the celebration.

At nightfall, the celebrations move towards Champ de Mars, where the famous fireworks displays are held. The party continues as the numerous bars and clubs also stage their own extravaganzas until the break of dawn. The Bastille Day is one of the liveliest celebrations in Paris, so if given the option to visit the place in July, make sure to stay for this celebration.