Bastille Day, known in France as La Fête Nationale or simply Le 14 Juillet, commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789 — a pivotal event of the French Revolution. It is France's national day.
The Bastille was a medieval fortress and political prison in Paris. Its storming on July 14, 1789 by armed Parisians symbolized the end of royal absolutism and the start of the French Revolution. The first anniversary was celebrated July 14, 1790 as the Fête de la Fédération. Bastille Day was made the national holiday on July 6, 1880.
The military parade on the Champs-Élysées is the oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe. Fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, concerts at the Champ de Mars, and dance balls ("bals des pompiers" — firefighter balls) held the night before are nationwide.
Wine, cheese, baguettes, and seasonal vegetables. Regional French cuisine takes the spotlight at communal meals and street parties.
"Bonne Fête Nationale" · "Vive la France!" · "Vive la République!"
Major public holiday across France. Most businesses close. Paris fills with both locals and tourists; book hotels and transport ahead. Many regional towns host their own parades and fireworks.