Viva la France! The 'Storming of the Bastille' in Paris occurred on 14 July 1789. While the medieval fortress and prison known as the Bastille contained only seven prisoners, its fall was the flashpoint of the French Revolution and it subsequently became an icon of the French Republic.
In France, Le quatorze juillet (14 July) is a public holiday, formally known as the Fête de la Fédération (Federation Holiday) also referred to as Bastille Day.
You don't need to be in France to celebrate Bastille Day, with many people around the world celebrating 'Fête de la Fédération' or 'Bastille Day' with great vigour in many ways. My family will be celebrating with a few other local families whom we share a common love of France with. We are each bringing our favourite French dish to share (mine will be Tarte au Citron, a classic French dessert). We will no doubt listen to French music, drink a little champagne, enjoy beautiful French food and have a 'serious' game of Pétanque planned with the children.
How would you like to celebrate? Watch a French film, enjoy a meal at your local French restaurant, host a 'Bastille Day' party, plant a French rose, drink French champagne, or the ultimate way to celebrate ... go to Paris!
Interested in French history? You can read more about Bastille Day and it's origins here.