by Sandy Winn

Created on: June 25, 2008   Last Updated: July 08, 2008

Paris, La Rochelle, Saint Raphael, Poiters, Carcassonne, and Avignon are just a few of many cities that offer the best Bastille Day celebrations in France annually, on July 14th. You could choose to gaze at the Eiffel Tower in all its magnificence, or take off your shoes and go for a romantic stroll along a beach, or meander through villages with striking medieval structures. One of the worlds most well known bike races, the Tour De France, will also be ongoing when French citizens everywhere celebrate the day that marked the beginning of the French Revolution on July 14, 1789 - the storming of the Bastille Prison. Time to look now into these various cities around France and the celebrations to take place within their walls beginning with Paris and working to Hautcam...

* Paris

Paris' Bastille Day events begin on the thirteenth of July and end on the fourteenth though tons of revelers will continue into the morning hours of the fifteenth. The two major events taking place on Bastille Day Eve, which officially "ring in" Bastille Day on July 14, are two Balls and a Fireman's Gala.

The Bal du 14 juillet, takes place where the Bastille Prison once stood, Place de la Bastille. It is one gigantic Ball and costume party. There will be live entertainment, food, and drinks - all the staples of a super terrific party! Another Ball happening this same night will be Le Bal Gay, The Gay Ball.

Fireman's Gala, Firemens'Galas, is when fire precincts around Paris open their doors to the public for dancing, drinking, and partying. The firemen will be dressed in their uniforms and waiting to entertain the tons of carousers who enter.

On the morning of July 14 the first event is a grand military parade on France's most famous avenue, the Champs-Elysees. Military jets from Patrouille de France will fly the sky in formation over President Nicolas Sarkovy as he leads both the military of France and even allies down this much famed avenue.

When the parade ends, Parisians will sit down for a nice but extra large picnic called the "Incredible Picnic" which is held in over twenty French departments. Wine, baguettes, croissants, various cheeses, favorite meats, fruits and vegetables, desserts and other French delicacies are just a few things that might come from their picnic baskets. Leisurely games like soccer or pentanque may be seen throughout the various picnic grounds.

Fireworks are the Grand Finale' and will center around the Eiffel Tower. Arguably, the best places in which to view this

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>