by Sheila-Ann Bender

Created on: June 27, 2008

If you happen to be fortunate enough to find yourself in France on July 14th (Bastille Day), prepare yourself for gala celebrations comparable only to the 4th of July celebrations you've experienced in America. After all, Bastille Day is the Independence Day of France. It commemorates the day that French citizens stormed The Bastille, sparking the French Revolution and the independence of France.

Paris is the cat's meow, when it comes to the grandest Bastille Day celebrations in the country. If at all possible, that's where you most want to be. Here's a list of popular events hosted by the most romantic city in the world:

GRAND PARADE

Stand on the Champs-Elysses to watch a grand military parade (led by the President of France)march down the street from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. Featured in the parade are uniformed firefighters, cadets from the Ecole Polytechnique, Saint-Cyr and Ecole Navale, motorized and other infantry troops. The aviation of the Patrouille de France flies overhead during the parade. Units from France's allies often march in the parade, as well.

THE EVE OF BASTILLE DAY

On the evening of July 13th, fire stations all over Paris open up their doors and host a number of balls that are almost as important to the French people as the grand parade.

PARTIES AND FESTIVALS

Colorful art festivals and rowdy parties take place throughout the city that is home to the Eiffel tower. There is much wine and mouth-watering foods.

FIREWORKS

At sundown, the skies of Paris light up with fireworks that are set off at the Eiffel tower. There's not a better place to be for a fireworks extravaganza!

If you can't be in Paris for Bastille Day this year, take heart! Almost every village and town in France gets involved in local celebrations with block parties, picnics, dances and fireworks-or you might want to check out one of these events:

TOUR DE FRANCE

On July 13th and 14th, cyclists ride from Pau through Hautcam. If you like to bicycle and stay fit, this just might be a great event for you to check out!

CARCASSONE

If Medieval Architecture is your cup of tea, check out the village of Carcassone. Visit ancient structures while celebrating in this charming town. Free theater presentations are offered in the evenings, as well as music performances throughout the picturesque village town.

Plan your next trip to France in July, and stick around long enough to get swept up in one of the many Bastille Day events there. It will be a memorable trip that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

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