Fête Nationale, often referred by as Bastille Day, is recognised on 14 July each year in commemoration of the storming of the Bastille in Paris in 1789.
Throughout France and its territories, people gather on this day for parties, parades and feasting in the ultimate display of patriotism. The televised coverage of the traditional défilé in Paris and along the Champs-Élysées is particularly impressive involving military tanks, cavalry, aircraft fly overs by the Patrouille de France, jets and helicopters and the customary appearance from the French President.
The annual Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Élysées avenue near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on July 14, 2018. (photo: AFP PHOTO / Ludovic MARIN)
As well, there are public events hosted across the country including balls and fireworks displays. Here are 6 ways you can ring in Fête Nationale this year:
1. Watch the national day parades
The main event is hosted in Paris from morning with televised coverage on all major French TV stations and news channels. Expect military formations, speeches and La Marseillaise!
2. Follow the Tour de France 2018 coverage
Whether you’re a cyclist or not, the Tour de France is one of the world’s most viewed sports races. Fête Nationale coincides with Stage Eight of the tour from Dreux to Amiens – you can follow Stage Eight coverage here: Tour de France route
Follow stage 8 of the Tour de France on Bastille Day 2018 (photo: AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
3. Drink French wine and Champagne
I’m not going to argue with this as there are so many fantastic French wines and of course, Champagne!
For a glass of inspiration, head to:
About France : Introduction to the wines of France
Decanters August 2018 guide with 93 rosés tasted beyond Provence, whites from Languedoc and Crémants
The Yacht Cru Wine Guide : France (Rough Regions Guide)
Champagne for Fête Nationale (photo: Pulsd)
Of course, if adults are having a glass of something alcoholic you can keep the kids happy by whipping up fun drinks such as this non-alcoholic sangria!
4. Splurge on French-themed patisseries
French patisseries love a national holiday to showcase their skills and you’ll find every patisserie will display macarons, cakes, tarts and eclairs in the window decorated with icing, sprinkles or bon bons in the tricolore.
Sweet treats for Fête Nationale (photo: Pinterest)
5. Join in on a game of boules
Every town in France has a boules pitch and if you’ve ever wanted to learn the game, today is the day! Usually, there are park benches beside boules pitches so even if you feel unsure you can always sit and watch the locals play.
Boules in St Tropez anyone? (photo: Dandy Magazine)
6. Attend the memorial service in Nice
Two years ago on this day, Nice was affected by a cowardly attack on a night where people were in good spirits attending the fireworks display. Sadly, 86 people lost their lives including a number of children and almost 500 people were injured.
I did not write a blog post at that time as I felt incredible sadness for the victims and their families. In the days following, I was asked to do a radio interview and my aim was to speak about the city they love and live in and focus on the Nice I know.
Tourists have kept coming to Nice.
Daily life has continued as the city moves on with remembrance and resilience.
Nice will always be a place that mixes not divides cultures. You will find those blue chairs on the Prom, munch on some hot socca and enjoy a cold glass of rosé.
Two years have passed, but flying into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and seeing that turquoise sea still moves people to call it home. There are wonderful museums, beautiful buildings, interesting markets and pretty shops selling the best olive oil, fragrant soaps, hand made chocolates and vintage postcards.
Thank you to the city of Nice for remembering the people with a memorial service today. There will be a free concert from 9.15pm by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Nice and at 10.34pm, 86 balloons will be released at Jardin Albert 1er with 86 light beams into the sky from the Promenade des Anglais. You can find out the details below for the journée d’hommage:
Fête Nationale 2018 in Nice (image: VilledeNice)
NOTE: I have had many requests for information about the summer fireworks displays on the French Riviera. I love fireworks, however out of personal choice I won’t be publishing a public guide for the regional fireworks dates as I would like to continue showing solidarity to the families of the Nice attack.
I shall leave you to recognise Fête Nationale in your own way – beach picnics, parades or simply enjoying the sunshine or a meal with family and friends. A year ago, I shared this video – filmed and edited by Fabien Ecochard; it still holds a poignantly beautiful capture of life in Nice:
Bonne Fête!
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