Bonjour everyone! Hope you are having a lovely morning so far. Seeing as tomorrow is Bastille Day, I thought I’d share with you a little history about this historic occasion.
Bastille Day History
France's National Flag
On July 14, 1789, 220 years ago tomorrow, French citizens stormed the Bastille – a fortress/prision in Paris – to free political prisoners that were often held for no just cause. Although only 7 prisoners were actually freed on this infamous day, the day became associated with rebellion and independence. One year later, the first Bastille Day celebration was held and later was accepted as a national holiday in 1880. Modern-day Bastille Day celebrations, which include parades and parties, have come to symbolize national unity in France.
Celebrating Bastille Day
Bastille Day in Paris
But, you needn’t be French or even live in France to celebrate Bastille Day. Fracophiles all over the world celebrate France’s national holiday, even in the United States.
If you love all things French, then July 14-Bastille Day is the perfect day to show your enthusiasm for our French neighbors. And, there’s no need to wear the French national flag on your lapel or to hum the French national anthem all day. You can celebrate Bastille Day just by adding a little French joie de vivre to your everyday life. Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas!
12 Bistro Chic Ways to Celebrate Bastille Day
- Dine at a French bistro or cafe.
- Buy fresh flowers and display them at your home or office.
- Enjoy a cafè au lait – a favorite breakfast drink in France.
- Eat a French dessert like chocolate mousse or tarte tatin.
- Practice yoga – Bikram yoga is hot right now in Paris.
- Sip on a French wine or splurge and get Champagne!
- Have le goûter – a sophisticated snack that most French enjoy between the hours of 4 PM and 6 PM each day. This can be anything sweet, like a French macaroon (ones made with ground almonds, not the Americanized version with coconut!) or a baguette spread with jam.
- Watch a french-themed movie like Amelie or En Bruges.
- Have a picnic or dine al fresco.
- Peruse your local museum for French art by Renoir or Monet.
- Read a book about French women – like Entre Nous: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl or French Women for All Seasons.
- Shop at a local Farmer’s market, a common pastime of the French, and savor the fruits and vegetables of the season.
However you decide to celebrate Bastille Day, be sure to add your own je ne sais quoi in true French tradition. Enjoy!
