National Bastille Day

Ah, National Bastille Day! A day of celebration, history, and, of course, French baguettes. Get ready to don your beret and belt out your best rendition of La Marseillaise (French national anthem) as we dive into the fascinating story behind this national holiday.

When is Bastille Day?

It's national bastille day on the 15th July.

The Birth of National Bastille Day

On National Bastille Day, also known as La Fête Nationale in France, we commemorate the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789. This event marked a pivotal moment in the French Revolution and represented the uprising of the French people against the monarchy.

The Bastille was a symbol of royal authority and oppression, so its storming by the revolutionaries was seen as a powerful act of defiance. The event not only ignited the French Revolution but also inspired revolutions across Europe.

Celebrations and Traditions

As the French like to say, 'Laissez les bons temps rouler!' (Let the good times roll). National Bastille Day is celebrated throughout France with zest and flair. The day is filled with parades, fireworks, concerts, and elegant balls.

One of the most iconic aspects of the celebration is the military parade along the Champs-Élysées in Paris. People flock to the streets to catch a glimpse of the French Armed Forces showcasing their might and patriotism. It's an awe-inspiring sight that truly captures the essence of the day.

Did You Know?

In addition to celebrating the French Revolution and freedom, National Bastille Day is also an occasion for fireworks, picnics, and parties. It wouldn't be a French celebration without some delicious food, right? So, grab a baguette, some cheese, and raise a glass of Champagne to toast this historic day!

History behind the term 'Bastille'

1357

Construction of the Bastille begins

In 1357, during the reign of King Charles V, construction of the Bastille fortress began. The Bastille was designed as a defensive structure to protect the eastern entrance of Paris. Initially, it consisted of a square-shaped tower surrounded by high walls and a moat. The term 'bastille' itself derives from the French word 'bastide,' meaning fortress or stronghold.

1380

Completion of the Bastille

After several decades of construction work, the Bastille was finally completed in 1380. The fortress featured eight towers, each with a different purpose, including housing prisoners, providing accommodation for soldiers, and serving as a lookout post. The Bastille's strategic location offered a commanding view of the surrounding area, making it a formidable defensive structure.

1659

Conversion into a royal prison

In 1659, during the reign of Louis XIV, the Bastille was converted into a royal prison. It primarily held political prisoners, including writers, philosophers, and nobles who opposed the king's rule. The prison's notorious reputation grew, with tales of harsh conditions and secret torture chambers, cementing the Bastille's association with tyranny and oppression.

14 July 1789

Storming of the Bastille

The most significant event in the history of the Bastille occurred on 14 July 1789, during the French Revolution. A crowd of revolutionaries stormed the fortress, aiming to seize its arsenal and free imprisoned political dissidents. The capture of the Bastille symbolized the people's revolt against the monarchy and became a powerful symbol of the fight for liberty and equality.

1790

Dismantling of the Bastille

Following the storming of the Bastille, the French government decided to dismantle the fortress as a symbolic act. The demolition process began in 1789 and continued until 1790. The destruction of the Bastille marked the end of an era and the birth of a new France, free from the tyranny of the old regime. Today, only a few remnants and commemorative plaques stand to remind us of its historical significance.

Did you know?

On National Bastille Day, the French celebrate with fireworks, picnics, and parties. It's a festive occasion filled with delicious food and, of course, plenty of baguettes!