Bastille Day 2008

July 14 is Bastille Day, celebrating the storming of the Bastille Prison in 1789 by several hundred protestors, thus starting the French Revolution and the end of the monarchy. There’s a big parade down the Champs Elysees with military bands playing and thousands of people cheering. Afterwards, fireworks light up the sky and everyone parties till the wee hours.

This year France took over the Presidency of the European Union from Slovenia. To commemorate the occasion, Paris has installed blue lights to reflect on the Eiffel Tower along with a circle of gold stars. There is also a colorful slide show reflected on the majestic white pillars of the Assemble Nationale showing France’s accomplishments and contribution to the world over the centuries. If you are in Paris, put this stunning and moving show on the top of must see list.

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour
includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.

Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com

Comments

[Maria Ruiz]

Happy Independence Day France!!!!

[Doomed to be Fabulous]

Hi Richard! I love your blog. Just FYI, la fête nationale de 14 juillet doesn't actually celebrate the storming of the Bastille. It celebrates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération. The 1790 Fête de la Fédération took place (half-coincidentally, half-symbollically) exactly one year after the storming of the Bastille, which is why in English it's called "Bastille Day," even though technically it isn't related to the Bastille prison. The Fête de la Fédération was arguably the first time the regions of France united, under their own accord, under a common national identity of being "French."

I was on the Champs de Mars this year to watch the fireworks, they were STUNNING! Best fireworks show I've seen in this lifetime.

[Mick]

Ok, feel free to trash previous comment, as I've attributed the wrong name to the above comment! And I do apologize for that!
Finally though, the 2008 fireworks were absolute garbage and a waste of time compared to previous years, do you remember 2005?

[jwiecking]

Richard,
Glad somebody caught you on the actual meaning of the 14 July, though my understanding is that your version, though technically wrong, is the more widespread one.

I was in Paris for 24 hours last week-end and made sure to see the spectacular Assemblée Nationale display after dinner in the Marais (Trois Petits Cochons, of course!). Thanks for recommending it!

Thank you.