Bonjour,
I hope that you simply and yours are nicely.
Right here in France, we’re gearing up for one of the vital vital days of the yr – Quatorze Juillet, or Bastille Day as English audio system name it! It’s a day of celebration, festivities, household and associates getting collectively and feasting, that final bit I’m certain will shock nobody. But it surely’s not a tremendously gastronomic affair, there’s no huge sit-down meal like Thanksgiving Day in America or Christmas Day. Usually it’s picnic, barbecues and buffet type meals – a day to chill out, not be tied to the kitchen. That might, I believe, go in opposition to the rules of 14th July – in any case it’s a celebration of the tip of tyranny in France.
It’s an enormous nationwide occasion right here – however you gained’t hear a single Frenchie calling it Bastille Day! The French assume it most odd that we English audio system have christened it so regardless of it being in honour of storming the Bastille in 1789, a medieval fortress in Paris which served as a jail and housed ammunition. And if you wish to know extra about Bastille Day – how Queen Marie-Antoinette and King Louis XIV virtually made it to freedom in America the place a home awaited them, and extra fascinating information – there’s a podcast right here: Bastille Day in a Podcast, and if you happen to desire to learn, there’s an article right here: Every little thing you wish to learn about Bastille Day.
I can be going to a Firemens’ Gala (Bal de Pompiers) the night time earlier than Bastille Day – one other custom though a extra fashionable one. It started in 1937 when a bunch of individuals adopted firefighters again to their station from a Fête Nationale (one other title for 14th July) parade and carried on partying! At our native hearth station it’s very a lot a household affair – the firemen lay on a buffet for all to take pleasure in, there’s music and dancing, however I hear that at some do’s there are firemen prancing about Chippendale type! It’s all about fund elevating although, so all in trigger.
And if that’s not sufficient festive enjoyable for one month – there’s the Tour de France which begins right this moment (4 July 2026). And there’s additionally the soccer World Cup – and Monsieur Lafont at our native bar, who is usually referred to as “Lafont of all data,” has predicted a win for France. We will see!
And at last, one thing else to have fun – it’s the A to Z of France on Instagram – be a part of me there and share your favorite locations in France as I share my greatest pictures!
Bisous from France,
Janine
Editor
Learn the entire publication right here
Don’t miss the weekly publication which each week brings you inspiration from France
It’s simple to subscribe if you happen to don’t wish to miss my weekly newsletters of musings from France and a round-up of fab options, plus unique random publication giveaways. Simply click on right here, kind in your electronic mail handle and click on subscribe: Subscribe
Need extra France?
Uncover extra fabulous locations in France with our free journal The Good Life France
Love France? Have a hearken to our podcast – every thing you wish to learn about France and extra!
All rights reserved. This text will not be printed, broadcast, rewritten (together with translated) or redistributed with out written permission.
