July 14: Bastille Day

Bastille Day, known as la fête nationale en français (National Holiday), is celebrated each year on July 14. It recognizes the significance of the storming of the Bastille (a Parisian prison for those who opposed French kings) as the undoing—and ultimately the end—of the royal monarchy and the beginning of France’s modern republic.

No sire, it is a revolution.

King Louis XVI asked “Is it a revolt?” when he heard of the attack on the Bastille. He was told, “No sire, it is a revolution.”

And that it was.

Also, worth mentioning is that Bastille Day is one of the only times you can find fireworks in Paris. Traditionally there are not fireworks on New Year’s Eve (most photos you will see online are from the 2000 NYE firework celebration), so if you dream of seeing the Eiffel Tower surrounded by fireworks, July 14 is your best bet!