Bastille Day is the English term for la fête nationale (the national holiday) in France that celebrates French patriotism and values on the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille—one of the events that started the French Revolution. Each year on le quatorze juillet (July 14th), the French celebrate their country and its history with le défilé militaire (the military parade), le feu d’artifice (fireworks), and time spent with family and friends. It is one of the most iconic French festivals and worth experiencing in person!
Whether you’re joining this year’s celebration in Paris, want to prepare some Bastille Day food, or want to know more facts about the French Revolution, learning a few key terms and expressions can help you connect with the culture in France. Rosetta Stone can help you connect with French-speaking culture and holidays as you learn French to make it even more meaningful.
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Why is it called Bastille Day?
The short answer is that in France, it is not. Le quatorze juillet is also called la fête nationale, but it is only in English that “Bastille” factors into the name. It could be that for English speakers, the translation “the national holiday” isn’t quite specific enough to point to France, so the historical connection to the Bastille makes it easier to recognize and refer to.
It is also not France’s Independence Day, though the date and some of the summer activities might be similar to Independence Day celebrations around the world. France was never a colony, and therefore never had to “win” independence, so they are simply celebrating a national holiday of patriotism.
What is the history behind Bastille Day (la fête nationale)?
The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, is widely recognized as one of the events that began la Révolution française (the French Revolution). The national holiday of France is not based entirely on this event.
On July 14, 1789, a crowd seized a stash of over 3,000 weapons from the Hôtel des Invalides and marched on the Bastille—a medieval fortress turned federal prison that held just a handful of prisoners and a store of gunpowder. The crowds freed the prisoners, took the gunpowder, and then imprisoned and later killed the governor.
One of the most often repeated facts about the French Revolution is a conversation between King Louis XVI and the Duke de la Rochefoucault-Liancourt. It is said that upon hearing of the siege, the King asked the Duke:
- Mais c’est une révolte ? = So it’s a revolt?
And the Duke replied:
- Non, Sire, c’est une révolution ! = No, sir. It’s a revolution!
Why July 14 was really chosen
This first victoire (victory) over the monarchy sparked a series of rebellions that summer, emboldening the people of Paris, the population of France, and seekers of l’indépendance (independence) around the world.
On July 14, 1790, the first anniversary of the siege, la Fête de la Fédération celebrated the unity and resolve of the French people. This was actually the reason the date was chosen for la fête nationale, which began nearly a century later on July 14, 1880, to celebrate French patriotism and values.
What happens on Bastille Day?
One of the longest-standing traditions is le défilé militaire, which has been held since 1880. The parade has taken place in multiple locations in Paris. In 1919, it was held on Les Champs-Élysées to celebrate victory in La Grande Guerre / La Première Guerre mondiale (World War I), and it was held here from 1980-2023.
It showcases those who serve in the armée (French Armed Forces) and pays tribute to France’s territories, honoring the country’s political allies and partnerships and commemorating world events. The parade for Bastille Day 2024 will feature the Olympic flame and is currently scheduled to be held on Avenue Foch, just on the opposite side of the Arc de Triomphe (a national monument in Paris).
Other common Bastille Day activities include the Patrouille de France (a military flyover displaying the colors of the French flag in plumes of smoke), fireworks displays, concerts, and balls. The Président (President) also gives a discours (speech).
Who celebrates Bastille Day?
In addition to the over 6,000 participants in the parade, thousands of spectators flock to the annual event. Parisians and visitors alike spend the day picnicking on the green spaces of Champs de Mars. Restaurants and musées (museums) are filled with both locals and tourists.
Those who cannot attend may watch the televised parade with family and friends, enjoy a game of pétanque (a lawn game similar to bocce ball), and have a pique-nique (picnic) or barbecue. For some, it might simply be a nice day off during the summer.
Expats or those who appreciate French culture may also celebrate with French-themed dinners or concerts. There are Bastille Day celebrations in cities around the world such as La Nouvelle Orléans, La Louisiane (New Orleans, Louisiana), Liège, Belgique (Liège, Belgium), and Montréal, Canada, because of large French populations or the city’s connections with associated events in history.
What to say on Bastille Day
A common expression for the day is Vive le quatorze juillet ! (Long live the fourteenth of July!). What else might you say to celebrate Bastille Day in France?
| French | English translation |
| Vive la France ! | Long live France! |
| Joyeux quatorze juillet ! | Happy 14th of July! |
| On va au défilé ? | Are we going to the parade? |
| On voit le feu d’artifice ? | Are we watching the fireworks? |
| Oh, la belle bleue ! | Look at the pretty blue one! |
| J’adore le bouquet final ! | I love the grand finale! |
| On va au concert ? | Are we going to the concert? |
| On regarde le discours du Président ? | Are we watching the President’s speech? |
| un jour férié | a day off / public holiday in France |
| le drapeau | the flag |
| le tricolore (bleu, blanc, rouge) | the French flag (blue, white, red) |
| fêter / célébrer / faire la fête | to celebrate |
| la foule | the crowd |
| l’armée | the Army / the military |
| Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité (la devise de la République française) | Liberty, Equality, Fraternity (the motto of the French Republic) |
| La Marseillaise (l’hymne national français) | The Marseillaise (the French national anthem) |
What foods are eaten on Bastille Day?
As with other holidays in France, where there is a gathering of friends and family, there will be food! There is no better way to celebrate on a summer day off than un pique-nique of simple traditional French foods, which is how many in France will spend the day.
While there are no specific Bastille Day foods for this fête (holiday), many celebrate with simple peasant foods to remember those who overthrew the rich and powerful in la Révolution française. It’s also nice to find foods that are simple to prepare, easy to pack, and enjoyable in the heat of summer.
For a picnic outdoors, try:
- une baguette = a baguette
- une bouteille de vin = a bottle of wine
- de la charcuterie = deli meats
- des cornichons = gherkin pickles
- du fromage = cheese
- des gougères = french cheese puffs
- un pan bagnat = a stuffed and pressed picnic sandwich
- du pâté = pâté (molded paste of meat)
- un saucisson sec = dried sausage
Or if you’re out and about in the city, enjoy takeaway street foods like crepes, sandwiches, saucissons (sausages), bao buns, falafel, kebabs, or une glace (ice cream).
If you’re hosting, enjoy:
- des crêpes = crêpes (thin pancakes with toppings of your choice)
- le clafoutis aux cerises = cherry clafoutis
- des moules à la marinière = Mariner style mussels
- du pain perdu = “French” toast
- le poulet rôti à la provençale = Provençale style roast chicken
- la salade Niçoise = Salad with tuna, olives, hard-bolied eggs, potatoes, and green beans
Or go for a simple steak haché avec pommes frites (French-style hamburger and french fries)!
>>Learn to use the partitive French article to talk about foods in French!
Frequently asked questions about Bastille Day
Here are some answers to common questions about la fête nationale of France. Learn more about how Rosetta Stone works, so you can communicate about anything and everything that you want to know about Bastille Day!
When is Bastille Day 2024?
Bastille Day is on Sunday, July 14, 2024. The date does not change from year to year.
How do I say, “Happy Bastille Day?”
The French do not translate this holiday using the name of the Bastille, so instead of saying “Happy Bastille Day,” you could say Joyeux quatorze juillet ! (Happy 14th of July!)
How do I pronounce “Bastille?”
The double “l” sound in this word would be pronounced like a “y” sound in English. So, you pronounce it “bah-steey”
Are there any free events for Bastille Day?
Many museums have free tickets to commemorate this day. There are also fireworks displays and parades, even in smaller cities.
What does the French flag look like?
The drapeau (flag) of France, also known as the tricolore (tricolor), is made of three equal vertical rectangles that are, from left to right, bleu (blue), blanc (white), and rouge (red). You will see many of these in a celebration of the French fête nationale!
How do I watch the Bastille Day military parade?
If you can’t be there in person or don’t want to fight la foule (the crowds), the event is televised and live-streamed. Depending on where you are in the world, you should be able to watch online!
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