J’dore Bastille Day
Tomorrow, le 14 juillet, is Bastille Day. This year marks the 50th anniversary of France’s farewell to its empire so troops from 13 of its former colonies will controversally march down the Champs Elysées alongside their French military counterparts in the annual parade. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/13/france-sarkozy-bastille-africa-colonialism) You can attend the parade or go in for some less controversial fun by celebrating things we love about France:
- The impressionist collection at the Museé d’Orsay
- The view of the Eiffel Tower and fireworks. Good places to watch the fireworks are:
- Breteuil Square: This square is close to the Duroc tube station and perfectly aligned with the Eiffel Tower. Mostly unknown by tourists (or so we hear, so that might not be true) so this may be less crowded.
- The Buttes Chaumont Park: This beautiful park on top of a hill offers an outstanding view over Paris.
- Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre: A very social spot to watch, surrounded by tons of tourists, but elevated so the nice panoramic views make up for it!
- Passerelle Debilly: This bridge is on the Quai Branly and quite close to the Eiffel Tower. It provides a cool reflection of the fireworks in the water.
- French antiques
- Champagne at lunch
- Boulangeries and the smell of fresh baked baguette
- Fromage, fromage, fromage!
- Celebrate summer like a real French person and get out of Paris. Go to the Normandy beaches – Honfleur & Deauville.
This list was inspired by La Mom, the French expat Mommy-blogger we’d all secretly like to be for a day (or more!).
Et vous, why do you love France? How are you celebrating Bastille Day?
