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How to Experience Bastille Day on a Budget

7/28/2015

Spending Bastille Day in Paris but need to stay budget friendly? Here are some tips to consider:

Plan your trip well in advance. As Bastille Day approaches, prices will rise for lodging, airfare, and other activities. Summer months are very popular for travel to France, in general, and prices already tend to be higher than the off season. With the added Bastille Day crowds, early planning is a must for hotels, rentals, and other attractions. Contact Bastille Day Tours to make sure that you experience the best for your money.
Consider staying in a location that has a kitchen, or at least includes breakfast. Being able to prepare your own meals is one of the best ways to stay on budget during vacation. Having to consistently eat in cafes and restaurants adds up quickly, particularly for families. Even something as simple as having breakfast included in the price of your lodging can be helpful in controlling your food costs.
Plan a picnic. Avoid high-priced event day food by packing a picnic to enjoy on Bastille Day. Find a spot in one of the many public parks to relax between events with your family. At minimum, consider packing drinks for the day. Cafes often charge a small fortune for coffee or water, particularly in tourist areas.
Be prepared to walk or take public transit. Walking is one of the best ways to experience the city. But more importantly, it might be the only way to get around on Bastille Day. Remember, the subway runs on a different schedule and the stops are also altered to accommodate the holiday activities and crowds. Consider saving even more on the Metro by purchasing a pass or book of tickets, depending on your length of stay.
Take advantage of free museum days (or at least buy a bundled attraction package). Access the Louvre free of charge on Bastille Day. Consider when your favorite museums have free entry days and plan your trip accordingly. If the timing for free entry doesn’t work out, consider buying a museum pass that bundles admission to multiple attractions. This can be a budget saver as it includes entry to many of the most popular destinations at a lower price than paying the individual admission fees to each.
Celebrate Bastille Day by experiencing the traditional events. Many of the festivities of Bastille Day can be enjoyed admission free! There are all kinds of opportunities to watch the parade, view the fireworks, listen to live music, and picnic in the park without paying any fees.

The experienced agents at Bastille Day Tours can help you experience the very best of Bastille Day no matter what your budget. To start planning your adventure, contact Bastille Day Tours today!

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Bastille Day in France Versus the Fourth of July

7/14/2015

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Bastille Day, a French holiday, is often compared to Independence Day in the United States. While this is an easy reference that many will understand, aside from both being largely celebrated national holidays, there are not too many other similarities.

More commonly referred to as “La Fete Nationale,” Bastille Day in France, marks the raiding of the Bastille Castle during the time of the French Revolution. The castle was heavily associated with the oppressive monarchy and held numerous political prisoners. Even though the prison was largely empty on the night of the raid, a few prisoners were freed, costing numerous guards and protesters their lives. This event signified a change in momentum for the revolutionaries, ultimately leading to the beginning of the French Republic.

Independence Day signifies the separation of the States from Britain. On the 4th of July, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. While there was certainly bloodshed in the struggle to form the U.S., the leaders of the time did not choose this as the focal point for their celebrations. Instead, the cultural heritage of the U.S. is celebrated on a day which highlights the newly defined ideals of the States.

Now, more than 200 years later, both of these national holidays are commemorated with speeches, parades, fireworks, concerts, and family gatherings.

In France, celebratory events include a large military parade through the Champs-Elysees, galas the evening before, concerts, and an impressive fireworks display after sunset on the 14th of July. Many will travel into the city to enjoy these festivities among the crowds. Others celebrate with just friends and family, gathering together to share picnics or long, leisurely meals.

To experience the celebration and make your own comparisons between this French holiday and the 4th of July, contact Bastille Day Tours. Our experienced team can help you navigate Paris and find the best viewing locations for the parade and fireworks.

For more about Bastille Day France activities, visit our blog. You’ll find more information about the types of events you can enjoy as well as tips for moving around Paris like a native during this French holiday.

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How to Experience Bastille Day on a Budget

Bastille Day in France Versus the Fourth of July

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