“Happy Bastille Day” in French and Other Tricks to Navigating France’s Premier Holiday

Planning a trip to France in July? If so, you’ll definitely want to learn how to say “Happy Bastille Day” in French so that you can sound like a Parisian. Numerous phrases such as “la fete nationale” and “le quatorze julliet” are used by the locals to describe this premier holiday.

Bastille Day is one of France’s national holidays, commemorating key events in the French Revolution. Celebrations take place throughout the country and several cities (Paris, Tours, and Saumur) are noted for their impressive parades and fireworks displays.

All of the festivities draw large crowds, so it’s important to make arrangements with your trusted tour company well in advance. In order to navigate this holiday with ease, remember:

●     Traffic surrounding the cities on the holiday will be snarled. If you’re driving in for the day, remember to anticipate the congestion and allow plenty of time in your schedule for travel.

●     Parking will be at a premium. Lots of other families and tourists will also be headed out to enjoy the activities, making parking spaces sparse. Investigate where you can park ahead of time in order to save yourself a headache on Bastille Day.

●     Public transit might be a bit unreliable. With some areas being blocked by the parade route or other festivities, it’s a good idea to verify your route prior to setting out for the day.

●     Wear comfortable shoes. Regardless of whether you park, use public transit, or walk, the hike to your final destination will likely be a long one.

●     Enjoy the celebration. While the hassles might seem daunting, it’ll be worth the effort. Surprise a local by saying, “Happy Bastille Day” in French or joining in an impromptu performance of the national anthem. Many locals plan a picnic or dine on the delicious local fare while spending a leisurely day with family and friends. As the sun goes down, gather with the crowd to experience the wonderful fireworks displays that mark the historical significance of this premier holiday.

Joyeux Quatorze Juillet!