Bastille Day is upon us, and the French are celebrating in a variety of ways around the country.
The holiday, also known as the 14 Juillet or La Fete National, commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and is celebrated with parades, music, concerts and fireworks around the country.
While 14 Juillet (July 14) is a national holiday in France, its celebrations apart from places such as Paris are much more low key. Many French people use the time off for leisure time in general, finding time for a picnic or a family meal.
If you are in Paris, however, you are in for some spectacular pyrotechnics as evidenced by numerous videos and images spread across the Internet.
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Before that, visitors can begin the celebrations in the morning, partaking in a bit of history at one of Europe's oldest military parades. On the morning of July 14, the parade takes place along the Champs Elysee in front of the President of the Republic and other officials and foreign guests. Among those guests this year will be U.S. President Donald Trump.
Later in the day, firemen's balls and celebrations begin taking place in neighborhoods around the city. The main event is the free concert on the Champs-de-Mars and the fireworks over the Eiffel Tower.
If you are in the city, you can see the pyrotechnics from just about any rooftop in the city. Head to Montmartre or Montparnasse or picnic close to the Eiffel Tower itself. Just make sure that you arrive early in the day to make the most of the celebration.
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Elsewhere in the country, the medieval city of Carcassonne has been known for incredible fireworks displays in honor of 14 Juillet. Since 1898, people have been gathering on the banks for the River Aude to admire the pyrotechnics taking place over the water.
To witness the fiery spectacle, head to the banks for the river before 10:30 p.m. for the 25-minute show.
Last year's celebrations in Marseille were canceled after a terrorist struck pedestrians in Nice.
This year, the show is back but will take place on Saturday, July 15 at 10:15 p.m., illuminating the Old Port as well as the fort of Entrecasteaux. The theme for the fireworks is "Marseille La Sportive," and the guest of honor is Chiara Appendino, Mayor of Turin, Italy.
The parade will still take place on July 14. The procession is along Avenue du Prado from the roundabout of the Prado to the David, beginning at 9 a.m.
Vive la France.
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