France's national holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille at the start of the French Revolution. Crowds line the Champs-Elysées for a military parade led by the President, and Parisians party until dawn as fireworks explode over the Trocadéro.

The evening before the big day is spent dancing at numerous balls that are organised around the city. Worth a look are the many parties held by the fire service in their stations, at which the fire-fighters themselves - decked out in full uniform - are usually the star attraction.

On the big day itself, the big parade on the Champs-Elysées sees jets fly in formation as top military brass bands march from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. Bringing up the rear and receiving the loudest applause are the fire brigade, perhaps suffering from a hangover or two. It's wise to arrive early if you want to get a good view.

The partying continues all day and later thousands of people come together again at the Champ-de-Mars and Trocadéro to watch the fireworks over the Eiffel Tower. On top of all that, most bars and clubs stage their own celebrations, so take your pick. If you're not in Paris, don't worry: every single village in France has their own dance, with champagne, fireworks, street fun and lots more. Everyone should take in at least one Bastille Day in their lives.

Although all that remains of the Bastille fortress is a small wall on the platform of Métro line 5, its name is an enduring symbol of the French ideals of liberté, egalité and fraternité.

Related Information

Website: Paris Fire Service Website (for details of the balls)