Happy Bastille Day!!

The glorious Eiffel Tower

The sunny and luxurious Champs-Elysee in Paris

via Huliq:

"July 14 is the day when the French celebrate the Bastille Day throughout France. This is the French Independence Day. People go around and say Joyeux Quatorze Juillet, which is another way of saying Happy Bastille Day in French, but referring to July 14.

Every year, the 14th of July marks a very special occasion in French history. This is Bastille Day: the day when, in 1789, the infamous Bastille Prison was stormed by angry mobs agitating against the King's heavy-handed rule. The 14th of July is thus synonymous with the idea of the modern French republic."

The capital of France is, fittingly, also the center of Bastille Day celebrations. The party begins on the 13th with a handful of balls and galas around the city.

Then the 14th arrives, and Paris descends into a fever of joviality, with more balls and galas, plus military parades, fireworks, and humongous picnics (it's customary to spend the second half of the day lounging around while consuming more food and wine than you could possible imagine).

To be at the very heart of celebrations, the Champs-Elysees is the place to be.

Annette? I expect a full report on your festivities--and photos! Oh, to be in France with my lovely friend...someday!

Joyeux Quatorze Juillet!!