10 Facts about Bastille Day | and bonus vocabulary!

Camille Alayrangues
Jul 5
5 min read

Bastille Day image with "Happy Bastille Day" text, date 14 JUILLET on a calendar, and a red, white, and blue glittery background.

What is special about July 14 in France?

July 14 is the French national holiday — but do you really know what it’s all about?

Whether you're learning the language of Molière or just curious about France, you’ve probably heard of this famous date.

So, why is July 14th so special? What do baguette aficionados actually celebrate? Let’s dive into 10 facts about Bastille Day to understand this iconic celebration!

1/ July 14th 1789: French Revolution history in a nutshell

In 1789, France is in crisis. Bad harvests have led to food shortages, and the price of bread is soaring. The poorest are starving… and anger is rising.

At the same time, the royal court is living its best life at the Palace of Versailles! Upon hearing about the people’s distress, Queen Marie-Antoinette is famously — and probably wrongly — quoted as saying: “Let them eat cake.”

"Qu’ils mangent de la brioche."

The unrest grows. Representatives of the people try to limit the king’s power by writing a constitution. But Louis XVI shuts down their assembly. In response, the deputies call on the people to resist.

On July 13, barricades go up across Paris. Even some royal guards join the movement!

On July 14, Parisians seize weapons from the Hôtel des Invalides, an old military hospital. They then march to the Bastille, a royal prison, to seize its gunpowder.

This event marks the beginning of the French Revolution — and the end of absolute monarchy in France.

Revolutionaries storm Bastille in a chaotic battle scene. Smoke fills the air, with soldiers in colorful attire. Text: LA PRISE DE LA BASTILLE.

2/ Is it a revolt?

After hearing about the storming of the Bastille, King Louis XVI reportedly asked: “Is it a revolt?”

To which the Duke of La Rochefoucauld coolly replied:

“No, sire, it’s a revolution.”

This quote is still famous today.

➡️ Some people later nicknamed Louis XVI “Louis the dummy”…

➡️ As a result, both Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were beheaded in 1793.

3/ In France, we don’t call it “Bastille day”!

The first time I heard someone say “Bastille Day”, I must have looked completely confused… or dumb 😅. I raised an eyebrow and thought… Bastille what?

And then it clicked!

Here in France, we call it le quatorze Juillet or la fête nationale!

➡️ On July 14, we also wish a happy name day to everyone named Camille — it’s la Sainte Camille! (Just like the author of this article 😜)

4/ French national day in Paris: what happens

Of course, a lot happens in Paris on July 14.

Military parade on the Champs-Elysées

In the morning, there’s a big military parade on the Champs-Élysées, watched by thousands — and broadcast live on TV!

Bastille day concert on the Champ de Mars

In the evening, a free concert takes place on the Champ de Mars (it’s the large park right in front of the Eiffel Tower).

And just before midnight, comes the moment everyone’s waiting for: THE fireworks display launched from the Eiffel Tower! 🥳 It’s usually pretty nice to watch (but sooo crowded).

5/ Things to do on Bastille day in France

But hey — it’s not all about Paris!

Fireworks all over the Hexagone

All across France, from tiny villages to big cities like Bordeaux, Marseille or Toulouse, people celebrate the national holiday. Fireworks are launched almost everywhere, so wherever you are, expect to hear some noise in the evening! 🎆

Le bal de pompiers

Another beloved tradition in France is the bal des pompiers — the firefighters’ ball. Depending on the city, it takes place on either July 13 or 14. It’s an open-air dance party, and some are even held inside the fire stations themselves.

The first one is said to have taken place in Montmartre back in 1937!

Eiffel Tower with vibrant fireworks in red, white, and blue. A French flag is visible, set against a dark night sky, creating a festive mood.

6/ From Les Misérables to the big screen: The French Revolution in culture

The Revolution inspired many works of art. For example, Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables doesn’t show the 1789 Revolution itself but tells the story of later uprisings inspired by its ideals!

“Do you hear the people sing, singing the song of angry men”

— an iconic line from Les Misérables (the musical).

Sofia Coppola’s film Marie Antoinette offers a fresh, modern look at the queen’s life — featuring Kirsten Dunst. 👑

The Revolution even appears in video games such as Assassin’s Creed Unity, which lets you explore revolutionary Paris!

7/ The Louvre on Bastille day

The Louvre celebrates July 14 by offering free entry! Many other museums across France do the same on this special day.

➡️ Did you know? Museums in France are usually closed on Mondays, so watch out! 😉

8/ Liberty, equality, fraternity and other symbols

This special day is the perfect occasion to remember the values of France:

🇫🇷 Our national motto: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité

🐓 Our symbolic animal: the Gallic rooster (yes, really!)

🎶 Our national anthem: La Marseillaise (it’s full of revolutionary references)

9/ Bastille Day celebrations in Melbourne (& Australia): what to do?

You don’t need to be in the land of baguette and cheese to celebrate July 14!

Bastille Day French Festival

You can celebrate right here in Australia! Did you know there’s a Bastille Festival in Melbourne every year? For that occasion, you can visit a lovely French market, join conferences, wine & cheese masterclasses, and cultural talks. 🎉

➡️ Similar events also take place in cities like Sydney and Brisbane!

Celebrate France by going to French restaurants

Crêpes, croissants, crème brûlée, escargots… Do you like French cuisine? Silly question, I know 😜. On July 14, why not visit your favourite bakery, crêperie, or bistro to celebrate (and enjoy a little glass of champagne)?

➡️ If you are in Melbourne, here are some ideas for 🥞, 🥐 or 🍽️ (just click on the emoji!)

Join a French conversation group

Finally, you could celebrate by… speaking your favourite language! Don’t hesitate to join us to chat en français (online or here in Melbourne) and connect with fellow Francophiles — say bonjour to some cool vibes!

10/ Facts about Bastille Day to impress your friends…

Or sound like a total braggart 😉. Here’s what you can drop at your next dinner party:

The Bastille key is in the United States

Did you know that the Bastille fortress’ key is actually kept in Mount Vernon, USA?

By the way, the Bastille itself doesn’t exist anymore — it was destroyed soon after the Revolution!

Portrait of Marie Antoinette. A woman in 18th-century attire with elaborate hair, pearls, and feathers. She looks serene against a dark, blurred background. — Portrait of Marie Antoinette

Marie-Antoinette’s last words

Legend has it that just before her execution, Marie-Antoinette accidentally stepped on her executioner’s foot and said:

“Sir, I beg your pardon, I didn’t do it on purpose.”

Those were her last words.

What Louis XVI wrote in his diary on July 14

On July 14, 1789, Louis XVI wrote just one word in his diary: rien. (which means “nothing”). Pretty disappointing right? Some say he meant his hunting results. 🤔