🎆 Le 14 juillet – France’s National Day

Every summer, on the 14th of July, France bursts into celebration — with parades, fireworks, and a shared sense of national pride. But what exactly are the French celebrating, and how do they mark the occasion?

📅 What Do the French Call It?

France’s national holiday is commonly called “le 14 juillet” — simply “July 14th.”
You may also hear “la fête nationale” (the national holiday), but rarely “Bastille Day”, or le jour de la Bastille — a term mostly used in English-speaking countries. In France, “Bastille Day” is occasionally used by journalists to avoid repetition, but it’s not part of everyday speech.

🏛️ Le 14 juillet, c’est quoi ?

What exactly are we celebrating?

That’s a good question — and still up for debate!

Two major historical events happened on July 14th:

14 July 1789 – The Storming of the Bastille, when revolutionary forces seized the royal prison in Paris. This moment is considered the symbolic start of the French Revolution.
14 July 1790 – The Fête de la Fédération, a massive national celebration symbolizing unity and reconciliation one year after the Revolution began.

🎭 This double heritage reflects France’s national identity — a country shaped by both revolutionary spirit and political unity.

🇫🇷 How Do the French Celebrate?

First of all, it’s a public holiday: people don’t work, and schools are closed — though most students are already on summer break.

🧍‍♂️ By Day: Parades — From Marching Troops to Community Festivities

Most cities and towns mark le 14 juillet with a parade known as le défilé du 14 juillet. Traditionally, this includes:

Armed forces (land, mounted, motorized units, and aerial flyovers)
Firefighters (les pompiers)
Police and gendarmerie
Veterans’ associations (anciens combattants)
Local officials and public-sector personnel.

14th of July 2025 Full Video

But over the years, many municipalities have added a lively, festive dimension to the celebrations. In numerous regions, local groups such as musicians, dancers, sports clubs, and cultural associations now take part in non‑military civic parades. These community-led processions bring a vibrant, inclusive spirit to the day:

Brass bands, marching groups, and harmonies play patriotic tunes or popular music
Traditional dance troupes and majorette teams perform along the route
Local sports clubs, youth groups, and cultural associations showcase costumes or choreography.

These colorful parades offer a real sense of local identity and collective pride—often in smaller cities where military presence is modest. They typically precede or follow the official ceremonies and are an opportunity for citizens to take an active, joyous role in the holiday.

🗼 In Paris, the national parade on the Champs-Élysées is the most prestigious. It features the French President, elite military units, flyovers by the Patrouille de France, and often includes foreign dignitaries or allied troops.

✅ Fun fact: In smaller towns, parades may be modest, sometimes followed by commemorative speeches or wreath-laying at local war memorials.

🎆 By Night: Fireworks

Les feux d’artifice (fireworks) are the most anticipated part of the celebration for many! They typically happen on the evening of July 14th, but in smaller towns, they may be held the day before or after, so that locals can also attend fireworks in nearby larger cities.

🕺🔥 The Beloved Bal des Pompiers

One of the most cherished traditions of le 14 juillet is the famous bal des pompiers — the firefighters’ ball. These community dances are organized by local fire stations (casernes de pompiers) across France, usually on the evening of July 13th or 14th.

Originally started in Paris in the 1930s, these events have grown into a joyful and inclusive tradition nationwide. Fire stations open their doors to the public, transforming into lively dance floors with:

Music (often live bands or DJs)
Refreshments and drinks
Community games or raffles
Informal and friendly dancing — sometimes until the early hours!

Entry is often free or donation-based, and proceeds go toward supporting the firehouse or local causes.

Whether you’re dancing under the stars or simply enjoying a glass of rosé with your neighbors, the bal des pompiers is a warm, festive way to end the national celebration.

💡 Tip: If you’re in France on July 14th, ask locals:
“Il y a un bal des pompiers ce soir ?”
(“Is there a firefighters’ ball tonight?”)

🗣️ Phrases You Might Hear

Qu’est-ce que tu fais pour le 14 juillet ?
What are you doing for the 14th of July?

Je vais voir le feu d’artifice à Lyon.
I’m going to watch the fireworks in Lyon.

Moi aussi. Et l’après-midi, je vais aussi au défilé.
Me too. And in the afternoon, I’m also going to the parade.

🍽️ What Do People Eat?

Unlike some countries (like the U.S. with its 4th of July barbecues), France doesn’t have traditional food associated with this day. It’s more about fireworks, music, and community gatherings than a specific meal.

That said, picnics, apéritifs, and outdoor dinners are popular — especially in cities where people gather in parks or near celebration venues.

🎇 To Close with Love of Country

Whether you’re in Paris watching the jets fly over the Champs-Élysées, or in a quiet village with a small-town parade, le 14 juillet brings the French together — in remembrance, in pride, and in celebration.🇫🇷 Want to sound like a local? Just say:
“Bon 14 juillet !” or “Bonne fête nationale !”

After exploring France’s National Day, discover another colorful celebration with our guide to Mardi Gras.

Once you’ve learned about 14 Juillet, switch from national pride to romance with our article on Saint-Valentin.

After reading about 14 Juillet, explore French beliefs and superstitions with our article on Vendredi 13.