On July 14, France celebrates its National Day. It is also known as the Bastille Day because on this day, in 1789, the storming of the royal fortress of Bastille set off the French Revolution, which finally ended in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Despite its austere beginnings, today, the day is celebrated with much fanfare. Although it is a nation-wide celebration, that in Paris is the most attractive of all. The celebrations open with a military parade on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées; the programme will be attended by the French President, and other dignitaries. All the Parisian museums, monuments and cultural sites remain open on July 14. Various programmes will be held throughout the day. The Orchestre national de France and the Choeur de Radio France will organise an international concert of operatic works at the foot of the Eiffel Tower at 9.30pm based on the theme ‘Paris Welcomes the World’. This will be followed by a spectacular 35-minute long fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower and the ornamental ponds at Trocadéro; the public will be allowed to see the display from the Champs de Mars and Trocadéro. People will gather in large numbers to cheer the Tour de France participants on July 14, who will be in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques area during this time.  Starting on July 14, the Paris Quartier d’été festival will continue until August 15. At this popular summer festival, you can see street theatre companies presenting dance, music and theatre. There are free as well as charged entries.

What: French National Day (Bastille Day)
Where: Paris, France
When: July 14, 2015
Details: http://en.parisinfo.com/

What: Paris Quartier d’été festival
Where: Paris
When: July 14 – August 15
Details: www.quartierdete.com