Bastille Day - Paris

On July 14, 1789, during the French Revolution thousands of Parisians stormed and captured the Bastille fortress, forcing King Louis XVI's troops to withdraw. Today, that coup is marked with the festival of Bastille Day and is currently one of the largest celebrated French holidays as it marks the birth of the French republic and the end of royal rule. Celebrations include military parades in the morning, evening fireworks around the Eiffel Tower and elaborate dances on the eve of the 13th and 14th. These balls are annually organized by the cities fireman and are attended by the general public. July is also the month of France's largest sporting event, le Tour de France. Historically on this day of the 2000-mile cross-country bike race, the French riders take extra pains to win to ensure an extra boost of national pride.

Links

• Gallery: Bastille Day - Paris France
• Website: http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event.detail&event_id=13089
• Website: http://gridskipper.com/travel/paris/bastille-day-rundown-276640.php