FRANCE’S big day, known in country as the ‘The National Celebration’ is held in honour of the public storming of the national prison (Bastille) in 1789, an act which symbolises the end of the French Monarchy and the birth of the Republic.
Today, the celebrations start on July 13 and July 14 is a bit like Christmas; a day to be lazy and over indulge in food and drink. On the big day, towns of any significance put on a massive fireworks display but Paris is the epicentre — with a famed parade, a military flyover and general merriment in the streets.