July 14th in France: Why It Matters and 5 Mistakes to Avoid
July 14th is coming up. For a lot of expats, this holiday still feels a bit mysterious. It’s France’s national holiday, commemorating two events: the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the Fête de la Fédération of 1790, which celebrated the country’s unity. The date still matters today, because it recalls the founding values of the French Republic: liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Here are the most common mistakes expats make around July 14th, and how to avoid them.
1. Saying “Bastille Day” instead of “le 14 juillet”
This is probably the most common mistake among English speakers. In English, people often say “Bastille Day.” But this term doesn’t exist in French. A French person will simply say “le 14 juillet” or “la fête nationale.”
Good to know: the storming of the Bastille in 1789 marked the end of royal absolutism. It’s the symbolic starting point of the French Revolution.
2. Missing the festivities the night before, on July 13th
Many expats assume everything happens on the 14th. In reality, a large part of the festivities starts on the evening of July 13th, and you don’t want to miss it, it’s one of the most fun parts of the holiday. That’s when the famous bals des pompiers, or firefighter balls, take place. Fire stations open their doors to the public, with music, drinks, and a lively atmosphere, especially in big cities.
The mood there is often more relaxed and festive than at the military parade the next morning.
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3. Comparing July 14th to the American 4th of July
It’s tempting to compare July 14th to Independence Day, the American national holiday celebrated on July 4th. Each date commemorates a founding moment in its country’s history, but the celebrations are quite different.
In the United States, festivities usually revolve around barbecues with family or neighbors, often held in private backyards. In France, the celebration is more collective and takes place in public spaces rather than at home. It typically includes the military parade on the Champs-Élysées, public dances, and fireworks, the most famous of which are launched from the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
4. Not planning around the practical details of the day
July 14th is a public holiday in France. Many shops are closed for the day. In Paris, certain metro and RER stations close completely around the Champs-Élysées in the morning for the parade, and again around the Eiffel Tower in the evening for the fireworks. Buses and trams also stop running earlier, around 10pm, on July 13th and 14th. In other major cities, similar restrictions often apply around the areas where fireworks or public gatherings take place.
If you want to watch the fireworks, it’s a good idea to arrive several hours early to get a good spot. Bag checks are also common at the main access points.
5. Assuming all French people see July 14th the same way
Finally, there’s a more subtle mistake: assuming all French people experience July 14th the same way. For many, it’s a joyful holiday that brings the whole country together around the parade, the balls, and the fireworks.
But for others, it also touches on more sensitive topics, like the cost of the military parade or the presence of soldiers from former French colonies, which can bring up painful history for certain families. It’s best to avoid making light jokes about these topics, especially if you don’t know the person you’re talking to very well.
Understanding these cultural nuances is already a great first step toward feeling more at ease here. But speaking French fluently is what will really help you build genuine connections and feel at home in France. At La French Zone, my online French courses are designed exactly for that: improving your speaking skills, understanding cultural codes, and fully settling in, at your own pace.
