So while this may not seem very London-y, I gave a shout-out to America’s Independence Day earlier this month, so would be remiss not to do likewise for one of England’s notable neighbors—Viva la France!

Today is La Fête Nationale, le quatorze juillet…a.k.a., Bastille Day!  This French national holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison on 14 July, 1789 at the start of the French Revolution (raise your hand if you remember your Tale of Two Cities unit in English class!).  This was a key event that symbolizes the overthrowing of the traditional monarchy and making way for the modern nation, thus, this date is what France regards as its national independence today.

Festivities include balls throughout the city as well as dancing in the Bastille square the evening before, and, on the day itself, a grand parade along the Champs-Elysées to kick off the day-long celebrations that will ensue.  If you happen to be in Paris, check out details of where you can find the action if you missed out on London’s celebration on 11 July.

[Today also happens to be my birthday, which I'm actually celebrating Stateside with family ]