Bastille Day Archives

What Really Happens in France on Bastille Day

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What France really does on 14 July — from firemen’s balls to village feasts and 30,000 fireworks — plus get free France stories in our newsletter.

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Joan of Arc was a teenage peasant girl who saved France in 1429. Discover her remarkable story and the places where you can follow her trail today.

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On 13th July, fire stations across France open their doors for the bal des pompiers — a street party tradition most tourists never know exists.