Learning French: test your Bastille Day vocabulary

July 14 marks the national day of France, also known as Bastille Day.

Do not fall into the trap of calling this day, le Jour de Bastille - this direct translation does not work in French. Instead, it is referred to as le quatorze juillet or simply, la fête nationale.

Parties, parades and festivities take place throughout the country on this special day, which is also a public holiday in France, while people wish each other a joyeux quatorze juillet or bonne fête nationale.

We look at some more words and phrases that could be useful to know if celebrating July 14 in France.

Bastille Day traditions

In Paris, traditional Bastille Day celebrations take place along the Champs-Élysées with the spectacle being broadcast live across the country. 

The Patrouille de France (the French equivalent of the UK Red Arrows) traditionally opens the parade each year, using coloured smoke to draw the French tricolour flag in the sky.

This is followed by the traditional défilé militaire (military parade), seeing several thousand soldiers, marines, pilots, firefighters and members of the Gendarmerie Nationale (national police force) accompanied by marching bands and musical performances. 

It is also common for Bals des Pompiers (firefighter balls/dances) to be hosted by local fire stations. This tradition is thought to date back to 1937 in the Montmartre district of Paris, following the traditional Bastille Day parade.

The day typically ends with a display of fireworks, although some towns and cities around France have been opting for drone displays in recent years. 

Do you know the French translations for the following words?

1. National anthem

2. A parade

3. Fireworks

4. The French flag

5. A public holiday

6. A funfair

If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com