We may be in the Loire Valley on Bastille Day. Is Bastille Day like the Fourth of July in that many things are closed? Should we plan on all major sites being closed? Will stores/shops etc. be closed? Will this be an especially busy time to be in the Loire (with regard to French vacationers???) Still trying to firm up dates on our travels and wondering if we should avoid that week? Thanks

Yes, things will be closed for the fête nationale, just like 4th of July here in the States. You can go to the websites of the major châteaux and other tourist sites to see whether they're open or not, but shops will be closed or close earaly. And yes, it will be a busy season, with tourists from all over, not just French. I don't see any reason to avoid that week, though. You'll get to participate in some great fête nationale activities if you choose to.

I didn't plan it but it looks like I will be there also. We will be on the Nivernais Canal in a boat that week. Will restaurants be open?

Patiricia, We were in a canal boat on the Marne a few years ago on Bastille day. We were in the town of Meaux, and I can tell you the coin operated launderette was open.

As we waited for our laundry to dry, we saw a crowd gathering in front of the town hall. A lineup of old war vets with ribbons an medals on their best suits lined up for the band to play, and speeches to be given. Afterward, all were invited into the Hotel du Ville where finger foods, and wine were served, along with more speeches. Fireworks went up that evening, too.

I'm sure you will find enough to eat, and lots to do, particularly if you are near a biggish town on the Nivernais. (Come to think of it, I can't recall a biggish town on that canal.)

It's France. You won't go without nourishment.

You will always find restaurants open -- or markets. If there are any local street markets that operate on that day (a Wednesday this year, if I looked at the calendar correctly), they will be doing business as usual. They always do better business on holidays because people upgrade their meals.

Plenty of things of interest to tourists will be going full swing as well -- it's the middle of the tourist season and lots of things are open 7 days a week at that time of year, holiday or no holiday.