What's the best way to celebrate "Independence Day" in France and Belgium?
Nov 29th, 2008, 05:09 PM
#21
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flanneruk surely must be jesting when he sez "Do the Belgians really celebrate an 'independence day'? Do any of them celebrate anything at all?"
We enjoyed a national day of cultural heritage - we stumbled upon it as our host mentioned it and took us around, can't remember the official term or the date. There were happenings everywhere, jousting contests up on a castle ruin, medieval costume parades in small villages, some places that are not open to the public year-round were accessible that day - much fun and very festive.
Sure, the Belgians have that sour rivalry between regions, but give them half a chance and they'll know how to have a good time. This is borne out by their food - portions as bit as in Germany of food as good as in France. Can't go wrong!
We enjoyed a national day of cultural heritage - we stumbled upon it as our host mentioned it and took us around, can't remember the official term or the date. There were happenings everywhere, jousting contests up on a castle ruin, medieval costume parades in small villages, some places that are not open to the public year-round were accessible that day - much fun and very festive.
Sure, the Belgians have that sour rivalry between regions, but give them half a chance and they'll know how to have a good time. This is borne out by their food - portions as bit as in Germany of food as good as in France. Can't go wrong!
Nov 30th, 2008, 09:57 AM
#23
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STW you lucky duck, on my first trip to Paris I was there for Bastille Day. Like you it wasn't planned, just good luck. OMG that was quite a party!! I still remember dancing in the streets, literally. Be sure to do a dance for me.
Nov 30th, 2008, 04:56 PM
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well, if money is no object, on my wife's fiftieth birthday which falls on bastille day, our way was four days at the four seasons, the evening cruise on the seine
for the fireworks and the next day they make arrangements for a brunch on the fourth floor of a lovely building, with great food and an excellent view of the parade.
for the fireworks and the next day they make arrangements for a brunch on the fourth floor of a lovely building, with great food and an excellent view of the parade.
Nov 30th, 2008, 05:27 PM
#26
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stw, I was in Paris 3 years ago and we were there during a strike, which is probably worse in terms of closures. I just re-read my trip report and it looks like on strike day we took a boat ride on the Seine and spent most of the day in Montemarte.
There's only a short paragraph about the strike, but here's my report if you are interested. If nothing else read about Ugly Naked Guy:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34556636
There's only a short paragraph about the strike, but here's my report if you are interested. If nothing else read about Ugly Naked Guy:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34556636
Dec 1st, 2008, 10:15 AM
#27
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I've heard many many French people use the term "Bastille Day", including the French Embassy in the US, the Alliance Francaise, the official Paris TOurist Office, etc. They might not use that term in speaking to each other, but they do use it and don't seem to be upset about it.
I do get tired of people using "viva" and thinking it is French, though, I don't know where that comes from.
It's just a holiday, just treat it like you would a Sunday or something in France and don't try to worry about it so much. It is simply not true that most things are closed on that day, at least not in Paris. At least not compared to a Sunday.
I do get tired of people using "viva" and thinking it is French, though, I don't know where that comes from.
It's just a holiday, just treat it like you would a Sunday or something in France and don't try to worry about it so much. It is simply not true that most things are closed on that day, at least not in Paris. At least not compared to a Sunday.
