What's the best way to celebrate "Independence Day" in France and Belgium?
Nov 27th, 2008, 06:17 PM
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What's the best way to celebrate "Independence Day" in France and Belgium?
It just so happens that DH and will be in France for Bastille Day and in Belgium for their national Independence Day. We didn't plan it that way, but now we are wondering what to do with ourselves on two national holidays (we're thinking much might be closed on those days).
Besides getting little flags and shouting "Viva La France!",
any comments on what to expect in either France of Belgium?
Besides getting little flags and shouting "Viva La France!",
any comments on what to expect in either France of Belgium?
Nov 27th, 2008, 06:26 PM
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Each town or even suburban district stages their own events. Ask locally wherever you are, it could be speechifying by politicians at one end and family entertainment at the other end of town, a public ball in a square, maybe a parade - ask and you will be informed.
Nov 27th, 2008, 06:30 PM
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I forgot to include that we will be in Paris. I can only imagine the crowds for that day! As for Belgium, our homebase will be Ghent, but I don't know exactly where we will be on the 21 of July.
I can only add, that we were in London for NYE last year and I hated every moment of it. The crowds were fierce. I understand that there are fireworks in Paris on Bastille Day...if the crowds are anything like there are in London, I'd rather know about it now!
I can only add, that we were in London for NYE last year and I hated every moment of it. The crowds were fierce. I understand that there are fireworks in Paris on Bastille Day...if the crowds are anything like there are in London, I'd rather know about it now!
Nov 27th, 2008, 06:53 PM
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Sure there will be crowds, but not in every street of every suburb. And if you're really so allergic to festive crowds having a good time, plan a trip to the country for those two days - leave on the morning of the 14th for a nice small country town, come back on the 15th. The worst you get to put up with in a small country town is a speech by the mayor and some loud music into the night from a disco and local restaurant, maybe also some music in a park or square. But you don't have to stay right there - rent a car and pick a hotel along a country road. Except for the red-white-and-blue napkins on the table you might not know that it's Bastille Day.
Nov 27th, 2008, 09:44 PM
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Hi seetheworld
We were in Brussells last year for their national day, and really enjoyed ourselves.
We happened upon a street parade of horses and cavalry that were assembling as the King and Queen left the morning church service, so watched that. Then there was a grand ceremony outside the palace later in the morning, and a great variety of activities in the park opposite that lasted all day.
One street was closed off for food stalls, and while there were plenty of people about it didn't really feel overwhelmingly crowded.
Perhaps a local can give you details on what happens in other cities.
Happy travels, Di
We were in Brussells last year for their national day, and really enjoyed ourselves.
We happened upon a street parade of horses and cavalry that were assembling as the King and Queen left the morning church service, so watched that. Then there was a grand ceremony outside the palace later in the morning, and a great variety of activities in the park opposite that lasted all day.
One street was closed off for food stalls, and while there were plenty of people about it didn't really feel overwhelmingly crowded.
Perhaps a local can give you details on what happens in other cities.
Happy travels, Di
Nov 27th, 2008, 11:55 PM
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I have a friend who lives in Paris and she leaves for Normandie each year on the 14th. The crowds are what you would expect in a big city, lots of drunken kids from the suburbs throwing firecrackers into crowds. I second the idea of going somewhere else, but I vote for Bretagne! The TGV goes directly to either La Baule or St. Malo in about 3 hours. The beaches are stunning, the food delicious and it wouldn't be as crazy as Paris.
Nov 28th, 2008, 05:45 AM
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Thanks for the suggestions on alternatives to Paris on this day.
Regarding my French, lol, well...at this point in time, all I can really do is LOL. I have the little phrase books and am working on my accent.
However, I read that many people in Belgium do speak French -- I'm thinking on their Independence Day, I'll just keep my mouth shut.
Now, I've got to google and research these beaches...DH would like that.
Regarding my French, lol, well...at this point in time, all I can really do is LOL. I have the little phrase books and am working on my accent.
However, I read that many people in Belgium do speak French -- I'm thinking on their Independence Day, I'll just keep my mouth shut.
Now, I've got to google and research these beaches...DH would like that.
Nov 28th, 2008, 05:50 AM
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I figured as much, hetismij. It's nearly impossible to find a Dutch language book (although there are bits in one of our guide books). My husband says German will work -- I'm not quite so sure.
Nov 28th, 2008, 09:38 AM
#13
Paris has excellent fireworks on the 14th (shot from the Trocadéro and viewed from the Champ de Mars -- Eiffel Tower outlines in silhouette between the two).
The military parade in the morning on the Champs Elysées is also interesting for first time viewers.
Besides that, there are firemen's balls on the 13th and 14th and big stages set up in some major areas with a different kind of music at each stage (from corny accordeon music to techno).
Firecrackers are now illegal in Paris (due to the permanent terrorism alert). That doesn't mean that you won't see or hear any.
The military parade in the morning on the Champs Elysées is also interesting for first time viewers.
Besides that, there are firemen's balls on the 13th and 14th and big stages set up in some major areas with a different kind of music at each stage (from corny accordeon music to techno).
Firecrackers are now illegal in Paris (due to the permanent terrorism alert). That doesn't mean that you won't see or hear any.
Nov 28th, 2008, 12:53 PM
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Well, it's your lucky day! My specialties: tourism in France and Belgium!
So, you're right: shopping on Bastille Day in Paris won't be the best option. Most stores will be closed (except for touristic shops and some supermarkets). As for the heart of the city,it will be difficult to access. The Champs Elysees will be closed off for the big military parade, as well as most of the avenues around (do not think about visiting the Arch of Triumph in the morning of Bastille Day, for example!)
However, restaurants and museums will be opened, except for the museums that usually are closed on Tuesday (Bastille Day 2009 is on a Tuesday, I believe)...and guess what, most museums are closed on Tuesdays in France (National ones)Le louvre is closed on Tuesdy, but Orsay and Rodin for example are open.
If you want to be away from the city, you can plan a small day trip to Versailles or to Giverny.
In the evening, you do not have to be in the crowd to enjoy the ambiance. It will only be very busy, crowded and noisy near la Bastille.
As for Belgium, it will be the same things with more stores open.It will also be on a Tuesday, but in Belgium museums tend to close on Mondays. Ghent being much smaller than Paris, it may be friendlier, but beware: Belgian people are party animals and the parties in the streets may be everywhere.
Good choice though: Ghent is as nice as Bruges in my view, but often neglected by tourists.
Have a nice stay!
Valerie
from www.frenchescapade.com
The Specialist of travel in France and Belgium
Blogging on traveltofranceandmore.com
So, you're right: shopping on Bastille Day in Paris won't be the best option. Most stores will be closed (except for touristic shops and some supermarkets). As for the heart of the city,it will be difficult to access. The Champs Elysees will be closed off for the big military parade, as well as most of the avenues around (do not think about visiting the Arch of Triumph in the morning of Bastille Day, for example!)
However, restaurants and museums will be opened, except for the museums that usually are closed on Tuesday (Bastille Day 2009 is on a Tuesday, I believe)...and guess what, most museums are closed on Tuesdays in France (National ones)Le louvre is closed on Tuesdy, but Orsay and Rodin for example are open.
If you want to be away from the city, you can plan a small day trip to Versailles or to Giverny.
In the evening, you do not have to be in the crowd to enjoy the ambiance. It will only be very busy, crowded and noisy near la Bastille.
As for Belgium, it will be the same things with more stores open.It will also be on a Tuesday, but in Belgium museums tend to close on Mondays. Ghent being much smaller than Paris, it may be friendlier, but beware: Belgian people are party animals and the parties in the streets may be everywhere.
Good choice though: Ghent is as nice as Bruges in my view, but often neglected by tourists.
Have a nice stay!
Valerie
from www.frenchescapade.com
The Specialist of travel in France and Belgium
Blogging on traveltofranceandmore.com
Nov 28th, 2008, 01:33 PM
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Could I just point out here that there is NO 'Independence Day' or 'Bastille Day' in France. If you are going to be in France on July 14th, you will be celebrating La Fete Nationale, or often just 'le quatorze juillet.' I have never heard a French person use the term Bastille Day.
