The French Revolution and July 14 In Paris

La Fete Nationale, French National Day, is celebrated on July 14 and commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution. In 1789 the Bastille was a fortress-prison for political prisoners and was stormed by the people of Paris who wanted to get arms, ammunition and gun powder. There’s so much about the Revolution in Paris and some great sites to check.

The Revolution

Leading up to the Revolution was feudal oppression and financial mismanagement by the King. The citizens were fed up and decided to revolt first with the storming of the Bastille and then ultimately, the execution of the King, France, Louis XVI, in January, 1793 by guillotine. He had been accused of treason. This took place at the Place de la Revolution, which is now known as Place de la Concorde. Sadly, the Reign of Terror continued until 1794 where more than 15,000 people were executed by guillotine. Louis XVI’s wife, Marie-Antoinette, was executed for treason and sexual abuse of her 8 year-old son (falsely) in October, 1793. The French Revolution did not end until 1799.

Bastille Day Today

Bastille Day Parade Paris, France French Revolution July 14
Bastille Day Parade Paris, France

Today, there are celebrations all throughout France beginning the night before—fireworks, dances, and parties. It’s a cool place to be. I was in Paris in 1990 and the Place de la Bastille was crazy. There were fireworks going off everywhere.

In the morning on July 14 in Paris there is a large military parade down the Champs-Elysee from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. The French President attends as do many foreign dignitaries. There is also a fly-by with French military planes displaying the French red, white and blue colours in smoke.

Historical Sites

When you visit Paris, you are surrounded by so much history and important monuments, locations, and sites. You could spend days just visiting the monuments related to the French Revolution.  Consider taking a walking tourr like I did in April. Here’s a short list of some of the sites related to the French Revolution. They are definitely worth visiting:

Tuileries Gardens::

Entrance To Tuileries Gardens Paris, France French Revolution July 14
Entrance To Tuileries Gardens Paris, France

The Royal Palace, the Tuileries Palace, used to be situated on these grounds. The gardens are located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde:

Place de la Concorde Paris, France French Revolution July 14
Place de la Concorde Paris, France

Originally called Place de Louis XV and then renamed Place de la Revolution. It is where Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were executed

La Conciergerie:

La Conciergerie Paris, France French Revolution July 14
La Conciergerie Paris, France

La Conciergerie was a royal palace that was used as a prison during the revolution. Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned here.

La Bastille:

Place de la Bastille Paris, France French Revolution July 14
Place de la Bastille Paris, France

The fortress was destroyed and in its place at Place de La Bastille is the July Column (Colonne de Juillet) and commemorates the events of the July Revolution. The square now has the new Opera house, cafes, restaurants, and stores and there is a large open-air market each Sunday morning.

For more about how to celebrate Bastille Day with a dinner cruise and fireworks, check out this post: Your Guide To Celebrating Bastille Day In Paris.

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