La Fete Nationale

Today is Bastille Day, 222 years after the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison, which eventually led to the start of the French Revolution.

On a normal summer's day, we would not have been courageous enough to brave the crowds gathered along Champs-Elysees to watch the traditional parade with 2 kids in tow.  So it was simply out of the question on this uncharacteristically dreadful drizzly Saturday morning.  Instead, we watched the grand show of French might and pomp on TV in our pyjamas while slurping up our breakfast cereal and crepes.  And I am happy to share our TV  with you :)

The parade took place between the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde. You can see the Arc in the background, and the modern skyscrapers in the business commune of La Defense beyond that.

The mandatory display of air gallantry: spreading the colours of France over the city of Paris.

A regiment marching along to present themselves to the French president.  

The fireworks at night is another regular feature of the 14 July celebrations.  Last year, I stayed home to watch the live streaming of it on the laptop, but managed to catch about 10 minutes of it down the road from our apartment.  This year was no different, especially since the kids have discovered the iPad, and would much rather watch Mickey Mouse at home than to go out to the streets to watch some pfffh fireworks.  But since I am Mamma, and they are only puny 6 and 2 year olds, I am still all-powerful.  So they pulled on their coats and shoes, and trudged down the road with me to watch some of the show. 

What we saw down the street.  There was a party atmosphere with music blaring from the corner brasserie.

YL, on the other hand, ventured out to try to capture some photos of the event. 

This is what he had to endure to get those shots.