Bastille Day!  Although, as we learned, the French prefer to call it Le Quatorze Juillet, and not give quite such a nod to the holiday’s violent genesis.  On July 14, 1789, a determined crowd stormed the Bastille, a prison where many political prisoners were held, and thereby kicked off the French Revolution.  The day is commemorated in Paris with a huge military parade and a grand fireworks display near the Eiffel Tower.  We had hopes of catching BOTH, without being in the center of EITHER crowd.

We had good intentions of getting up early to make the parade, but we are not the best at getting up and out early.  By the time we made our way towards the Champs-Elysees, many of the streets were blocked off and we had no idea where to go.  We caught military jet flyovers as they happened, albeit for brief glances between buildings.  Finally, we found a good spot to catch the troops marching by, and it turned out to be right at the END of the parade route.  The VARIETY of French troops was amazing, all with very different uniforms, weapons, marching songs…..  We even got to see some tanks speeding.  Yes, French tanks HAUL DERRIÈRE.

Later in the day, after dinner and some rest back the apartment, the boys just weren’t UP for marching back through town to find a good viewing point for the fireworks.  So LouAnn, Georgia, and I set out about 9:00 to get close but not too close.  We found our perfect vantage point on the beautiful Pont Neuf.  We talked and laughed as we waited for darkness to fully fall, watching the Seine dinner cruise boats pass underneath us and eavesdropping on the surrounding conversations.  The fireworks were absolutely beautiful, a pure celebration.  Vive la France!

View of a French flyover, ever so brief.

Not sure.  Navy?

Almost ALL of the units had their own marching songs!

French commandos

Best uniform?  Winner!!!

A hot dog?  With fries ON it?!  Get OUT!!

This apparently is some famous Paris landmark.  Can’t remember its name..

I had gone back to the apartment to rest at this point.  I let them out of my sight for ONE HOUR and they all buy BERETS.  Now we blend in for sure.

Although she is pretty cute…..

Lounging at a café, across the street from the bakery they named after me.

When we’re tired, and punchy, THIS is what we do for entertainment.  In case you can’t identify the feet…. Georgia on the left, LouAnn in the middle, Ellis on the right.

Camped out on the Pont Neuf, waiting for the fireworks.

Look at that Frenchy-looking dude behind us.  He even has a BLACK TURTLENECK on.

Our view…..waiting for darkness….