Bastille Day, or La Fête Nationale (French National Celebration), or quatorze juillet (July 14th) is the French National Day to commemorate the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison and the liberation of France from the feudalists.
France still celebrates the day with pride, national sentiment and tradition. Here are some memorable moments from the royal gala of French National Day!
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy rides down the Champs Elysee in a military command car during the traditional Bastille Day parade in Paris, July 14, 2011.REUTERSFrench army armoured vanguard vehicles (VAB) lead jeeps as they are driven down the Champs-Elysees during the Bastille Day parade in Paris, July 14, 2011. REUTERSSoldiers of the French Foreign Legion march during the Bastille Day parade in Paris, July 14, 2011.REUTERSStudents from the French special military school Polytechnique march during the Bastille Day parade in Paris, July 14, 2011. REUTERSFrance's Republican Guard stand to attention during the traditional Bastille Day parade in Paris, July 14, 2011.REUTERSFrance's President Nicolas Sarkozy rides down the Champs Elysee in a military command car during the traditional Bastille Day parade in Paris, July 14, 2011.REUTERSThe aerobatic team of the French Air Force trail the national colors over the Champs-Elysees during the traditional parade in Paris on July 14, 2011.
ReutersAlpha Jets trail France's national colours over the Champs Elysee during the traditional Bastille Day parade in Paris July 14, 2011.REUTERSFrance's Republican Guard ride down the Champs Elysee during the traditional Bastille Day parade in Paris, July 14, 2011. REUTERSThe Eiffel Tower is illuminated during the traditional Bastille Day fireworks display in Paris July 14, 2011.REUTERSThe Eiffel Tower is illuminated during the traditional Bastille Day fireworks display in Paris July 14, 2011. REUTERSThe Eiffel Tower is illuminated during the traditional Bastille Day fireworks display in Paris July 14, 2011.REUTERSThe Eiffel Tower is illuminated during the traditional Bastille Day fireworks display in Paris July 14, 2011.REUTERSFrance's Solidarity and Social Cohesion Minister Roselyne Bachelot (R) and Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe (L) pose for a picture during the traditional Bastille Day parade in Paris, July 14, 2011. REUTERSFrance's Solidarity and Social Cohesion Minister Roselyne Bachelot takes a photo during the traditional Bastille Day parade in Paris, July 14, 2011. REUTERS
