July 14th is France’s national holiday – known in English as Bastille Day – a day of parades and parties, and also quite a few closures. Here’s what’s likely to be open on the day.
This year July 14th falls on a Monday, creating a nice long weekend for those French residents who are not already on holiday. In France it’s known as La fête nationale or simply Le quatorze juillet.
The day is celebrated in France with parades – the big one is on the Champs-Elysées in Paris but many smaller towns have their own events – complete with fireworks. Even quite small towns usually have some kind of evening event, usually a fireworks display and/or concert although drone light shows are becoming increasingly popular, especially in areas at higher risk of wildfires.
There also the Bals de pompiers, where the local firefighters host an event at their station house – this is usually on July 14th but some are holding theirs over the weekend.
READ ALSO: The Local France – News and practical guides in English
In short, it’s a fun day when France celebrates its history and a bit of national pomp. But what’s open and what’s closed?
Public transport – mainline trains and bus services run as normal. City public transport may have fewer services – more akin to the Sunday timetable – but most still run. In Paris, which hosts a huge concert and firework display by the Eiffel Tower, some stations close for security reasons, but the services still run. In smaller towns, bus services may well stop completely.
Shops – most large stores, supermarkets and chains will open, although they may have reduced opening hours. Smaller independent shops will usually close for the day. Boulangeries will normally be open (excluding Monday closures).
Cafés, restaurants and bars – this year July 14th falls on a Monday, which is a usual closing day for many cafés and restaurants. Those that normally open on a Monday will likely be open on July 14th, although it’s worth checking in advance. Some will also be holding special events that require pre-booking.
Offices, banks, public buildings – banks and public buildings such as the préfecture close, along with almost all offices. Leisure facilities such as sports centres and swimming pools will usually open, but may have altered opening hours. Most tourist sites will open as usual.
Advertisement
Health services – most doctors and dentists will close their offices for the day, leaving the emergency and out-of-hours services. Hospitals and emergency services of course operate as normal and don’t forget that pharmacies can also offer medical help – on public holidays they operate a rota system so that there is always one open in each area. Google ‘pharmacie de garde‘ plus the name of your commune to find the roat.
READ ALSO: Urgent care: How to get out-of-hours medical treatment in France✎
