Bastille Day in Paris

Bonjour tout le monde!
France's national holiday is July 14.  We call it Bastille Day in the USA, but to the French, it's just the 14th of July.  The weather is usually very nice, the trees are full of green leaves, and the French are ready to have fun.
There are many activities leading up to July 14.  The day before, on July 13, the firemen open the firehouse doors to Parisians and tourists alike, and there is dancing in the streets.  Other streets are full of revelers who dance to live music, sit at cafes, and just enjoy the energetic atmosphere.
There is even a chance to get some artistic culture, as the Louvre is not only open, but free to all.  See the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, the French crown jewels (from Napoleon III), plus some awesome Egyptian relics. For. Free.  And the Louvre isn't the only free thing in Paris.  You can see a free dance performance at the Opera Garnier, or go see the Alvin Ailey group (which might not be free, but I know how you can find out).
The biggest happening is the military parade that goes down the Champs-Elysees from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, where there are stands for special guests and dignitaries.  If you want to see the parade, be prepared to be on your feet, and to wait for several hours. But I bet that it is one of those things that might be better on television!  If you get close, be sure to look up and see the "Patrouille", France's Blue Angel flight group.  They fly wingtip to wingtip, trailing the colors of the French flag - blue, white and red - 3 planes each color.  Then there are the vintage planes from WWII, newer jet fighters, state of the art helicopters, you name it!  Bringing up the rear of the parade are the firefighters, marching in sync in reflective boots.  Perhaps you'll spot the guys that you danced with the night before?
If you want to see how the French celebrate their national holiday?  Join me in Paris (and then in Barcelona) for 9 days, July10-18, 2016.
To see more about what July 14 activites, click here.
To book your spot on an awesome tour to Paris and Barcelona, click here.  Don't overthink this - just $300 reserves your spot. See you at the airport!

July 14th fireworks (in Lyon)