Happy Bastille Day!

Happy Bastille Day!

Everyone knows that France celebrates the 14th of the July every year with a national holiday, French flags and lots of fireworks. But do you know the history behind this patriotic day? Originally the day was used to commemorates the storming of a French prison in 1789. However, it is now linked to French independence more widely.

Culturethèque has all the resources to help you swat up on your French history so you can flaunt your facts and pass for a native.

For a different perspective on the events of this famous date, try out this video with the historian Claude Quétel here. It will make you see things in a whole different light!

If you’re looking for a more lighthearted approach to the historical events and a way to explain it to children, the series Il était une fois l’homme have done a brilliant job. You can take a look at the La Révolution française special episode here.

Have a lovely day...and stay away from those fireworks!