July 14 is the national holiday of France – known in English under the name of Bastille Day – a day of parades and parties, and also a lot of closures. Here is what is likely to be opened during the day.
This year, July 14 fell on Monday, creating a good long weekend for French residents who are not already on vacation. In France, it is known as National holiday or simply July fourteen.
The day is celebrated in France with parades – the big is on the champions -Elysées in Paris, but many small cities have their own events – with fireworks. Even small cities generally have a kind of evening event, generally a display of fireworks and / or a concert, although drone light shows are becoming more and more popular, especially in areas at higher risk of forest fires.
There too the Fire ballsWhere local firefighters organize an event in their station house – it is generally on July 14, but some hold theirs during the weekend.
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In short, it is a funny day when France celebrates its history and a little Pomp. But what is open and what is closed?
Public transport – Main line trains and bus services take place normally. The city’s public transport can have fewer services – more similar to the Sunday calendar – but most still take place. In Paris, which hosts a huge concert and fireworks display by the Eiffel Tower, some stations close for security reasons, but the services are still in progress. In small towns, bus services can stop.
Shops – Most department stores, supermarkets and channels will open, although they may have reduced the opening hours. Small independent stores will generally closure for the day. Bakeries will normally be opened (excluding Monday closings).
Cafes, restaurants and bars – This year, July 14 fell on Monday, which is a usual day of closing for many cafes and restaurants. Those who open normally on Monday will probably be opened on July 14, although it is worth checking in advance. Some will also organize special events that require pre-reservation.
Offices, banks, public buildings – Banks and public buildings such as the closed prefecture, as well as almost all offices. Leisure facilities such as sports centers and swimming pools will generally be open, but may have changed the opening hours. Most tourist sites will open as usual.
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Health services – Most doctors and dentists will close their offices for the day, leaving the emergency and Out of Habs services. Hospitals and emergency services work of course as normal and do not forget that pharmacies can also offer medical aid – on public holidays, they use a ROA system so that there is always an open in each area. Google ‘guarding pharmacy“More the name of your town to find the Roat.
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