Bastille Day is the French National Day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison on 14 July 1789. This act, when the ordinary people of Paris took over the fortress where political prisoners were often held, became a symbol of the revolution which created modern France. It showed that the people would not accept the absolute power of the monarchy.
Today, Bastille Day is celebrated in France with a national holiday and a huge military parade in Paris. At night there are fireworks which illuminate the Eiffel Tower. French people around the world celebrate with French events, food, wine and music.
[Image by Celeste Hutchins on Wikipedia]
Resources
- Bastille Day and the French Revolution
A site full of information on Bastille Day and the French Revolution - the history of the time, the people involved, symbols of the revolution, and online quizzes to test your knowledge.
- Chez Mimi
A collection of French language games to make language learning fun, aimed at upper primary pupils.
- Northumberland NGfL - Language resources
Huge range of colourful games, stories, nursery rhymes and seasonal resources in various languages.
- Scottish Enlightenment
Learn about some of the Scottish thinkers, scientists, artists and writers who contributed to the intellectual ferment of the Enlightenment. Includes video clips in which actors portray the 18th century characters.
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