OVER THERE/ BASTILLE DAY RAISON D'ETRE

 

France’s loudest July 14 since 1789—and that’s saying something 

Every July 14, someone dusts off their beret, misquotes Les Misérables, and chirps “Happy Bastille Day!” with a croissant in one hand and a glass of Cabernet in the other. But what the hell are we actually raising a toast to? 

Short version: In 1789, a very cranky crowd in Paris stormed the Bastille—a medieval fortress that doubled as a royal prison and general house of bad vibes. At the time, it held just seven inmates (and no, none of them were political martyrs or tragic poets—unless you count the guy who thought he was Julius Caesar). 

The real target wasn’t the prisoners, it was the idea: the monarchy was bloated, broke, and out of touch, and the people were out of bread and patience. 

Cue the revolution. Heads would soon roll. Literally. Enter the guillotine—a sleek, Enlightenment-era gadget designed to separate body and soul with scientific precision and democratic flair. 

Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t invented by a bloodthirsty maniac, but by a physician named Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, who—head rolling fact—actually hoped it would be a more humane form of execution. (Spoiler: it worked a little too well.) 

So why all the fuss today? 

Bastille Day—La Fête Nationale—is France’s biggest public holiday. It features military parades, fireworks, presidential speeches, accordion music, and enough wine to float the French navy. Think of it as the Fourth of July but with better cheese and more philosophically justified beheadings. It’s not about violence—it’s about revolution, baby. 

It’s a day to remember when the little guys knocked over the big guys, burned the playbook, and rewrote the rules. It didn’t end perfectly (see: Robespierre, Reign of Terror, and that whole “Napoleon crowned himself” thing), but for one brief moment, the people had the power. So yeah—eat your croissant, drink your Alsace white, and give a subtle nod to Dr. Guillotin. He never wanted to be famous. He just wanted cleaner executions. Vive la révolution—and pass the Bordeaux. 

It worked on Louis XVI.

CELEBRATE FRANCE HAVING FUN PHOTO ESSAY

On July 25, Les Chorégies d’Orange once again transforms the Roman Theatre of Orange into a stage of timeless grandeur. Held in one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, this open-air opera festival is more than a concert—it’s a passage through history. 

Since 1869, the Chorégies have brought music lovers to southern France to witness unforgettable performances beneath the stars. Tenors, sopranos, and orchestras project their voices into the warm Provençal night, amplified by the theatre’s perfectly preserved acoustic wall—no microphones needed. The setting itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is as much a star as the performers. This year’s performance continues the legacy of elegance and emotion that has defined the festival for over 150 years. 

Whether you come for Verdi, Wagner, or the sheer beauty of a midsummer night’s harmony, the Chorégies offers a rare chance to hear history sing. Venue: Théâtre Antique d'Orange Address: Rue Madeleine Roch, 84100 Orange, France Phone: +33 (0)4 90 51 17 60 Website: theatre-antique.com