7 Things to Know About Bastille

BastilleFor Francophiles, the word "Bastille" is likely to conjure up memories (or dreams) of fireworks and military parades, because the idea of la Bastille is inherently linked to 14 July - at least for English speakers. Chez les Français, not so much. Here are 7 things you should know about la Bastille: the holiday, the prison, and the word itself.

   

   

   

   

Bastille Day

Bastille DayYou probably know that 14 July is Bastille Day, but do you know what it's called in French? (Hint, it's not "jour de Bastille.") Do you know the history behind Bastille Day, or how it's celebrated in France? This page has links to everything you could possibly want to know.

   

Beaujolais nouveau

Beaujolais nouveau
Le beaujolais nouveau fait son apparition annuelle aujourd'hui. Ce jeune vin est fêté le troisième jeudi de novembre - donc une semaine avant la fête américaine de Thanksgiving.