Bastille Day in Paris

Woke at 4.45 as the sky lightened over the city. Flung open the window and soaked up the Parisian atmosphere – crowd control barricades, military vehicles and troops, police everywhere and not a car in sight. Only one lone bin picker outside a McDonald’s, otherwise a quiet start to Bastille Day.

After a typical continental breakfast of brioche, croissant and pain au raisin (wonderful for the gluten free diet) and excellent coffee, we set off for the Champs-Elysees to find a place to watch the much-anticipated military parade. Of course, security was on high alert and strategic areas were closed off, so we joined the throng on a merry dance through the most circuitous route imaginable, which took us through the avenue where many art galleries provided an idea of what the public apparently is currently buying. Fine art is not the thing.

The architecture of Paris is surely what brings people back to this city time and again, together with the leafy boulevards and avenues that are such a joy to wander in comfortable shoes. Arriving at last at a point where we could catch a glimpse of the parade, it soon became clear that there should be a pecking order for parades. The front row should be for children, followed by short women (me), then taller women, men and tall men at the back. This would make total sense and enable everyone to see without jostling and obstruction. Needless to say....

I managed to see enough to satisfy myself of the marching skills of the French armed forces and enjoyed the military band that was stationed nearby, but the two highlights were roaring of the engines on the multiple overhead passes of the jets, passenger plane, helicopters and older aircraft (a real crowd pleaser!) and having the cavalry wait their turn in the side street where we were standing. The magnificently turned out horses, and their equally striking riders, resplendent in their cavalry uniforms and helmets with flowing horsetails, were too wonderful to watch as they waited patiently in the shade as the aircraft entertained the throng. At the command, all mounted and drew their sabres, trotting off in perfect formation onto the Champs-Elysees. How fortunate that these animals no longer see the battlefield.

Much later in the day we set off once again for the Tuileries to find a good place to view the fireworks. Having no wish to be one of 500 000 people at the Champ de Mars, this was a good alternative. Everyone was dragging those heavy green chairs from all parts of the gardens and settling down to wait. At 11pm the sky was at last dark and we were treated to a spectacular display befitting a national celebration. It lasted more than half an hour and I doubt whether another fireworks display could be more impressive. A fabulous way to end a very different day in my life!