Quatorze juillet

On Saturday evening we had a village celebration for quatorze Juillet (14th July), or fête nationale (national festival), or, as some may know it, ‘Bastille day’. Although the French no longer call it Bastille day, they prefer to call it their national day; a public holiday celebrated all over France.

It was a great gathering this year, with about 90 people. Many from the village, but some with friends and family from the nearby area.

We started the evening with a rather tasty grapefruit punch and gougères, whilst chatting to new acquaintances and some familiar faces. It’s a great opportunity to meet some new people to practice our French on.

We were then invited to sit down at long tables, to enjoy smoked ham with a very delicious rich tomato and onion sauce, and potatoes to soak up all the lovely juices. This was followed by some cheese and a tarte aux pommes for dessert. All in all, very enjoyable.

The evening ended with a firework display, which took place at the other end of the village. We all strolled along carrying paper lanterns, which this year were lit by battery operated candles, probably a little safer than the real ones we usually get.