Travel and Art. Urban Sketching in Paris: Bastille Day Highlights.

French National Day

Every year, French Nation celebrates the most important day for the country French National Day or Bastille Day. 

July 14 in 2019 was year of 230 anniversary of Bastille and 130 years of Eiffel Tower. It was one of my life’s highlights and here are some tips how to celebrate the Bastille Day in Paris.

The most attractive bridge in Paris, Alexander III, that connects Artillery Academy and Concord square. It is illuminated day and night. The bridge features gold statues and gorgeous street lamps. Relaxing and busy locals and visitors from all countries enjoy it.

Fireworks in Paris

July 14, some sketches were done on location with fireworks, parade and street lamps on the streets of Paris.

Below is one Paris website that will help you to navigate you during this day. https://en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/major-events/bastille-day-in-paris/july-14th-fireworks/july-14th-fireworks-display

I suggest watching Paris’ morning military parade down the Avenue des Champs Élysées, there are representatives of different military units. Interesting view when airplane planes are painting the sky in a 3-color rainbow- red, blue and white.

Wedding in Paris

Then, relaxing walking around city, it is nice holiday atmosphere. I made few sketches on location.

How about wedding in Paris? I did the painting of a bride on one of the Parisian bridge when a designer, groom and photographer were around this young lady in her white dress in one of important day in the life:)

Sport in Paris

In the center, next to Grand Palais, people are playing football. Others are sitting and enjoying lunch on the grass. They are waiting for the fireworks. I noticed there were no one unpleasant incident during a day even the city is full of people:)

There is a young couple on scooters exploring the city. A mother and a girl are playing games next to the Paris Military Academy. This day has a very relaxing feeling.

Where to eat- how about the historical place?

The restaurant Bouillon Chartier is known for its magnificent stucco molding on the walls.

In Les beaux quartiers, Louis Aragon mentioned Le bouillon Chartier. The young medical student character Edmond Barbentane has lunch there regularly…

It has a majestic atmosphere. The waiters write the bill directly on the tablecloth. They have followed this custom since the opening in 1896.

Most importantly, its food is ingenious, homemade, and varied. The dishes are not very expensive, always offering something to surprise and welcome their clients. There is even a song about this restaurant. The restaurant is mentioned in Albert Willemetz’s 1939 song “Félicie aussi”, sung by Fernandel.

Evening events on National French Day

And of course the highlight of this day- firework in the evening! We chose a place to watch firework on the bridge. We were standing in Parisian Babylon. We admired the view of the Eiffel Tower and the firework itself. We also saw the reflection of the city and the next bridge, Alexander III. People were shouting joyful exclamations, they were from different parts of the world, enjoying of this show there were people from the UK, China, Portugal, Russia, Japan, and us, from Canada:)

Well, there are 5 reasons to be in Paris in National French Day

Start with the morning parade. You can relax or play football with your friends in the center of Paris. Alternatively, rent a scooter and enjoy Paris with some speed. Don’t forget to view the Eiffel Tower with some snack. A baguette is a must-have. Enjoy the night fireworks. Additionally, engage in urban sketching of happy life. Capture the architecture of the old and young city of Paris.

Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)

All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.

You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.

Tools used for my painting. Watercolour used Charvin and Van Gogh brands, Pastel GrayPas Expressionist, Derwent watercolour pencils and Faber Castell artist pens. Paper Strathmore Watercolour and Mixed Media albums, 15×20 cm (6×8 in.)

Website with Bastille Day’s schedule is

https://en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/major-events/bastille-day-in-paris/july-14th-fireworks/july-14th-fireworks-display

Pont Alexandre III | Quai d’Orsay, Paris. the bridge is nex to Concord bridge and Invalides bridges

Grand Palais. address 3 avenue du General Eisenhower | Avenue Winston Churchill, Paris

Paris Military Academy. location 1 Place de Joffre

All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.

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