Celebrate Bastille Day with us!

To mark our National Day, French embassies worldwide made a gesture to show gratitude to those helping combat the virus, who are, in a way, the heroes of this 14 July.

In the context of the COVID-19 crisis, the French President and Prime Minister decided that the nation would honour all those fighting the epidemic. As a symbol of our gratitude and in solidarity with those at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, the French Embassy in the United Kingdom provided thousands of ’viennoiseries’ to the staff of two hospitals in London.

The rest of the celebration was online. Instead of the traditional garden party, a virtual celebration enabled us to share the spirit of Bastille Day with everyone, despite the distance. Through a range of online initiatives, virtual participants in Bastille Day 2020 were able to share their messages of solidarity towards those helping combat the virus.

The French Embassy wishes you a very happy Bastille Day!

 A message from Catherine Colonna, Ambassador of France to the United Kingdom was released via our social media on 14 July at 12 pm.

 #BastilleDayMusic: In collaboration with the French Institute in the United Kingdom, we created a special playlist on the theme of solidarity, hope and mutual support. French DJ Bob Sinclar selected the first six songs. Until Tuesday 14 July at 9 am, anyone could add their favourite French songs to the playlist directly on the Deezer platform or by sending us their recommendations on social media using #BastilleDayMusic and #SceneFrancaise.

 #BastilleDayHeroes filter: We invited everyone to send messages of solidarity with carers & all those engaged in the fight against Covid-19 with our special Instagram Filteraccessible on our profile. The filter allowed you to take a photo or record a video with a blue, white and red rainbow backdrop (the NHS Heroes rainbow combined with the colours of the French flag). @FranceintheUK

 La Recette Française: In the run-up to Bastille Day, Ambassador Colonna asked the French Residence Executive Chef to share his best-kept secrets with our followers. You can find his mouth-watering French recipes on our Tumblrand Instagram pages.

 #14JulyUK mosaic: As a symbol of unity and solidarity, we created a virtual mosaic with pictures in blue, white or red.

The French Institute also offered an online programme exploring the multi-folded intellectual and cultural illustrations of brother and sisterhood.

 Chronique of a Summer: From 13 to 15 July, the Institute gave free online access to Edgar Morin and Jean Rouch’s Chronicle of a Summer, a ground-breaking documentary addressing our relationship to each other.

 Interview with Maryse Condé: You can read here anytime an exclusive interview with “Alternative” Nobel Prize winner Maryse Condéreflecting on the Black Lives Matter movement.

 Interview with Pascal Dusapin: What better than music to bring people together? Another exclusive interview to discover anytime here with leading composer Pascal Dusapintalking about the collaborative essence of music.

 Bastille Day Concert with Anne Lovett: The French Institute also invited you to enjoy pianist Anne Lovett playing at the Institut français and broadcast live here on 14 July at 12.30.

 The French Motto in Words, Images & Sounds: Discover anytime here essential resources exploring the 3 values of the French motto, through a special selection made by the librarians of the French Institute: films, books, music to order online (and collect at the French Institute) or enjoy on the digital library, Culturethèque.

 Debate around A Girl From Mogadishu: Get a chance to replay a recent debate surrounding the implications of the third principle of the French motto – through activism and film, as the Institute hosted a panel discussion in partnership with RBKC Refugees Welcome Committee, around the inspiring A Girl From Mogadishu.

 Wishes from the Alliances Françaises: Last but not least, we shared messages from the Alliances françaises addressing their most fraternal wishes to all Francophones on Bastille Day. The video was unveiled at 14.30 on 14 July on the Institute’s social media (@ifru_london).

Discover our interactive initiatives for Bastille Day by following us on social media @FranceintheUK and (@ifru_london).

The Ambassador delivers homemade French pastries to Chelsea & Westminster hospital on Bastille Day.