Question 1

True or false: French people commonly call the holiday 'Bastille Day' just like Americans do.

Accepted Answer

False. In France, it's simply called 'La Fête Nationale' or 'le 14 juillet.' 'Bastille Day' is an English-language term not used by the French.

Question 2

True or false: Fireworks are legally banned in France on July 14 due to safety concerns from past riots.

Accepted Answer

False. Fireworks are a central tradition of La Fête Nationale, with major displays in every city. They are not banned; sales are regulated but widely available.

Question 3

True or false: In some French towns, firefighters host public balls and dances on the night of July 13 and 14.

Accepted Answer

True. The 'Bal des pompiers' (Firefighters' Ball) is a beloved tradition across France, with fire stations opening their doors for dancing and fundraising.

Question 4

True or false: The French national anthem 'La Marseillaise' was composed specifically for Bastille Day celebrations.

Accepted Answer

False. It was written in 1792 by Rouget de Lisle for the Revolutionary army, not for July 14. It became the anthem later and is sung at the parade.

Question 5

True or false: The largest military parade in Europe takes place on July 14 along the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Accepted Answer

True. France’s Bastille Day military parade is the oldest and largest regular parade in Europe, featuring troops, tanks, jets, and the Foreign Legion.

Question 6

True or false: During the Revolution, July 14 was chosen because it was also the birthday of King Louis XVI.

Accepted Answer

False. Louis XVI was born on August 23, 1754. July 14 was chosen for the 1790 Fête de la Fédération anniversary, not linked to the king’s birthday.

Question 7

True or false: La Fête Nationale is celebrated on July 14, but it actually commemorates a peaceful festival, not the storming of the Bastille.

Accepted Answer

True. The holiday marks the Fête de la Fédération in 1790, a unity celebration held one year after the Bastille fell. The storming itself isn’t the official focus.

Question 8

True or false: La Fête Nationale was originally celebrated on September 22 to mark the founding of the French Republic.

Accepted Answer

False. September 22, 1792, is the Republic’s founding date, but July 14 was chosen in 1880 as the national holiday to unite royalists and republicans.

La Fête Nationale Trivia Questions