14th July in France
14th July is an important date in French history. Known as Bastille Day, this national holiday commemorates the fall of the Bastille on 14th July 1789.
In France, this day marked the end of the absolute monarchy and paved for the way for the First Republic to emerge.
Since then, 14th July has been a day of celebration in every town and village of France. With entertainment, public dances and fireworks… the entire country joins in with the celebrations.
© Cyril Carpentier
Here in Grimaud, we mark the occasion with a special evening event. All over the village, we stage scenes of life as it was in Grimaud during the Revolution.
The sketches are performed in French, but that needn’t hinder your enjoyment of this very special atmosphere, so come and celebrate with us this important moment in our history! And you can dance the night away at the ball.
From 6 pm in Grimaud, renamed Athenople for the occasion, you can wander through the streets and discover the life of characters from another era, that of the Revolution.
You’ll see theatrical sketches, written ‘Pagnol-style’, recounting various events that actually happened in Grimaud during that period.
Indeed, the CRET theatre troupe will enact 4 sketches at 4 different places, non-stop until 8 pm, to allow enough time for the public to walk around the village and watch all four performances.
What’s the abbot up to…? © Cyril Carpentier
At 8 pm, the troupe leads you to the château where, from the terraces of the outdoor theatre, you’ll watch the final scene that shows how the inhabitants’ daily lives were disrupted by these historic events.
At the Château outdoor theatre © Cyril Carpentier
At 8.45 pm, muskets signal the crowd to gather behind the musicians who lead the way on a ‘revolutionary’ tour through the little streets to Place Neuve, where a ‘retro-aperitif’ will be served to the sound of songs of old, offering a gentle transition from 1789 to the present day.
The evening ends at 10 pm when the acoustic ball opens at Place Neuve to the contemporary sound of Belle Epoque. Food and drink will be available until 1 am.
Celebrate 14th July © Cyril Carpentier
This wonderful ‘all-in-one’ event offers free parking and entertainment and great vibes all round, without the traffic jams. So come along, the more the merrier! We promise you an enjoyable, hassle-free evening!
This 14 July celebration is organised by Grimaud town council’s Culture & Heritage department, in association with the CRET and Grimaud Animations.
2019 evening program (subject to change):
6pm to 9 pm: Street theatre with Grimaud’s C.R.E.T Troupe
5 different venues:
– Saint Michel Church
– Rue des Templiers
– Rue de la Pompe
– Penitents Chapel
– Grimaud’s Castle
9.15 pm: Drinks stand & Barbecue with Grimaud Animations – Place Neuve
10 pm: Traditional public ball with the band, La Belle Epoque
If you want to come in period costume, don’t hesitate!
Further details:
Tourist Office : + 33 (0)4 94 54 43 83
Culture & Heritage Service: + 33 (0)4 94 55 57 34 ou+ 33 (0)6 63 05 48 74
Grimaud celebrates the French Revolution 2017
