While some are getting ready to participate in the grand parade in Paris, others are eager to discover one of the many fireworks scheduled for the evening. But for those who want to take advantage of this holiday to go shopping? Is it mission impossible or on the contrary perfectly playable?
Why is the national holiday on July 14?
A little bit of history to start with. Especially since a received idea persists concerning the reason why July 14 is the day of the national holiday. The law making this day the national holiday was promulgated on July 6, 1880. It is generally associated with the storming of the Bastille in 1789. But it is in fact July 14, 1790, Federation Day, which is officially commemorated in France. But celebrating the storming of the Bastille is not a mistake. The date was chosen because it speaks to the greatest number of people because of this eventcontrary to the other proposals that were made.
For more than a century, France has celebrated itself every year, looking back on its history to better look to the future. A large military parade is organized in Paris, in the presence of the President of the Republic. In the evening, thousands of towns light up fireworks.
After two years of covid-19, this July 14 looks relatively normal, even if the yellow vests intend to use this symbolic date to make their comeback. A call for demonstration has been launched and will undoubtedly be massively followed. As a reminder, the large-scale social movement was only stopped by confinement.
Stores open on July 14!
You probably don’t work on July 14. Since the day falls on a Thursday, your business may even be taking stock. The perfect opportunity to take advantage of all the events organized at home or near you on this national holiday. But if you want to do some shopping, is that possible? On public holidays, stores tend to close their doors. It depends on the holiday you say. And you’re right. It is usually Labor Day that companies, for the very large majorityare closed.
On other public holidays, it is generally possible to find a few stores which, of course, change their hours, but remain open. This is particularly the case of Carrefour. The group, thanks to its many local brands (Market, City, etc.), can welcome you on this national holiday. Visit the website to find out which stores are opening their doors.
Large groups, for the most part, do not close the doors to consumers. They are at least open in the morning, to allow everyone to take advantage of this holiday to do some shopping. On the other hand, if you plan to do your shopping at Action, the group’s stores will be closed a priori. For food shopping, this shouldn’t be a problem, but for other purchases, July 14 is not the right day.
Is the sale of alcohol prohibited in several municipalities?
To avoid overflows, many municipalities have put in place a certain number of rules. So if some stores are open, they might not be allowed to sell alcohol. This is usually done as part of holidays like the music festival, or during a victory for the French football team. The goal is simple: to ensure that the party is not spoiled by certain behaviors.
This July 14 is will celebrate in the sober streets, or will not be celebrated. And if you still want to buy alcohol, it will be necessary to do it in advance, either July 13 or the morning of July 14. Do not hesitate to visit the websites of the groups to find out which stores are open, and until what time. This will save you wasting your time looking for in the streets of your city.