Vive la France! Triple the Celebration!

Just as the French Revolution is built on three important values, Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité, this day also brings three important (cultural) highlights. The Tour de France is in full swing. Today is the French national holiday, Quatorze Juillet, and tonight the World Cup Football semi‑final between France and Spain will take place.

Quatorze Juillet

Why is July 14th one of France’s national holidays? On July 14, 1789, Parisians stormed the Bastille, a royal prison that had become a symbol of the absolute power of King Louis XVI. Only a handful of prisoners were held there at the time, and the storming marked the beginning of the French Revolution and the end of absolute monarchy, as MAX Vakantieman also describes.

A year later, on July 14, 1790, the Fête de la Fédération took place. It was a celebration of reconciliation between the king and the people, meant to emphasise the unity of France. This event is often seen as the true origin of the modern holiday. July 14 was officially recognised as a national holiday only in 1880, as the “Day of the Republic,” according to France.fr.

Etappe 10: Aurillac – Le Lioran (166.6 km, 3800 m elevation)

At this moment, the riders still have 30 meters of climbing left in the stage, and the average speed is 41.9 km per hour. This can be seen on racecenter.letour.fr. 

Yesterday, Monday, July 13, the riders had a rest day. Today they resume the race with Stage 10, 166.6 kilometres from Aurillac to Le Lioran, straight through the Massif Central. According to Touretappe.nl, it is a fairly heavy stage with about 3,800 meters of climbing, most of it in the second half. Along the way they tackle climbs such as the Col de la Griffoul, the Puy Mary, the Col de Pertus and the Col de Font de Cère, before finishing on a slightly uphill run‑in to Le Lioran.

Two editions ago, Jonas Vingegaard had his win at Le Lioran after a tense duel with Tadej Pogačar, and the final 40 kilometres today follow the same route. On a day like today, French riders are extra motivated to attack early and try to win the stage on home ground.

Anyone who feels inspired to take their own bike out after watching such a stage does not need to wait until next July. Alpha Cycling Holidays organises cycling trips where you can explore mountain passes and coastal roads at your own pace. No time limits, no support car, just cycling for relaxation. If that sounds like too much sweating during your holiday, you can also choose one of our cultural cycling tours.

World Cup Semi‑Final

France play Spain tonight in the World Cup semi‑final in Dallas. France has not fallen behind once in the knockout phase, with a squad built around the “dictator” Kylian Mbappé and talents Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise. Spain had to work harder and only beat Belgium late thanks to a goal from substitute Mikel Merino.

We celebrate the Quatorze Juillet, the World Cup semi‑final against Spain and the Tour de France, most likely with a French winner. Will France save the world?