We walked down to the Mairie in the heat, and found that the mayor had set up a feast of roasted pig on a spit between the bulles court and the river, local wine from Arbois, roasted potatoes and salad, gorgeous deserts from local chefs, and we sat with friends we've known and grown old with over almost twenty years (along with a few charming newcomers to our village), and had a party we couldn't tear ourselves away from till nearly six hours later. It was emphasized that this celebration was at the largesse of our mayor, and most certainly NOT funded by taxpayers. In any case, the French were at their best, the food was fabulous, the surrounding hills and river were inspiring, and we were reminded why we came here. And yes, there was singing, dancing and accordian music.

We're in the verdant Franche Comte, in a village of 150 people.

Flew out of Paris, sadly, on the 14th after a wonderful week there and in Bordeaux. The thunderstorms slowed our departure but allowed us to watch the parade on French TV in the Lounge. Celebrated with champagne on the trip home to Boston!

Sadly I'm not in Paris for Bastille Day, but sitting at work in Seattle.  However, there's French music playing on my computer, a little French flag waving proudly from my jar of pens and pencils and I'll try to catch the fireworks via webcam.  (And I see a pastis in my future at my favorite French cafe.)

It's pouring in Paris.  The parade was spectacular !   On verra for this evening!