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If you're planning your holidays, here's a tip what you could be doing around the 14th of July 2008. You probably know that on the 14th it's the French national holiday (also known as Bastille Day). On its own, it's quite interesting anywhere in France; parades, firemen ball, food, fireworks, etc; Great fun.
But this year is going to be extra interesting. Between 6 and 14 July, the "every-five-year" Armada event is being held. The Armada is one of world's biggest tall ship parades. This is a gathering of world biggest sail ships. The arrive one-by-one before the 6th, and "park" in the Rouen harbor. For more information about the Armada, click here.
Between the 6th and the 14th of July, everyone can visit the sail ships (and military ships), walking alongside the quais in Rouen admiring the ships. There will be lots of small shops and stands, and everynight there will be firework displays.
But... on the 14th of July, the 50 or so tall ships (and others) all set sail for the ocean, constituting a massive, hours long parade of sailing boats. Usually they leave at around noon, and the last boat will exit the Seine river at around 18:00. Alongside the Seine river will be millions of people. Last event in 2003, there were 7 million people!!!!
It's an incredible event to be at. Since both sides of the Seine river can hold all the spectators, you'll always have a great view. but, there are a lot of people, and the easiest way to find a place is to go by motorcycle. If you're going by car, you can expect to be stopped somewhere at around 10 in the morning, so you'll need to walk. Motorcycles will be able to go anywhere in search of the best spot.
If you planning to come (I highly recommend it), come early, bring a picnic basket (or reserve at one of the river side restaurants). Don't forget binoculars, cameras and suntan lotion.
For a short overview on our sister site (visitnormandy.org), click here
Click here to see many photos I took in 2003
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