Le 14 Juillet et le Bal des Pompiers!
I’ve always been a fan of art out of context, but now parties out of context are my new favorite thing. I learned this from the pompiers [firemen] of Paris earlier this week. Every 13 & 14th of July the pompiers open their doors for the annual Bal des Pompiers. While there’s a firehouse in each of the 20 arrondisements of Paris, each with their own personality and reputation – this year I ventured to the 6th, near St. Sulplice. My French friends had warned me to get there early, and they were right. By 9pm the line was around the block. But when you’re hanging out and catching up with friends, it’s worth the wait (however, next year we will be bringing out own 6 pack). It was one of those moments when we got to the entrance that we had no idea what to expect, and that’s what made it so magical. In the inner courtyard of the firehouse courtyard, the sky opened up with French flags and colorful lights overhead. Then there were bars all around where cute firemen sold us cold Heinken for 3 Euros a piece, and champagne for 5 Euros. All much cheaper than any night club or bar in Paris, and the price of entrance was by donation. After 5 minutes inside this quickly became one of my favorite days of the year. We danced and drank the night away and it was a complete blast watching the firemen let loose too (some too loose) in the magical setting that felt like we were in a different world. My only complaint was that there were only 5 port-a-potties for women. Clearly men were running this fete.
P.S. After tying up life in Paris, I’ve headed off to explore the rest of France until I return to the city in September. Internet has been harder to come by than expected, so look for sporadic posting this summer.
Meg
July 16, 2010 at 1:08 pm //
I am honestly kind of upset I missed this. I love the pictures!
Susan
July 16, 2010 at 1:22 pm //
That looks like a lot of fun!!
MartyD
July 16, 2010 at 1:35 pm //
Loved this….what a tradition, is this only in Paris or do other cities do it as well?
Lost In Cheeseland
July 16, 2010 at 7:30 pm //
Looks like it was a lot of fun!! Great way to end your stay in Paris (at least for the summer)
deepa gupta
July 17, 2010 at 2:51 pm //
very informative content.
LizzyB Loves
July 19, 2010 at 4:22 am //
wow, seems like you had a great time!!! Enjoy your time off!!
~ Lizelly
Ben H.
July 19, 2010 at 5:48 pm //
Seems like an amazing time. Enjoy your travels, and keep putting up pictures for those of us stuck at home!
greece_traveller
July 21, 2010 at 11:13 am //
Your blog is very interesting, good job! I am a new blogger and because of my love for Santorini (a Greek island) I started my blog, Santorini Greece. Check it out.
Laura [What I Like]
July 21, 2010 at 8:04 pm //
What a great sounding event! You can always count on firemen to throw a great party…enjoy the time off!