The Fourth of July, Bar sur Loup and Admiral de Grasse

Village of Bar sur Loup

Years ago when I lived across the valley from Bar-sur-Loup, the village celebrated July 4th with fireworks. My dog thought the end of the world had come and hid under the pillow until the noise subsided. But I enjoyed the view.

Statue of Admiral de Grasse on the village square


The village hero, François Joseph de Grasse (1722-1788), born nearby in the Château des Valettes, commanded the French fleet at the Battle of the Chesapeake, which led to the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown (September 1781). Hence, Bar-sur-Loup and Yorktown are sister cities.

Today I looked at the events calendar for the village—nothing has been marked for July 4th, but Bastille Day celebrations begin with a ball on the night of July 13. I found no mention on the web for any fireworks at any historical time on July 4th.


Well, my dog and I distinctly remember fireworks . . . . Happy Fourth of July!

For more information on Bar-sur-Loup,


For more information on the village, visit Provence Beyond

For information on the main hotel, see L’Hostellerie du Château


For a memorable dining experience, see La Jarrerie