What does the phrase 'Vive la France' celebrate?

“Vive la France”, “Vive la liberté” are French expressions to show your patriotism. “Vive la France” translates as “hurray for France”, or sometimes as “long live France”, depending on the context. ... The French expression “Vive la France” is one you'll hear at the end of almost each politician's speech. read more

"Vive la France" is a historical phrase that dates to the storming of the Bastille. The phrase is used during elections and national events. "Vive la France" is a historical phrase that dates to the storming of the Bastille. read more

But “vive la France” is usually rendered into English as “Long live France”. I suspect that this is because “long live France” sounds to English ears like the French equivalent of “Long live the King”. Strictly speaking the English “Long live France” would be more “Que la France vive longtemps”. read more