Bakery and pâtisserie chain Paul is to give away croissants and run a promotion on baguettes to mark Bastille Day.

Shoppers who visit one of the chain’s stores on 14 July are being encouraged to say ‘Bonjour Paul’ at the till to claim a free fresh-baked takeaway croissant or pain au chocolat.

The business is also offering a ‘buy one get one free’ deal on 250g plain, sesame and poppy seed baguettes from 13 to 14 July.

Known as Bastille Day and celebrated every 14 July, the French National Day marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, which was a turning point in the French Revolution, and Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790.

Paul has continued to expand in recent months, opening three new sites and taking its total number of stores to 38. Most are in London, although the business also has stores in Oxford and Newbury.

The latest openings include the 1,250 sq ft Paul Express – the first of its kind for this format – at St Pancras International station last month. Located just before the departure gates for Eurostar, it offers grab-and-go coffee, Viennoiserie, sandwiches and salads.