If you want a taste of France without leaving the country, Bastille Day is just days away. Bastille Day is a French holiday celebrating the storming of the Bastille and the start of the French Revolution. This year, it’s held on Saturday July 14, but celebrations are being held all weekend long. Here’s how you can celebrate Bastille Day in your capital city. Bonne fête de la Bastille!
Melbourne
If you want to explore the streets of Paris, look no further than Melbourne’s very own French Festival. There, you can celebrate French culture by watching French movies, browsing exhibitions by French artists, even learning how to fence like the French. There are plenty of performances happening over the weekend, so you can listen to music and watch theatre while you enjoy French food. You can also check out the various masterclasses held in the markets, where you can test your knowledge of French trivia, taste wine and cheese, and even learn how to incorporate more red, white, and blue into your wardrobe for a European feel.
Sydney
Include a bit of culture in your life with the Alliance Francaise de Sydney’s Bastille Day Celebration. Dance and sing along to French DJs, sample French cheeses and sausages, watch the amazing cancan shows, and indulge in some delicious crepes. Finally, don’t forget to commemorate the evening with your friends at the French-themed photo-booth.
Adelaide
If you can’t wait to celebrate Bastille Day, head to the Bastille Day at the Market in Adelaide. The event starts early on July 13, which means more time to listen to live music and spoil yourself with wonderful food. The Bastille Day Market is all about the food; watch croquembouche demonstrations, decorate your own cupcakes, and feast on amazing baked goods at various stalls. Enjoy the champagne at the market’s very own champagne bar and immerse yourself in French culture by watching the broadcast of the Tour de France.
Brisbane
Brush up on your French-speaking skills before Bastille Day with the Alliance Francaise de Brisbane’s French classes. Whether you’re fluent or just starting out, it’s nice to say ‘hello’ in French to someone or to be able to pronounce the names of the French food you’ll be eating. On Saturday, head to the Kelvin Grove Village Markets, where you’ll be able to eat French cheese at Le Fromage Yard and indulge in other delicious French foods.
Perth
Dance the night away at the Perth Flying Squadron Yacht Club. You can dine on classic French meals at the buffet, sip some champagne, or dance to French songs. Above all, don’t forget to dress up in red, white, and blue!
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, head to one of Perth’s amazing patisseries. La Patisserie in South Perth and The Pearl of Highgate, located just out of the city, are great spots where you can feast on macarons, croissants, and pastries to make your Bastille Day a little sweeter.
Canberra
In Australia’s capital, you can enjoy incredible French food at La Baguette Café’s Bastille Day festivities. You can partake in a wonderful three-course meal complete with fantastic French cuisine. Make sure to wear your best French-themed clothes; there are rewards for best-dressed.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try out the delicious pastries at Croissant D’Or just out the city centre, or eat at the authentic Flute Bakery in Fyshwick.
Darwin
Kick the weekend off to a great start at the annual Bastille Day Night at the Darwin Surf Life Saving Club. Dine at the club’s two French cafes and taste a selection of wines straight from France. You can dance the night away listening to French music with DJ JEM
Hobart
The Alliance Francaise de Hobart is once again throwing its Bastille Day cocktail party. Join other Francophiles at the Hobart Real Tennis Club for a night of French food, drinks, and fireworks.
