Fourth of July may be over, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to retire your red, white and blue-wear just yet. July 14th, commonly known as Bastille Day, marks the storming of the Bastille in 1789, which started the French Revolution. Today, Bastille Day marks the storming of pastry shops for macarons and éclairs, of course. Thankfully, you don’t have to buy a ticket to Paris to celebrate in French style. Grab your beret and neckerchief and head to these cities all around the world. They’re pulling out all the stops for very special French holiday.
Franschhoek, South Africa
Satisfy your inner Francophile with Franschhoek’s Solms-Delta Parade, barrel-rolling competition, and carnival extravaganza. No Bastille Day festival would be complete without some champagne and croissants! Snack on some pain au chocolat at the Food and Wine Marquee while watching the troupe of Seychelles dancers work their magic on the stage. Afterwards, put those two left feet to work in the dancing competition, the grand prize of which is a week long vacation in the Seychelles. Ooh la la!
www.franschhoek.co.za/bastille
London, UK
You could spend the entire weekend exploring the different French festivals scattered throughout the city, but the open-air party at Bankside is a must-visit. Jam out to live music while sipping on some champagne and browsing the French antiques. Foodies can brush up on their French cuisine at the gastronomic workshops, featuring classics like crêpes, foie gras, and (for the brave eaters) escargot.
Liège, Belgium
Belgium’s third largest city has been celebrating Bastille Day since WWI to thank France for their valiant efforts against Germany in the Battle of Liège. Proving that no one shows gratitude quite like the Belgians, the Bastille Day Celebration has grown to be even more extravagant than the Belgian National Day festivities. Hold on to your berets for the crowning jewel of the celebration, the dazzling firework extravaganza at Congress Hall.
www.belgiumtheplaceto.be/annualevents
Auckland, New Zealand
Everything from mimes to French poodles roam the booths at the Auckland Bastille Day Street Festival. Kids can try their hand at Parisian-themed crafts while parents try their taste buds at wine tastings. Francophiles of all ages should check out the acrobatics at the French circus. C’est Magnifique!
www.eventfinder.co.nz/auckland-bastille-day
Pondicherry, India
Over 300 years of French occupation during the 20th century has left a distinct French mark on Pondicherry. The city celebrates it unique mixture of cultures during the Bastille Day celebrations, where the Indian and French flags fly side by side in the military parade and Cancan dancers perform next to Bollywood dancers.
www.indianholiday.com/bastilleday
Budapest, Hungary
Spend the whole weekend filling up on éclairs and champagne at Budapest’s 2-day French Food and Wine Market then dust off your dancing shoes for some dancing lessons sponsored by the city’s French institute. The soirée continues into the wee hours of the morning at the recreated Moulin Rouge, which houses one of Budapest’s most exclusive nightclubs.
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Of the 50 American cities that host Bastille Day celebrations, New Orleans has the most French flair. Head over to (where else?) the French Quarter for some Bastille Day fun including live music, kids’ crafts, and, of course, oodles of beignets. Fido can even join in the festivities with the “French Dog Competition,” in which dogs are judged based on their costumes and overall Parisian air.
www.neworleansonline.com/bastilleday
New York City, New York, USA
Can-can dancers, mimes, and classic Citroën cars take to the streets of NYC’s Upper East Side for Bastille Day. Munch on a baguette or feast on mousse de chocolat at this summer fête. Of course, no French experience would be complete without taking the short trek over to Lauderée’s Madison Ave location for some of their famous macarons.
www.bastilledayny.com
Paris, France
Of course there’s no better place to spend Bastille Day than in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Head over to the Île-de-France to say bonjour to soldiers at the meet and greet following the military parade. Spend the rest of the weekend filling up on authentic French cuisine and taking advantage of the Bastille Day freebies at the Louvre and the Palais Granier Opera House. Make sure to scope out a good seat for the tour de force of the festivities—the world-famous fireworks spectacular.
