Three simple ways to celebrate Bastille Day
While you just recovered from your 4th of July celebration, we are getting ready for our French fête nationale, Bastille Day. Or as the French call it, le quatorze juillet (July 14th).
Want to join in on the fun? This blog post suggests three simple ways to celebrate Bastille Day.
Let’s start with some history…
Before we dive in, let’s do a quick history check. As you probably know, Bastille Day commemorates the end of the revolution against monarchy, and the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. But that’s not all! Exactly a year later, on July 14, 1790, another celebration took place to proclaim the unity of the country, known as the Fête de la Fédération. Some people prefer to say that the 14 juillet holiday is in memory of that second event because it involves no blood nor fight.
And a French tradition
If you are in France for Bastille Day, you’d better have your plans figured out before July 14, because on that day, no store will be open. It is common understanding that everyone deserves to rest and take part in the celebration, so you won’t be able to get that last minute rosé bottle (or cheese board) at your grocery store. The good news is: if you’re in a small town, the mayor hosts a dancing ball with traditional food and drinks. They’ve got you covered!
For my friends in the US, I’ve compiled three ideas to channel your inner French on that day.
1. Frenchify your outfit
Don’t fall for the clichés, you can look French without a beret or a marinière (stripe shirt). Here are a few looks and tips you can follow to add some Frenchness to your outfit:
Cut off jeans with a loose (white) blouse or shirt. A long, colorful dress with subtle patterns. A jupette (short, flowy skirt) with unicolor camisole top. Bonus point if you include one or more of the accessories of this summer: basket bag, espadrilles and scrunchies (around your wrist).
Check out @lestylealafrancaise for more inspo!
2. Host an apéritif
Invite your (vaccinated) friends or neighbors for a festive apéritif — also known as the French happy hour. You can keep it simple: get some cheese you like (Brie is a must) and charcuterie, cut some bread, slice some pears and add a few grapes. Et voilà! Your cheese and charcuterie board is ready. Open a bottle of rosé, turn on our Summer in Provence Spotify playlist, and enjoy Bastille Day!
For those who want something extra, I recommend making a homemade tapenade, and spread it on toasted bread.
I included the recipe at the end of this article.
3. Have a French movie night
In case you’re not in a party mood (we hear you, it’s only Wednesday after all), you can swap the apéritif for a French movie night with your lover or BFFs! Netflix has a good selection of French movies. I recommend a rom-com to keep it fun and light: Je ne suis pas un homme facile — I’m not an easy man (2018).
It’s the story of a shameless chauvinist man who accidentally wakes up in a matriarchal world, where women rule and men get catcalled… (Can you imagine that?)
Last but not least…
Don’t forget to support your local French bakery or restaurant. Choose croissant with café for breakfast, or order dinner from your favorite French place. It is the perfect day to satisfy your crave for French food!
Make your own Tapenade
As promised, here is an easy family recipe you can make at home:
In a food processor, add 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, 3 garlic gloves, 2 anchovies with capers. Blend until everything is chopped. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve on toasted bread. Et voilà!