Happy Bastille Day to all my Francophile Friends!
Bastille Day, or La Fête Nationale, is celebrated on July 14 to commemorate the French Revolution and the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789. Chicago, with its vibrant French community and love for cultural festivities, offers a multitude of ways to join in the celebration.
Here are eight fun and exciting activities to enjoy Bastille Day week in the Windy City.
- Dine at one of Chicago’s many French cafes or bistros like Mon Ami Gabi, Le Creperie or Bistronomic.
- Pack some cheese, a baguette and a bottle of Rosé and head out for a picnic in one of Chicago’s city parks like Millennium or Grant.
- Soak in the French experience at Navy Pier’s Bastille Day festival where you can listen to live music and participate in activities and games including the classic French sport of Pétanque.
- Grab a pastry from a local French boulangerie like La Fournette or La Boulangerie or maybe even the Belgian bakery Hendrickx.
- Head to Chicago’s Art Institute to explore French Art from well-known artists Monet and Renoir.
- Visit a French market either at the downtown location or one of the many in the surrounding area.
- Immerse yourself in a full day of French festivities at Cantigny Park’s Voyage en France where you can enjoy food, wine and musical experiences and an authentic French market.
- And last but not least, toast to an amazing Bastille Day week by sipping some bubbly at the Chicago favorite – Pops for Champagne!
Enjoy and Vive le France!
Jennifer
