It’s almost time for “le quatorze juillet” or known more popularly in English, Bastille Day. The French National Day, which takes place annually on July 14, celebrates the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison in 1789. The take-over symbolized France becoming a modern nation and coming together in a constitutional monarchy after the terrors of the French Revolution.
In Paris, Bastille Day is annually celebrated in the morning with a military parade – the oldest and largest regular one in Europe – along the Champs-Élysées Avenue. At night, there are fireworks at the Eiffel Tower.
In Bangkok, there won’t be quite the same level of je ne sais quoi, but there are indeed plenty of activities to fill an entirely Francophile day.
Get our your berets and baguettes, here’s a list of the local Bastille Day celebrations:
1.) 14 Juillet by French Tuesdays
For the first time in Bangkok, there’s a French Tuesday party open to all. These exclusive networking events, promoted in 17 different countries worldwide, are usually only open to a select group of members. But Bangkok’s chapter will be throwing open the doors on Sunday for Bastille Day.
French Tuesdays will host a classy evening at the Pullman G’s Scarlett restaurant with live performances, French cheese and cold cuts and only the finest French wines and spirits. Guests are asked to wear all white, with accents of red and blue like the national flag.
Tickets are 500 THB including two free drinks, available online now. You can also get in at the door on a first-come, first-serve basis – beware, as there is a limited capacity.
2.) Bastille Day @ Gossip Bar Thong Lor
This chic, trendy bar in Thong Lor will kick off Bastille Day early on Saturday evening with a massive, French southern-style buffet prepared by renowned Chef Julien Lavigne. Think picnic in Aubagne or Marseille – Provencal lamb leg, Bouillabaisse, Niçoise salad, ratatouille and cassoulet. If that doesn’t make your mouth water, we don’t know what will. Don’t forget a live soundtrack of French-tinted hip hop, electro and deep house provided by French DJ’s Alex Fischer and Will.
3.) Free Bastille Day by the Alliance Française
Also on Saturday night is a free garden party by Bangkok’s Alliance Française. The event will feature petite snacks from local French restaurants such as Le Petit Zinc, Folies and Compagnie Du Sandwich. Sip on wine from the Southwest of France or enjoy at a 1930’s-inspired “Boudoir Bar” with absinthe fountains and cocktails, courtesy of Q-Bar’s Le Derriere. Delphine Elbé and Jean-Phy will provide the musical entertainment.
4.) Sunday Brunch at Vie Hotel
If you’re not too hungover on Sunday morning, you can check out the Vie Wine & Grill’s Sunday brunch. This Joyeuses Fêtes of traditional French cuisine will be made by the hotel’s own French chef. Stuff yourself with foies gras, terrines, Bouillabaisse fish filet and tasty frog legs with garlic, parsley and butter sauce.
