Get out your berets and marinières, and get ready to pop some bottles: July 14th is shaping up to be a festive occasion in all four corners of Florida, and this year’s Bastille Day promises its share of tricolored parties, good food, and music. Here’s a roundup of not-to-be-missed events. And if yours isn’t on the list yet, send us a note!
Bastille Day Events in East Florida
As it has done every year for the past ten years, the French & Famous events company, co-founded by Frenchman Éric Even, will team up with the main local French associations (FACC, FAACT, UFE, FIPA, AFMM, Miami Accueil) to orchestrate a celebration as chic as it is exuberant. The festivities will take place on Saturday, July 12, from 8 pm to 2 am, around the pool of the National Hotel in Miami Beach. On the program: French DJs, artistic performances, an illuminated dance floor, crêpes, and pétanque tournaments. Tricolor attire is highly recommended. And since French Morning will be there, come and dance along with us, with 20% off your tickets with the code FM20. 1677 Collins Ave, Miami Beach. Details here.
On the evening of Monday, July 14, lovers of fine local cuisine will be pushing open the door of Bouchon du Grove, a Lyon-style bistro, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary in the heart of Miami’s Coconut Grove. Enjoy escargots en persillade, boeuf bourguignon, or tarte Tatin, all to the lively accompaniment of the twirling petticoats of charming French Cancan dancers. Chef Christian Ville is already curling his moustache. 3430 Main Hwy, Miami – (305) 448-6060. Details here.
The restaurant Pastis, in Miami’s Wynwood district, will also be celebrating in French colors with a concert by Vincent Raffard, one of the leading artists on the Miami music scene. Starting at 5 pm on Monday, July 14, the French singer and multi-instrumentalist will take to the stage with his group The French Horn Collective, for an evening of java-salsa dancing. Fans of “the man in the red hat,” as he’s known, can’t wait. 380 NW 26th St, Miami – (305) 686-3050. Details here.
That same evening, music lovers will also be headed to Boca Raton, where Chez Marie French Bistro will welcome singer Thierry Khalfa from 5 pm onwards, who will cover the great classics of French chanson with panache. 5030 Champion Blvd, Boca Raton – (561) 997-0027. Details here.
Bastille Day Events in West Florida
Tricolor patriotism will be placed at the seat of honor along the Tampa Bay, where the French American Business Council of West Florida (FRAMCO) and l’Union des Français de l’étranger (UFE) will come together to organize, on Monday, July 14th, starting at 6:30 pm, a cocktail reception at the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum in Pinellas Park. 3301 Gateway Centre Blvd, Pinellas Park – (813) 618-7267. Details here.
At the same time, more than 7000 kilometers from the Hexagon, the spirit of Bastille Day will blow through Sarasota. L’Alliance Française will celebrate the colors of the French flag on Sunday, July 13th, from 5pm to 9 pm, with a joyful dinner organized at the restaurant Chez Claudie’s. 21 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota – (941) 955-0700. Details here.
Another great opportunity to raise a glass to France with other francophones will take place in Venice, at the Moulin Blanc Café, hosted by Alexandre Navarro and his wife Shawnna, who will adorn themselves in “bleu-blanc-rouge” to celebrate Bastille Day, from 6 pm to 9 pm. The specific program will be available closer to the event. 593 US 41 Bypass N, Venice – (941) 882-3198. Details here.
“There’s a lot of joy,” says Charles Trenet, over in Naples, where L’Alliance Française is planning an evening of Francophilia and good humor on Monday, July 14, at Bistro La Baguette. 3560 Tamiami Trl E, Naples – (239) 276-4125. Details here.
This article was originally published in French on French Morning. It appears here in translation.
