French people living in New York often find their hearts beating twice as fast. They feel an intense love for France and the United States, for Paris and New York. So, as Bastille Day approaches, a special excitement takes hold, and that unyielding French pride takes over—undoubtedly heightened this year by the electrifying World Cup. It’s no wonder that nearly 50,000 visitors flock each year to the event organized by L’Alliance New York on Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side.
The bond between the French and the Americans has left its mark on U.S. history. The 2026 edition of “Montmartre to Manhattan” will celebrate 250 years of Franco-American creativity on Sunday, July 12, from noon to 5 pm, coinciding with the anniversary of American independence and the 140th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty.
A Game of the Goose Between Paris and New York
One of the major attractions planned, the Monumental Game of the Goose, will be set up over 1200 ft² on Madison Avenue between 59th and 60th Streets. Passersby will be able to play a life-size game by rolling giant dice to move across the squares. Behind this project are visual artist Gwendoline Finaz de Villaine and illustrator Pauline Lévêque, who met while developing the project under the guidance of Tatyana Franck, president of L’Alliance New York. Their shared promise: “For one day, a piece of France will take root in the heart of New York and bring together people from all walks of life around art, games, and camaraderie.”
Pauline Lévêque designed the game’s 63 squares, which depict iconic landmarks in Paris and New York, but this is far from the only project she has going on. Since October 2025, she has taken over the illustration page for Paris Match, formerly drawn by Jean-Jacques Sempé; she is preparing solo exhibitions in Paris and New York for 2027; and she is collaborating with the Maeght Foundation and Imprimerie Arte on a collection of engravings.
A New Yorker for nearly 20 years, the artist still has family ties to Paris. When asked how she draws the two cities closest to her heart, she tells us that New York “is all about the perspectives, the lines, the architecture, the rooftops… It’s such a paradoxical city: orderly and chaotic, noisy and magical, rich and impoverished,” whereas Paris is “a city that’s harder to draw. It’s all in the details: the beauty of the stone, the light, the history that surfaces on every street.” This is a great opportunity to discover her illustrations up close. But for those who, like her, split their time between Paris and New York, a second opportunity is coming up on the Trocadéro plaza in the French capital on September 19, during Journées du Patrimoine, when the Game of the Goose will also be presented.
Carnaval des Animaux and a Vintage Car Show
The entire neighborhood will be dancing to a French beat. A Carnaval des Animaux will feature a parade of costumed pets (we hope the variety of species will be as spectacular as during the annual procession at St. John the Divine Cathedral), dance workshops inspired by Isadora Duncan, visual arts workshops for families, and—just like last year—a rally of vintage Citroën cars on 60th Street. There will also be two film screenings at the Florence Gould Theater: a classic, Jacques Tati’s Mon Oncle, and the New York premiere of Partir un jour, Amélie Bonnin’s film starring Juliette Armanet, which opened the Cannes Film Festival in 2025. Not to mention the extension of the festivities to the Montclair, New Jersey, campus, where two days of celebrations will also be held on July 10 and 11.
To Be French is a Matter of Taste
French cuisine will also be featured. The French Garden will bring together high-end brands such as Angelina Paris, La Maison du Chocolat, and Printemps New York, while the French Market will host more than 50 booths offering food, crafts, and family activities. New for 2026, Le Petit Marché makes its debut, inspired by French village markets selling fresh fruit, flowers, and vegetables.
The only ticketed event, a Tasting Party ($65–75), will be held at the Skyroom at L’Alliance New York, featuring French and American wines, with singer Margot Sergent in attendance.
Practical Information
Bastille Day hosted by L’Alliance New York will take place on Sunday, July 12, from 12 pm to 5 pm, on Madison Avenue between 59th and 63rd Streets. Info and tickets.
This article was originally published in French on French Morning. It appears here in translation.
