As soon as the barbecues of July 4 are cleaned up, it’s time to start thinking about your next apéro and game of pétanque for July 14. Like every year, a large number of festivities will take place for Bastille Day in Los Angeles. Here are some of the best to check out.
Sofitel
French Tuesdays is organizing the most blue-white-red evening of the year on Sunday, July 14, at 6 p.m. at the Sofitel. On the agenda this year: the French cancan, live music with a French DJs, and a raffle for two plane tickets to Paris. The dress code is blue, white, and red (of course). This evening is organized in partnership with French Morning, Alliance Française de Los Angeles, BNP Paribas Bank of the West and XL Airways. — Sofitel, 8555 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles
Caudalie Spa
Before the official date of la fête nationale, you can celebrate Bastille Day at the Caudalie Spa in Los Angeles. On Thursday, July 11, from 4 to 8 p.m., they’re organizing a free “Parisian” evening. On the program: facial treatments, glasses of rosé and French sweets. — Caudalie Boutique Spa, 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, #1905, Los Angeles.
Loupiotte
The new French address in Los Feliz, Loupiotte will celebrate Bastille Day through food (special $40 menu, with a glass of crémant, oeufs mayonnaise, quiche, fromage and mousse au chocolat), a hilarious “French Quizz” game, and a party with dancing starting at 6 p.m. Customers are invited to dress in blue-white-red, as the restaurant team will be dressed the same. — Loupiotte Kitchen, 1726 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles.
Belle Vie
From 6 to 9 p.m., on Sunday, July 14, the Belle Vie bistro in West Hollywood wants to bring back some childhood memories for expats, whether it’s the firemen’s ball (bal des pompiers) or village festivals. The chef will prepare mussels and chips, charcuterie and crêpes suzette (the menu is $45). There will also be live music. — Belle Vie, 11916 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles.
Le Petit Paris
Since its opening, Le Petit Paris in Downtown has been celebrating Bastille Day with a “happy hour” (a glass of wine and a deli dish for $24), between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. This year, the musical stylings will be provided by Joanna Rose (5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.). — Le Petit Paris, 418 South Spring Street, Los Angeles.
French Festival of Santa Barbara
Any good Francophile will head to Santa Barbara on Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14 (from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.). The 31st edition of the French Festival has its share of surprises in store with folk dancers (trained in everything from Polynesian dance to French Cancan, to the tango), concerts and other entertainment, such as a dog parade and a drag show. Under the trees of Oak Park, it will be nice to stroll around and enjoy a crêpe and a glass of wine or a game of pétanque in honor of la fête nationale. — French Festival, Oak Park, 300 W. Alamar Avenue, Santa Barbara. Entry is free.
Pitchoun Bakery
At Pitchoun, the atmosphere will be blue-white-red on Sunday, July 14. Like it has every year, the bakery (located in Downtown and the Beverly Grove) is making many special products for the occasion: éclairs, croissants, French flag-colored macarons, and a special tarte tatin… — Pitchoun, 545 S Olive St, Los Angeles; 8500 Beverly Blvd #103, Los Angeles.
Liaison
Sunday means brunch. In Hollywood, the restaurant Liaison celebrates July 14 with a “No Jealousy brunch,” starting at 1:30pm. Don’t forget to wear your beret and marinière for the occasion! — Liaison, 1638 North Las Palmas Avenue, Los Angeles
HI Hostelling International Santa Monica
To best pay tribute to France, we must honor its gastronomy. This is what HI Hostelling International is offering in Santa Monica with Cooking as a Second Language class. Sunday, July 14, from 2 to 5 p.m., young people will be invited to cook French dishes (for free!) with Chef Nathalie, before sharing them at the table. — HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel, 1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica. Free.
Heritage Fine Wines
A national treasure will also be honored on Sunday, July 14, starting at 3 p.m. at Heritage Fine Wines, which is organizing a Tour de France of wines. The store invites the curious to travel to the most beautiful regions of France by tasting six different wines accompanied by a cheese and charcuterie platter. — Heritage Gourmet Food & Wines, 467 North Canon Drive, Suite 101, Beverly-Hills. Price: $20
