July is a busy month. After the fireworks on the 4th, the pétanque and rosé start flowing for the 14th. Here’s a run down of all the activities happening in the New York area for Bastille Day, or France’s la fête nationale.
July 8-21
For French Restaurant Week, French restaurants in New York such as Le Bateau Ivre, La Sirène and Boucherie are offering special prix-fixe menus (from $17.89 to $178.90). Any lover of French cuisine and good deals shouldn’t miss it.
Friday, July 12
The French bistro Felix is hosting a Bastille Day fête. The Ricard and aioli will be flowing from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. — 340 W. Broadway
Saturday, July 13
The French in New Jersey know how to celebrate. This year the party will be happening at the French American Academy de Jersey City. See you at the French American Academy in Jersey City. Dancing, crêpes, and games for children are on the program. Purchase VIP tickets to enjoy champagne and a sampling of cheese while watching the Tour de France. — 209 Third St, Jersey City
Troquet will be hosting a mussels and Ricard party. They’ll be serving two Ricard for one from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. — 155 Grand St.
The Alliance Française of Westchester will celebrate le 14 juillet at the farmer’s market in New Rochelle, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. They’ll offer free introductory French courses for adults (from 9 to 10 a.m.) and activities for children (from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). French books will be on sale as well. Musicians from La Rochelle will be present to give the market a lively atmosphere.
What could be better than a boat trip for la fête nationale? The French American Yacht Club is calling on boat owners to join them to honor Franco-American friendship for an afternoon, from 2 to 4 p.m. Sailors will meet at Pier 25 before setting sail. The plan is to head south around the Statue of Liberty, then return to Manhattan. The most daring outfits and the largest French flags will be rewarded.
A national French holiday is basically synonymous with gastronomy. Renowned chocolate maker Jacques Torres will roll up his sleeves in the DUMBO area, from 4 to 5 p.m., and will personally be cooking frozen macarons for the public to enjoy. — 66 Water Street, Brooklyn
In a completely different style, the French restaurant Jacques Brasserie is hosting its “bal des pompiers“ (firemen’s ball) from 2 to 6 p.m. On the program: a DJ, French snacks and a pétanque tournament. — 204 East 85th St
Many places celebrate Bastille Day with music. Head to the club House of Yes for its French Kiss party, which will start the festivities at 10 p.m. — 2 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn
Sunday, July 14
Like they do every year, the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) of New York is organizing its big Bastille Day on 60th Street celebration, a street festival that brings together food stands, various organizations and New York establishments linked to France, and activities for people young and old from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. It’s the largest street fair organized in North America for Bastille Day. The action will also take place in the FIAF building where ticket holders (buy here) will be able to participate in a jazz-themed party with champagne and cocktails, a tasting, and a screening of the film “C’est la vie” at 5:30 p.m. As every year, the Frenchly and French Morning team, a partner of the event, will have a stand on site and will organize a raffle to win an iPad. — 60th St (from 5th Ave to Lexington Ave)
If you like pétanque, the Bastille Day celebration at Bar Tabac, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Smith Street in Brooklyn, is the place to be. Some places are still available to participate in the pétanque tournament, which will start at 12 p.m. Register to compete made at Bar Tabac. There will also be a raffle, live music and food on site. The event gathers about 25,000 Francophones and Francophiles each year. French Morning, partner of the event, and Frenchly will also be on site with a booth to win an iPad. — 128 Smith Street, Brooklyn
The French Consulate in New York has planned its own event in Central Park (at the Central Park Loeb Boathouse), from 6 to 11 p.m. Live music, French cuisine, wine and prizes await. You must be at least 21 years old and register to attend. — Park Drive North, E 72nd St
The Alliance Française of Montclair, in New Jersey, will host its festivities in Van Vleck House & Gardens from 5 to 9 p.m. The evening will begin with a cocktail and will be followed by a buffet prepared by chefs Nicolas Houlbert and Arben Gasi. The Gumbo Royale group will bring a touch of the southern United States to the evening. They’ll play songs mixing New Orleans jazz, pop and blues. — 21 Van Vleck St, Montclair, NJ 07042
In Princeton, the Alliance Française has also planned to celebrate Bastille Day, from 12 to 3 p.m., around a picnic in a park. Guests will be able to play pétanque, sing and converse in French. Guests are asked to bring a dish to share potluck-style. The event costs $5 for members of the Alliance Française de Princeton, $10 for non-members. Those who will participate must RSVP to [email protected] before Sunday, July 7. — Turning Basin Park (near canoe rentals), Alexander Road, Princeton
For lovers of 2 CV and Solex, head to the intersection of Riverside Drive South and 122nd Street with your vehicle. The annual Greater New York Citroen & Velosolex Club gathering will start at 9 a.m. The car parade will begin at Grant’s Tomb, go along Riverside Park, cross the Upper West Side to Central Park, go down to Washington Square Park and then up to Central Park. This year marks the centenary of Citroën’s creation.
The secret apéro group Aperoof will be hosting a Bastille day party in a yet to be disclosed location on Sunday from 2 p.m. to midnight. There will be music, pétanque, and drinks. Tickets are $10 or $20, depending on when you buy them.
In Hell’s Kitchen, Le Privé has scheduled a special brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the brunch you’ll be able to taste Veuve Clicquot champagne. Reservations are necessary and can be made at [email protected]. — 626 10th Ave
The SoHo store Murray’s Cheese is offering a cheese tasting with wine from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for $90 per person. — 254 Bleecker St
Le District invites Francophiles to celebrate le 14 juillet with a French brunch (soupe à l’oignon, croque madame, omelette langoustine) to the tunes of French DJ Olivier Meiji, all on their terrasse overlooking the Hudson River. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and a raffle will be held. Reservations can be made here. — 225 Liberty St
The Bronx Arts Ensemble will play free pieces composed exclusively by French musicians at Van Cortlandt Park from 2 to 4 p.m. — Van Cortlandt Park South, The Bronx, NY 10471
The world knows and loves Edith Piaf. The singer Myriam Phiro will pay tribute to her by performing some of her greatest songs at Joe’s Pub starting at 9:30 p.m. — 425 Lafayette St
A Bastille Day cruise is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Two dance floors and three bars await passengers on board the yacht, which will depart from Pier 40 at 353 West Street.
