La fête nationale is an opportunity for all Francophones and Francophiles of the world to gather for a friendly celebrating the great country of cheese, wine and pétanque. Here are the best places to celebrate Bastille Day in Texas.
HOUSTON
The Consulate of France in Houston will be hosting a festive party at the Houston Polo Club on Saturday, July 13, from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. After the Consul General’s traditional speech, you can watch a polo demonstration and play pétanque before the official start of the festivities, full of food trucks and dancing thanks to music by DJ Julien Nolan. Don’t forget to bring your favorite wine to share with your friends (BYOB; only beer and wine are allowed on the site). The entrance ticket includes access to the evening and a welcome drink. Please note that this celebration is free for children under 15 years old. — 8552 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77024
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is organizing a special day on Sunday, July 14, at Villa Rienzi, offering guests a tour of the mansion in French. You can admire the last plates of the Arabesque dinner set ordered by the French royal family. The museum also offers crafting activities for all ages, such as the construction of an Eiffel Tower. The writer Susan Jacques will give a lecture on Napoleon and his art collections, followed by a signing session. Reserve your tickets for all of the day’s events here. — Museum of Fine Arts, 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005
Several French restaurants will be making something extra special for July 14. L’Etoile will offer a four-course menu for $78, to be enjoyed with a live French orchestra. Chef Bédard at Bistro has created a colorful menu for $39, available from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Brasserie du Parc will offer a delicious prix-fixe dinner for $45, musical accompaniment included. Artisan will also have a special menu for $90 per person. Maison Pucha Bistro will celebrate the national holiday with a brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At Brasserie 19 , Bastille Day will be “red, white, brut,” with orchestra and champagne from 12 to 3 p.m. — L’Etoile, 1101-11 Uptown Park Boulevard; Bistro, 7070 Allenby Street; Artisan, 3201 Louisiana Street; Maison Pucha Bistro, 1001 Studwood Street; Brasserie 19, 1962 West Gray Street
AUSTIN
The Alliance Française of Austin invites you to a family picnic under the stars on Saturday, July 13, at Triangle Park from 6 to 10 p.m. This year’s event celebrates French culture from around the world, from places like Vietnam and Belgium to Texas and Louisiana. Jugglers, face-painters, balloon artists and splash pads will be there to entertain the children. Several French music groups, such as the pop duo Skoll & Hati and Cajun music act Cory Mc Cauley & The Evangeline Aces, will set the mood. The entrance fee is $10, children 12 years old and under are free. — Triangle Park, 4600 West Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78751
For Sunday, July 14, the Alliance Française of Austin is organizing a pétanque tournament at Mueller Hangar from 3 to 5 p.m. All participants (members and non-members) are welcome to this favorite French pastime, equipment is provided and no previous experience is required. Though the event is free to attend, you are encouraged to bring bread, cheese or a favorite recipe to share. — Mueller Hangar, 4550 Mueller Boulevard
We hope you’ve saved your July 4th colors to celebrate Bastille Day at the famous restaurant Le Politique. The chef will be offering a special brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., including activities for the whole family. There will also be a Champong tournament and a “champagne” waiters’ race, live French music, and red, white and blue macarons to enjoy until 4 p.m. Make a reservation here. — 110 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701
Vive la France! Because cheese is such an integral part of the French identity, the cheese maker Antonelli has selected the best cheeses for a tasting. A real culinary journey awaits you from 10:30 a.m. on July 14. Camembert, Roquefort, époisses and many more… it’s a real journey through the regions of France. Reservations are required. — Antonelli, 4220 Duval Street, Austin, TX 78751
PLANO
There will be a July 14 celebration at Legacy Hall from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. It’ll be a Sunday in blue-white-red, of crêpes and listening to classic French tunes. This French party will include everything from French cuisine demonstrations, cancan dancers, champagne cocktails, accordionists, mimes and many other surprises! Admission is free; register here. — 7800 Windrose Avenue, Plano, TX 75024
SAN ANTONIO
The Alliance Française of San Antonio will be celebrating Bastille Day at The Veranda on Sunday, July 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. It’s an evening to celebrate France and French culture with members of the Alliance and other friends of French culture. Chef Mike Bomberg will offer local cuisine, hors d’oeuvres and a selection of French wines. Singer and composer Christine Robert will accompany this evening with her musicians. Registration: $50 for members, $65 for non-members. — The Veranda, 1746 Lockhill Selma Road, San Antonio, TX 78213
DALLAS
On Sunday, July 14, Haute Sweet and Whisk & Eggs, as well as the Alliance française of Dallas and Moët & Chandon, invite you to an exclusive French lounge experience at the Blush Wine Bar, organized by Legacy Hall. This event ($40 per person) will give you access to unique crêpe-making demonstrations from owner Julien Eelsen of Whisk & Eggs and to a selection of classic French desserts from Haute Sweet. All these dishes will be accompanied by wine and champagne pairings. — 7800 Windrose Ave, Plano, TX 75024
For the 10th consecutive year, the annual festival in the heart of the Bishop Arts District celebrates Oak Cliff’s French roots. July 14th is a unique opportunity for you to put on your beret and join your friends for a glass of champagne and dance in the streets! This festival, which starts at 5 p.m., is free for everyone. However, you will need to buy tickets for alcoholic beverages, cocktails, beer, wine or food.
