Doing It The French Way For Bastille Day

 Celebrated on July 14, Bastille Day commemorates the 1789 storming of the Bastille prison in Paris, and has become the symbol of the French revolution. A national holiday, the French and Francophiles everywhere celebrate freedom by taking the party outside and picnicking anywhere and everywhere.

In Paris, you can soak in the atmosphere of the colossal military march down the Champs Elysees, as well as the magical firework display by the Eiffel Tower. The true charm of Bastille Day is to be found outside  - au frais – and so most Parisians will be found eating outside, enjoying delicate cheese puffs – Gougeres – made with pâte à choux and Gruyère. Zesty Tapenade spread on bread, topped with tomatoes and shaved smoked chicken in a unique tartine.

However, you don’t have to be in France to celebrate Bastille Day. Festivities boasting the finest array of French food are held throughout the world. In London this year, for example, those looking for tricolor celebrations had various events to choose from for a Bastille Day experience. The Ricard Pétanque Garden party tookg place at the Chelsea Physic gardens; transforming the gardens into the “Jardins de la Joie de Vivre”. Perroquet drinks and a gourmet BBQ were on offer all day. Vive la France! 

Images by donlandes (Flickr) and mac.wrangler (Flickr)