Eight ways to celebrate Bastille Day in Melbourne

FROM a French market and homemade crepes to a cocktail party on the Eureka Skydeck, here’s eight things to do in Melbourne to give your Bastille weekend a French twist.

MELBOURNE’S Francophiles can still have plenty of joie de vivre — the city is well equipped to handle a French themed weekend in celebration of France’s national day, Bastille Day.

The holiday, officially on July 14, commemorates the end of tyrannical rule and the start of democracy in France.

It’s a day of patriotic pride for the French, who celebrate it with parades, fireworks, communal meals and of course, wearing the French flag.

So don your best beret and striped skivvy, and say bonjour to Melbourne’s take on French culture.

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1. Bastille Day French Festival

The family-friendly Bastille Day French Festival, held at the Meat Market in North Melbourne, returns for its third consecutive year to pack the best of France in one location.

A French market will host vendors selling French-made products, cheeses, wine and, of course, pastries.

You can also sign up to take French lessons, or grab a travel deal for your next holiday.

When: 15-16 July 2017, 10am-5pm both days

Where: Meat Market, 5 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne

How much: $2 entry

2. Eat crepes

What’s a French festival without France’s greatest import?

Melburnians seem to love crepes almost as much as the French as the city is home to a crepe-load of cafes specialising in both sweet and savoury options.

Try the crepes with homemade sauces in the intimate space of Roule Galette, or get some to take away at Le Petit Creperie — both in Melbourne’s CBD.

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3. See a French film

Cinema Nova and Palace Cinemas are playing the box-office hit, Monsieur Chocolat.

The French film is about the life and career of the first black circus performer in France.

Set in the late 19th century, Monsieur Chocolat is brought to life by Omar Sy (Intouchables 2011) and circus performer James Thierrée (who’s also the grandson of Charlie Chaplin).

4. Milk the Cow Bastille Supper

For cheese-lovers, Milk the Cow has you sorted.

The “fromagerie” is having a special Bastille Day supper in their Carlton store.

Downstairs will be business as usual, but the more intimate upstairs area will be dedicated to the festivities.

A ticket gets you a four course supper, including a cocktail on arrival and a wine flight with cheeses perfectly matched.

When: 13-14 July 2017, 7pm-9.30pm

Where: Milk the Cow, 323 Lygon Street, Carlton

How much: $75

5. The Botanical: Bastille Day and Tour de France

Food, drink and cycling are synonymous with French culture, and all three are taken seriously at the Botanical.

The restaurant is celebrating Bastille Day with a six course menu modelled on six different regions in France, while following the Tour de France as the cyclists pedal through the countryside.

When: 14 July 2017, 7pm

Where: The Botanical, 169 Domain Rd, South Yarra

How much: $99 or $139 with wine to match

6. Cocktail party at Eureka 89

Celebrate in style at the Eureka Skydeck’s Bastille Day cocktail party.

French-themed cocktails, canapés, and of course, spectacular views of Melbourne will make this year’s Bastille Day unforgettable.

When: 14 July 2017, 7pm-9pm

Where: Eureka 89, 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank

7. Browse original French vintage posters

Adorn your home with unique vintage posters, mostly hailing from France, at The Galerie.

Formerly known as Galerie Montmatre, some of the posters in this Fitzroy poster shop are more than 100 years old.

8. Say je t’aime with macarons

Macarons to the French are like lamingtons to Aussies.

The delicate melt-in-your-mouth treats are a staple in any French festivity.

And a row of different coloured, and flavoured, macarons make lovely gifts.

Try the macarons at La Belle Miette in the city or Macarahrah in Flemington.