Now in its sixth year, Bastille Day French Festival Melbourne brings a little slice of France to Melbourne’s winter this weekend. This vibrant and authentic festival of all things French will showcase a wide variety of Melbourne-based French businesses and associations who are passionate about French culture, food, history, literature and technology.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT BASTILLE DAY FRENCH FESTIVAL MELBOURNE?
Here’s an idea of what you can expect at the Bastille Day French Festival:
- French Winter Market where you can indulge in French foods including: galettes, crêpes, cheese, brioche buns with a variety of fillings, baguette sandwiches, French Caribbean pastries, French savoury and sweet pastries and crème brûlées. Wash those down with a variety of drinks including low alcohol, vegan drinks made from leftover grape skins called Piquette, French wines, spirits and liqueurs.
- The French Winter Market also includes stalls selling French and French-inspired wares including French jewellery for every day, fashion, French beauty brands, fresh and dried flowers, beautiful cooking utensils hand crafted by French artisans, French truffle based products, French supermarket products, French books and subscriptions to a French streaming service.
- Live entertainment:
- Vive la difference – a versatile French trio, with a mix of European and World music influences, rooted Funk, Jazz and Latin genres performing alternative and exclusive covers of songs spanning 50 years of French culture.
- Zilwa Tribe – traditional French titles, traditional Sega Mauricien, Rodriguais and Seychellois music
- Soul & Storm Duo – a versatile guitar/vocal duo with roots in Mauritius. Expect jazz, French classics, soul, rhythm and blues, modern hits, classic covers, choice originals and contemporary feels to old-school faves from the 1940s.
- Edith Vignal – a fun set of French covers with modified lyrics to make you laugh.
- Moggy – a Belgian/Australian singer/songwriter with a uniquely eclectic flavour of music which oscillates between psych-jazz and vintage-pop universe
- La La La French Choir – sweet choral music
- Army Band Jazz
- The French Circus School will roam around Fed Square
- The French Loop: Improv – witness how spontaneous creativity can give birth to magic with the best of improv
- Le Bop: Modern jive – Revel in the energy and flair of modern jive dancing
- Sporting tales with Tour de France: Road to Recognition – Olympic greats gold medallist Kathy Watt and Donna Kite in conversation with Gabriel Gaté on being pioneers in the sport they love.
- Bouygues Walking Tours – La France à Melbourne (France in Melbourne) – a walk through the Melbourne CBD showcasing all manner of things French in the company of a French guide
- Walking Tours L’art et l’excellence Sofitel – take a sneak peak at the recent renovations at The Sofitel Melbourne on Collins and enjoy an exhibition by renowned French photographer Claire Ropart and enjoy a delicious treat at the end.
- French Trivia Night: Le saviez-vous? Online French trivia event Ask yourself the question: “Did you know?” Fantastic prizes are up for grabs, including quality luggage for your next trip to France, books to inspire your next French love affair, and more.
MASTERCLASSES AND TALKS AT BASTILLE DAY FRENCH FESTIVAL MELBOURNE
- Masterclasses to expand your knowledge and tantalise your taste buds with fragrance, cheese and cocktails in 3 different masterclasses ranging from $10 to $42.25 plus GST and booking fees:
- All Things French with Fragrance – celebrate the subtle art of savoir faire and join us for a Bastille Day dedication to French design.
- A Taste of France – delight your senses with 5 artisan cheese presented by Ivan from Long Paddock Cheese
- Cocktails, the French way – learn the history of gin and vodka and how to make two classic cocktails the French Martini and the French 75 served with a macaron.
- https://www.bastilledaymelbourne.com/masterclasses-and-events/
- Les Lumières talks series delving into art, history, innovation and sustainability –
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- Les Lumières VERT: Revolutionary ideas to Tackle Climate Change – a look at the critical role of new energy technology, innovation and international collaboration to support energy transition and climate change policies leading to net-zero emissions.
- Les Lumières BLEU: Collaboration to Cure – discuss the importance of international scientific research cooperation, including Franco-Australian medical innovation, on medical discoveries and focus on the accessibility of new drugs to patients (ONLINE ONLY).
- Les Lumières BLANC: The Picasso Century – dive into the world of Pablo Picasso
- Les Lumières ROUGE: Revolution in Time – Dr Matthew S. Champion, Senior Lecturer, University of Melbourne discusses the French Revolution and the new era born in the wake of 1789.
- These talks can be booked at the following link: https://www.bastilledaymelbourne.com/masterclasses-and-events/
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ONLINE PROGRAM FOR THE FESTIVAL
Not in Melbourne but still want to join in the fun? Or want to get the festival started early? Check out the online program which also includes the trivia night and the Les Lumières BLEU: Collaboration to Cure talk mentioned above: https://www.bastilledaymelbourne.com/online-program-v2/
KEY INFO FOR BASTILLE FRENCH FESTIVAL MELBOURNE
WHAT: Bastille Day French Festival Melbourne
WHERE: Federation Square, Melbourne and online
WHEN: Saturday 16 July 10am – 6pm & Sunday 17 July 10am – 5pm
Online program available from Thursday 14 July
HOW: https://www.bastilledaymelbourne.com/
HOW MUCH: Entry to the festival is free. Participation in masterclasses and talks is paid.
Still looking for Bastille Day 2022 ideas? Read our article for how to celebrate the day in Australia
