July 14 is Bastille Day, France’s national day (also called La Fête Nationale or le quatorze juillet) which marks the storming of Paris’ Bastille (a notorious French Prison) on 14 July 1789 and a key date in the creation of modern France.

It’s a great excuse to uncork some of France’s finest wine or champagne (not that you need one).  I developed a fond affection for Bastille Day while in France for the first time in 1983, enjoying the festivities and atmosphere in Paris.  

But if you can’t be in France, and you want a bit more than uncorking a bottle of French wine at home then consider a few other Francophile options.  After all French influence can be found around the world where you’ll find a celebration.

South Africa – Franschhoek (meaning French Corner) is a gourmet lovers dream and holds a week-end festival each year for Bastille Day.  Besides the food and wine, enjoy popular traditions and activities of such as boules, Franschhoek minstrel parade, a barrel-rolling contest and a waiters’ race.

USA – There are plenty of celebrations with New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and San Francisco all having sizeable events, but a favourite of mine would have to be New Orleans with its great food and atmosphere in the French Quarter.

New Caledonia – Noumea called the Paris of the Pacific has the requisite patisseries and bistros and parade for the annual celebration.  What’s not to love about spending time on an island paradise and it’s only a short flight from Australia.

French Guiana – if you’re in South America, you could make your way to this sliver of French territory in the tropics.  Best known now for the launch site of France’s Ariane rocket, if you’re lucky you’ll get some extra fireworks!

Hungary – I wouldn’t have expected you could find a big Bastille celebration in Budapest but it’s celebrated with vigour each year with food, wine and fireworks. 

And wherever you are celebrate by raising a glass, wearing the tricolore (blue, white and red) of France and enjoy the festivities however you choose to make them.