25 Fun Ways to Celebrate Bastille Day

I think it would be such fun to celebrate Bastille Day (or La Fête Nationale as it is called in France) in Paris. Fireworks, parades, parties…what’s not to like? But for those who can’t be there, here are 25 fun ways to celebrate wherever you are.

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25 Ways to Celebrate Bastille Day

1. Watch a French flick

This is a fun way to celebrate the day. Choose a French film and immerse yourself in the experience.

Francophile Films for French Week

2. Enjoy a typical French breakfast

I could happily enjoy a typical French breakfast every day.

French Style Breakfast

3. Pick up a bottle of Champagne or French wine

Go to your local liquor store and purchase a bottle of bubbly or a nice French wine. If you aren’t well-versed in French wines, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. In fact, it’s worth seeking out a liquor store with knowledgeable staff for this reason.

4. Choose a French cheese or two to go with that wine

If you have a cheese shop in your area this is a perfect excuse to try a new cheese. As if we need an excuse for cheese!

A Guide to French Cheese

5. Have a party

Invite your Francophile friends and enjoy your own fête!

How to host a Bastille Day Celebration

6. Dress like a French woman

Check out this video for inspiration:

7. Listen to French music

Here is a playlist I’ve created:

8. Sing the French anthem

9. Cook a French dish for dinner

A Week of French Inspired Meals

20 French Main Courses for Dinners Simple or Fancy

10. Go on a picnic

Let’s Go On a Picnic

11. Do a craft project

Fun Bastille Day Craft Activities

12. Learn the history of the holiday

What you need to know about Bastille Day in France

13. Look for a celebration in your area

A number of cities around the world have celebrations. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to live in or near a city with a Bastille Day celebration.

If I live in New Orleans, this is what I’d be doing:

Bastille Day Fête in New Orleans

14. Learn to make a French cocktail

Elegant French Cocktails for Your Francophile Life

15. Decorate

Fortunately for those of us in the U.S., we share the same color theme. Bunting like this can do double duty for our Independence Day:

16. Take a virtual tour of the area where the Bastille once stood

Place de la Bastille, Paris 360

17. Plan a trip to Paris

Spend a leisurely hour or two planning a trip to Paris. Even if it’s “just pretend” it can be a fun thing to do. And who knows? Maybe one day the dream will come true. I’m still hopeful for another trip!

Planning a Trip to Paris ~ Tips and Inspiration

18. Read a French or Francophile book

10 Francophile Books to Inspire Your Inner French Girl

Francophile Books ~ A Wishlist

LWD’s Favorite Francophile Books

19. Learn a bit of French

I took French in high school and university but that was SO long ago. I’ve been brushing up and learning more on Duolingo. It’s free, too!

Duolingo

20. Choose a French-inspired item to add to your home

The Best Online Shops to Buy French Home Decor

I love French Country decor and in fact, if I have it my way, our retirement home will be decorated in that style. In the meantime, I have to be content with my toile bedspread and these Paris prints I’ve framed for our bedroom:

21. Buy a scarf

While a Hermès scarf isn’t likely to be in the budget for most of us, there are plenty of lovely, affordable options. Here is a very pretty 100% silk scarf available on Amazon (and on my birthday wishlist!):