If you’re looking for some extra reasons to party this summer, July 14th is a wonderful time for French-themed treats and activities for all ages. Also known as Bastille Day, July 14th is celebrated as the French National Day (like the American 4th of July).
As Wichita has a French sister city, Orleans, it’s a fun time to introduce our families to another culture. Follow the Wichita Area Sister Cities France Committee on Facebook for events throughout the year.
Here are some activities and resources for Bastille Day fun:
For babies and toddlers:
- Stimulate their brains while playing French nursery rhyme songs on YouTube, like Frere Jacques and Alouette, or cute French cartoons like TROTRO.
- My littles love Whistlefritz French language learning DVDs.
For elementary age kiddos:
- Make grilled cheese sandwiches, but make it a croque monsieur with a bit of Dijon mustard and slices of deli ham. Add a sunny-side up egg to make it a croque madame.
- Read French-themed books like Anatole or Madeline.
- Watch a French-themed movie like Leap or Ratatouille.
For teens:
- Read A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens – Feel like a classic movie night? There’s a 1935 version of this story that you can rent on Amazon Prime.
- Read The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. Also, enjoy the 1982 movie with Jane Seymour. It’s ridiculously fun.
- Read The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. They also might get a kick out of watching the 1993 movie with Charlie Sheen and Kiefer Sutherland. I know you will.
- Read Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. Yes, you also need the soundtrack blasting and they need to see the 2012 movie.
Bastille Day Decor:
Repurpose decor that’s blue, white and red! Red geraniums give a bistrot flare and striped tees are sure to give you a French vibe too. Make poster board Eiffel Towers and turn on George Brassens or Charles Trenet music.
You don’t have to go crazy with snacks – Aldi and Trader Joe’s have fun treats like frozen cream puffs or pain au chocolat pastries. A charcuterie board of cheeses, meats, fruit and veggies make pretty much everyone happy.
And of course, pour a glass of your favorite Bordeaux.
Places in Wichita for French Treats:
Just a few of our faves – I’d love to discover more!
Georges French Bistro
4618 E Central Wichita, KS 67208
La Galette French Bakery
1017 W Douglas Ave
Wichita, Kansas 67213
Bagatelle Bakery
6801 E Harry St, Wichita, KS 67207
Chateau Gifts & Flower Preservation
126 S. Seneca Street Wichita, Kansas 67213
The History of Bastille Day
Historically, it marks when the day in 1789, when a mob of angry Parisians stormed the state prison, La Bastille. Built in the 1300s, It had become a symbol of the monarchy’s absolute power since prisoners could be locked in without a trial.
The bloody battle became a turning point for the French Revolution. Despite the atrocities of period, ultimately, peace and justice reigned and the French Republic was created. The Bastille was torn down, stone by stone, but you can visit La Place de la Bastille in Paris where it once stood.
In 1880, the 14th July was declared as a national holiday and is now celebrated with military parades down the Champs-Elysee in Paris, with fireworks and a great deal of pomp. There’s smaller celebrations in towns and villages across France!
If you are feeling hungry for some homemade French goodies, click here to read about these holiday desserts and try the crepe recipe.
