A French Weekend – Bastille Day and the FIFA World Cup
What a very French weekend it has been with Bastille Day (le Fete nationale) celebrations followed by the winning of the FIFA World Cup by Les Bleus (The Blues). I can’t imagine a bigger weekend of French celebrations can you?
What did you do for the weekend? Here’s a run down of how A French Collection celebrated the weekend
- Bastille Day Luncheon hosted by Annette;
- Bastille Festival – Revolution In The Rocks, Sydney;
- Lunch at The Four Frogs, Circular Quay; and
- FIFA World Cup
A French Collection Bastille Day Luncheon
Our luncheon event was fabulous with a group of gorgeous ladies enjoying a special Bastille Day menu, delicious coffee and endless chatter and laughs at The Little French Cafe. Our lucky door book prize, ‘Paris in Bloom’, filled with flowers and pretty Paris scenes was won by Judith – a delighted winner!
All guests were given a special take home gift and enjoyed making new friends while sharing travel stories. This event was such a success we may run a similar event next Bastille Day.
Bastille Festival – Revolution In The Rocks, Sydney
Each year the Bastille Festival – Revolution In The Rocks (which used to be called Bleu Blanc Rouge Festival) gets bigger and better, with each festival hosting even more diverse activities and entertainment. With food stalls, french product pop up shops, a cheese dome with wine and cheese masterclasses, live art shows, French films and the new Christmas in July markets, this year the festivities spilled over four main areas of Circular Quay, and The Rocks, Sydney.
Argyle Street Rocks
The Argyle Street Rocks area held the Christmas in July markets with twelve newly imported authentic French wooden market stalls. Selling mulled wine, chocolates, cheese and saucisson cones these stalls took on a dreamy European feel at nightfall when the fairy lights twinkled and the choir sang English and French carols.
First Fleet Park – The Rocks Village
First Fleet Park – The Rocks Village filled with food stalls and french product pop up shops was a great place to pick up a gift (French linens, baskets, beauty products and stationery), try traditional foods, sample wine and enjoy the live music and dancing.
Customs House Village
Traditional sweets and pastries, smoked garlic and delicious condiment stalls were side by side with French books, language and travel stalls in the Customs House Village area.
Electro Beer Garden
This year is the second year the Electro Beer Garden has been part of the Bastille Festival, and with even more craft beers from Frenchies Bistro and Brewery, this was a happening place with the crowds enjoying Electro lounge music.
East Circular Quay
More food, wine and entertainment filled the shore of the Eastern quay for lovers of all things French this year. To find out more and maybe note this event for next year, check out the website of Bastille Festival – Revolution In The Rocks
Four Frogs Cafe
For a truly authentic French meal my girlfriend, Judy from Entranced By France Blog, and I headed over to the Four Frogs Cafe, which was buzzing with jovial diners, many dressed in red, white and blue colours. With so many delectable crepes to choose from, and French wines and Normandy ciders, we knew we were in for a treat, and sure enough, our lunch was delicious.
So in keeping with the French long lunch tradition with good food, wine and sociable company, Judy and I agreed that another similar lunch date was needed, even if only to sample the homemade poached pear, raspberry coulis, almond, ice cream, whipped cream crepe!
FIFA World Cup
And what can we say about France winning the FIFA World Cup! What a way to top off a very French weekend. France beat Croatia 4 to 2 in the final to make them the World Cup winners for 2018. Congratulations Les Bleus !!
This year’s edition was the 21st FIFA World Cup, and for those not familiar, it is an international football tournament contested by the men’s national teams of the member associations of FIFA once every four years. Did you know the tournament is the most watched sporting event in the world? Russia was the host nation with games being played from 14 June to 15 July 2018.
The France national football team represents France in international football and is controlled by the French Football Federation, also known as FFF, or in French: Federation Francaise de Football. Wikipedia The team proudly sports the coq Gaulois (Gallic rooster) as their insignia.
Related Post – Why Is The Rooster A Symbol of France explains the origin around the Gallic rooster and how it came to be the famous symbol of France
Watch this clip of the triumphal Les Bleus touch down in Paris for the victory parade with smiles and rejoicing by everyone.
So that’s how A French Collection celebrated Bastille Day 2018 with the Bastille Festival – Revolution In The Rocks and the FIFA World Cup victory by France. I hope you’ve got some ideas for next year’s celebrations, and until next time…
Annette xx
