Happy Bastille Day!

As we pause on this very special day, we wanted to wish you a very happy Bastille Day or joyeuse fête nationale. May the spirit of the revolution live on!

We can't wait to celebrate with you at this year's Festival!

 Did you know that the French don’t use the term Bastille Day? It is not la journée de la Bastille in France, but quite simply le quatorze juillet (the fourteenth of July), or la fête nationale (the national holiday).

Want to know more about the significance of the fourteenth of July and what actually happened at the Bastille? Read our latest blog to find out about the history of this special day and the events that came before it. 

We look forward to seeing you online or at Fed Square for our full Festival! 

With our Festival taking place inside and outside at Fed Square, we are prepared for any weather conditions!  You can find out more about our program below.

Here's your special Bastille Day playlist

There’s something magical about French music. It can transport you to a world full of warm croissants and impressionist paintings, of renaissance architecture and endless vineyards, all without leaving the comfort of your own home. This Bastille Day, take a moment to explore the songs we’re listening to – From Edith Piaf to Stromae, the classics and the hidden gems, the old and the new. 

Join us online this afternoon

Our Festival kicks off today with the first of our Les Lumières talks. Tune into our panel of experts at 4.30pm this afternoon as they explore Franco-Australian medical innovation and the importance of collaboration in this Les Lumières BLEU.

This talk will 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.

Join us online for Trivia tomorrow night

Looking for something to do on a cold wintery Friday night in Melbourne but don't want to head out?

Join us at 6pm tomorrow night for our virtual French Trivia Night: ­Le Saviez-Vous? from the comfort of your own home.

Four rounds of 10 questions starting at 6pm and finishing by 7pm.

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.

Put a team together and test your French knowledge!

Don't miss out! Book your tickets now for our Les Lumiéres talks and Masterclasses

Meet our Sponsors

The Bastille Day French Festival wouldn't be possible without the support and partnerships with our sponsors. 

We thank them for their ongoing support and commitment to the Bastille Day French Festival.