Soiree Francaise
A comprehensive guide to celebrating Bastille Day in the Big D.
Who's ready to party like it's 1789? It was at this time in history that the French stormed the Bastille, a military prison and, in doing so, ushered in the French Revolution. Bastille Day is a French national holiday, celebrated annually on July 14, to commemorate the heroics on that fateful day. Bastille Day in Dallas promises to be a summertime soiree you will not want to miss!
Bastille on Bishop
While Dallas is not known for having an obvious French influence, it has more ties to France than one might think. The Oak Cliff neighborhood was originally established as a French Utopian colony called La Reunion (from where iconic Reunion Tower in Downtown Dallas also received its name). Nearly 350 men and women settled the Oak Cliff area in the 1850s, although most eventually moved elsewhere. Still, the Oak Cliff neighborhood and city of Dallas continue to pay homage to these unique French roots with an annual 'Bastille on Bishop' block party in the Bishop Arts District. While attending the block party is free, tickets can be purchased at www.gooakcliff.org/bastille-on-bishop in order to receive two drink tokens and a commemorative wine glass so you can sip and celebrate all day long!
Shop at Marcel Market
Tucked in the Bishop Arts District is the impossibly chic yet approachable French storefront Marcel Market. Owned by Paris natives Amelie Monvoisin and her husband Gregory, Marcel Market carries exclusive French products including gourmet groceries, home accessories, jewelry and clothing lines that can now call Dallas home. Focusing on small, artisan brands, the market offers the perfect opportunity to take home a little piece of Paris in celebration of Bastille Day.
Munch on Locally Made Macarons
Celebrate Bastille Day (or any day) in style with some champagne and a box of delicious French macarons. It's the perfect way to say 'merci' to a party host or indulge in a sweet treat for yourself. Fortunately, Dallas is home to a host of delightful options for these delectable delicacies. Pop into JOY Macarons, Bisous Bisous Patisserie, Chelle's or Savor for these French cookies in any color and flavor you can imagine. It's all tres magnifique!
French Dining Across Dallas
A culinary destination no matter the cuisine, Dallas is home to some of the best restaurants in the country. For a French dining experience, try any of these amazing hot spots:
- For breakfast sip a latte and cut into a Quiche Lorraine from Mercat Bistro in the Harwood District.
- For elegant lunch options, stop into Highland Park Village's Bistro 31 or sit on the patio at Knox/Henderson's Toulouse restaurant to embody the 'café culture' France is known for.
- Dinner options are plentiful for Parisian-inspired ambience right here in Dallas. Make a reservation at Rise for incredible savory and sweet souffles with your sweetheart to give your evening a certain 'je ne se sais qua!'
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