Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite – it's time to celebrate Bastille Day! Here's where to enjoy the festivities in Singapore and get a good dose of French culture with the family. Bonne fete nationale!
We love that the Little Red Dot is such a melting pot of cultures, and that alongside the observance of Ramadan (see our guide to Ramadan for families in Singapore here), the 4th of July is also celebrated by American families in the Lion City. Now, it’s the turn of French families in Singapore to commemorate its National Day – La Fête de la Bastille or La Fête Nationale – which marks the beginning of the French Revolution with the fall of the Bastille prison on 14 July 1789, as well as the Fête de la Fédération, which celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790.
It’s a day of jubilation in France, where it’s a time for getting together with the family to indulge in food and festivities. Singapore’s fabulous French community makes sure there’s plenty to celebrate here too – here’s where to enjoy French food, culture, and entertainment on Bastille Day in Singapore, 2015. Vive la France!
Celebrations at Alliance Française de Singapour
Wear your red, white and blue for Bastille Day at Alliance Française de Singapour! Get into the spirit of National Day as the lobby area of Alliance Française transforms into a fab party venue. Expect snacks, drinks, quizzes and gifts. Kids will love the fun photo booth; mums and dads will enjoy an ice-cold Kronenbourg or two, or gourmet goodies courtesy of sponsor Hédiard Paris.
Where: Alliance Française
When: Saturday 11 July 11, 5.30pm-7pm.
Cost: Free!
www.alliancefrancaise.org.sg
L’Association Française de Singapour buffet dinner
Alas, this French feast held at Lycée Français de Singapour is now waiting-list only, but we hold out hope…
When: 11 July, 6.30 to 10pm
Where: Lycée Français de Singapour, 3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 569928
Cost: $10 excluding drinks (members and non-members, including children over 12)
www.afsingapour.com
Family feasts at L’Entrecôte The French Brasserie
Steak frites, anyone? L’Entrecôte The French Brasserie is hosting a Bastille Day celebration at its three restaurants across the island. Every open bill is entered in the lucky draw for the ultimate French indulgence: 1kg of Foie Gras Terrine specially crafted byL’Entrecôte’s Executive Chef Damien. You’ll also score French Baguettes and caramelised onions to enjoy with this delicacy.
Make sure you dress in the colours of the French flag as parents will be treated to a free glass of wine – and, if you wear the French Cocarde/Phrygian Cap/Charlotte Cap, you’ll enjoy 50% off your 2nd bottle of Cuvee De L’Entrecote. Time to dress up les enfants!
When: Tuesday 14 July, 7pm onwards
Where:
L’Entrecôte The Steak & Fries Bistro, 36 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089614
L’Entrecôte The Annex 37 Duxton Hill, Singapore, 089615
L’Entrecôte The French Brasserie, Suntec City, #B1-128/129, Singapore, 038983
www.lentrecote.sg
For the grown-ups:
Aperitifs and French free-flow at Ô Batignolles and Ô Comptoir
Now in its third year running, this is the party worth donning your stripes for as a famous French wine and cheese bar and the best crêperie in town throw a joint street celebration for Bastille Day. Start at Ô Batignolles from 6pm to enjoy aperitifs, a little vin, and the best of French music, then take a stroll down to Ô Comptoir from 10 to enjoy free-flow bubbles. Groove to the live band Black Pepper, and don’t forget to dive into the photobooth for a commemorative pic. Pssst: if you book your tickets in advance, you go into the draw to win French treats including a Ricard Pétanque kit, Hediard treats, Crème Simon beauty care and delish Bonne Maman jam.
Where: Ô Batignolles, 2 Gemmill Ln, Singapore 069247, and Ô Comptoir, 79 Circular Rd, Singapore 049433
When: From 6pm, Saturday July 11
Cost: Ô Batignolles: $6 wines and Ricard, $8 charcuterie platters and ham baguettes; Ô Comptoir: $6 Wines/Ricard/Cider; $20 free-flow of bubbly from 10-11pm, galettes and crêpes. Book in advance to go into the draw for fab French goodies!
Dress code: French stripes!
www.obatignolles.com; www.facebook.com/OComptoirSG
Bastille Day wine tasting with The French Cellar
Mums and dads, consider this permission to go out on a school night. Premium wine club The French Cellar is offering an irresistible experience to celebrate Bastille day: a wine and cheese tasting featuring five exclusive drops from its ‘vineyard gems’ collection. Three-Michelin-star sommelier Nicolas Rebut has selected the wines from five French regions for this special event, which wine lovers can enjoy for a special rate of 50% off the usual ticket price! For $25, you’ll taste and learn about five different wines, try fine cheeses and take home a tasting booklet.
Where: Artistry, Bugis, 17 Jalan Pinang, Singapore 199149
When: Tuesday, 14 July, 7pm to 9pm
Cost: Special Bastille Day rate of $25 instead of $49. Bookings required.
www.thefrenchcellar.sg