The French national holiday Bastille Day commemorates the infamous storming of the Bastille, a Parisian prison, on July 14, 1789. Because this date marks the beginning of the French Revolution, it is a day to celebrate freedom for all people. Bring a little French culture and history into your home by celebrating this day of freedom!

Pack up the kids and the passports and head over to France!  Okay, this trip may not be an option. Try the following ideas instead….

• Eat French foods
  • Baguettes
  • Croissants
  • Steak frites (steak and fries)
  • Quiche Lorraine (with ham or bacon)
  • Chocolate Mousse
  • Crème Brulee
  • Madeleine cookies
  • Éclairs
  • Profiteroles
  • French fries, French toast, French bread, etc.
• Practice using the French language
  • Hello…Bonjour
  • Please….s’il vous plait (“see voo play”)
  • Yes/no…oui/non (”whee/non”)
  • Excuse me…pardon!
  • My name is….je m’appelle (“ja ma pell”)
  • Do you speak French?… Parlez-vous France?
  • Thank you…merci
  • Enjoy your meal…bon appétit!
  • Have a good trip…bon voyage
  • Good bye…au revoir!
• Give yourself a French name for the day
  • Girls…..Aimee, Angelique, Amelia, Camille, Clara, Chloe, Genevieve, Lea, Madeleine,
  • Boys….Andre, Antoine, Benoit, Etienne, Frederic, Henri, Jacques, Phillipe, Pierre
• Wear a beret
• Watch or read Les Miserables

How will you celebrate the French Bastille Day?