The annual Bastille Day French Festival is coming back to Melbourne, and this time, they’re taking over Queen Victoria Market. Feel transported to a wintery French town square, and celebrate the lead up to Bastille Day with delicious French cuisine, artists, performers and more. On top of the market, there will also be a ticketed program with exciting events like masterclasses and walking tours. Follow the smell of croissants and check out the festival on Saturday July 8 and Sunday July 9.
Bastille Day French Festival
Browse through the winter market and indulge in classic French treats, like crepes, baguettes and crème brûlée. Practice your French skills among expats, francophones and francophiles. And feel entertained by live performers, like Noria and the Parisians, Vive la Différence and Moogy & The Avant-Guardians.
“We invite Melburnians to swap their beanie for a béret this winter and join us for fun French festivities at our new venue – Queen Victoria Market,” said Professor Véronique Duché, President of the Bastille Day French Festival. “Bringing joie de vivre and the spirit of France to Melburnians and celebrating the strong local Australian-French relationship is a very special treat for us, we are thrilled to offer food, wine, produce, art, history, performance and more – please come and enjoy and celebrate le revolution.”
Entry to the festival is free, but there’s also a series of ticketed events for you to check out. See the city through a French perspective, and go on a walking tour about the French icons of Melbourne.
Listen to Les Lumières talks, covering history, fashion, art, culture, sport and sustainability. Or if you’d prefer to be a little more hands-on, take part in a mime masterclass in celebration of Marcel Marceau’s 100th anniversary.
If you can’t attend in person, the Bastille Day French Festival also has some activities for you to try online, including French trivia, online conversations and more.
The festival will run at Queen Vic Market from 9am to 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday. For more details, including session times and prices for certain events, click here.