Bastille Day in New York City

Bastille Day is the French National Holiday, celebrated every year on the 14th of July. Bastille Day is a tradition that's been going on since 1790, when it was held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14 1789.

Sure it's kindof a big deal in France, with parades and stuff, but over the years, with plenty of French expatriates setting up base in New York City, Bastille Day has become a big deal in the Big Apple too.

On the 12th of July, the usual vibrant tourist attractions in New York in Central Park and Fifth Ave pale in comparison to the festivities on 60th Street. Between Lexington and Fifth Avenues, from noon until 6 pm, it's a magnificent sight to behold, with a sea of red, blue and white. Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of France right in your own backyard at New York's "Street Fair with French Flair," Bastille Day on 60th Street.

And as you can see in the picture above, it's all in good spirit and a whole lot of spirits too. Copious amounts of alcohol will dissappear, and the taste and smell of the French cuisine will be on full display.

Sample the cuisine of France and other French-speaking countries, browse the French-themed market stalls, enjoy the music by our french-speaking artists, and dance in the street in our French-style "bal-musette."

Throughout the afternoon, live performers will be appearing on the festival-stage (between Madison and Park Avenues) and Can-Can dancers too.

Sports-based activities with a French twist including soft pétanque, along with Arts & Crafts activities provided by the FIAF Language Center will all help burn off the extra calories from the delicious pommes-frites and authentic Belgian Waffles.

A French-style 'open air picnic' with tables adorned with checkered table cloths are set up along the three blocks of Bastille Day on 60th Street. And there's also a raffle, with drawings for various prizes will be held throughout the day, with the Grand Prize of a pair of US-Paris round-trip tickets courtesy of American Airlines.

The one place you don't want to miss for Bastille Day in New York City is Brooklyn's Bar Tabac. The petanque tournament and street fair at Bar Tabac attracts French expatriates and teams from all over the world.

This year, the 7th Annual Bastille Day Petanque Tournament has attracted 80 teams, and Smith Street will be be in complete bedlam until late into the night on July 12 with live music, pastis, drinks, delicious food and the adrenalin rush from the petanque competition. Bar Tabac is located at 128 Smith St. and Dean St. Brooklyn, NY 11201; (718) 923-0918.

If you're looking for a place to stay for the Bastille Day celebrations, then the best place is the Sofitel (45 W 44th St New York, NY 10036; (212) 354-8844).

Of all the New York hotels, the Sofitel is the only one which offers an authentic French experience. The hotel chain has it's roots in France, and the hotel itself has a distinct French touch, with the decor and the art on the walls. Even the hotel's Art Deco restaurant 'Gaby' offers French fare in a luxurious setting.

Stay at the Sofitel, eat at Bar Tabac and spend the day on 60th Street. For one day - July 12 - you'll find that France has come to New York City.

Bastille Day photo credit - Capucine Bourcart and Antoine Donzeaud (courtesy le Comité du 14 juillet - www.bastilledaynyc.com). Bar Tabac photo by pixonomy via flickr (creative commons). Sofitel photo by Rob Young via flickr (creative commons).