How To Celebrate Bastille Day In Boston

As we prepare to remember one of France’s bloodiest days in history, Bastille Day is also being celebrated with grandeur here in Boston to honor the start of the French Revolution with the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris more than 200 years ago. From a celebration at the French Cultural Center to a haute party at Menton, here’s a look at how to celebrate Bastille Day in swanky style.

One of the best ways to celebrate France’s national holiday in style here in Boston is by attending the Bastille Day party being held tomorrow night in Back Bay at the French Cultural Center. The stylish annual street party that attracts more than 2,000 revelers is being held again this year on Marlborough Street (between Berkeley and Clarendon) where the neighborhood party comes alive with music, dancing, food and drinks. A VIP reception is being held in the French Cultural Center’s garden adjacent to the street festival from 6 to 11 p.m. and will feature an open bar, complimentary French hors d’œuvres and desserts, direct views of the concert stage and enter-exit privileges to the main street festival.

If you aren’t lucky enough to score tickets to the Bastille Day celebration at the French Cultural Center, head over to Deuxave tomorrow night from 5 to 10 p.m. for a haute sip at their specialty Champagne Bubbly Bar. Try a glass of Taittinger, La Francais Prestige, Brut, Reims, Champagne, FR, NV; La Caravelle, Brut Rosé, Champagne, FR, NV or Nicholas Feuillatte, Brut, Chouilly, Champagne, FR, NV. The Back Bay restaurant will also be featuring the Green Hour cocktail with a nod to the 5 o’clock hour in southern France where people would often enjoy a glass of absinthe near the beginning of its revival in the 1800s. The cocktail is made with Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, Orgeat (almond syrup), Pernod absinthe, fresh lemon and egg white.

Photo Credit: Deuxave

Frenchie is kicking off Bastille Day with a typical Guinguette party that gets underway today. Festivities include Pastis, fine wines and Frosé, and the party will continue on four days until Sunday.

One of the hautest parties in town will be the Bastille Day Feast at Menton‘s Gold Bar tomorrow night. The four-course dinner celebration will be held in two seatings – one at 5:30 p.m. and a second a 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required and include a family style feast and one Le Maudit Français (The Bloody French) champagne cocktail.