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Beaujolais Nouveau Féte – New Beaujolais Festival

New Beaujolais Festival
Saint Julien village in the Beaujolais region

Beaujolais Nouveau Féte – New Beaujolais Festival 

France is a country that loves celebrating all things good that can be eaten or drunk. Dedicated festivals, national occasions and celebrations keep traditions alive in France, just like the Beaujolais Nouveau Féte (New Beaujolais Festival).

The New Beaujolais Festival is celebrated throughout France on the third Thursday in November every year, the date when wine-making finishes and the new wine can be sold. This fruity new wine is eagerly awaited by wine-lovers across France, with gatherings at local stores and vineyards and when the cry goes out le beaujolais nouveau est arrivé! (the new Beaujolais has arrived) it is a happy scene at the bottle shop. 

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Bastille Day Festival

Bastille Day Festival 14 July

Bleu, Blanc and Rouge Festival 2016 now known as the Bastille Day Festival

Have you ever been to the Bleu, Blanc and Rouge Festival? (Blue, White and Red Festival) Well, I now have… I woke up on the morning of Friday the 15th and read a bit more about this festival on a friend’s blog and made the snap decision to drive to Sydney (1 3⁄4 hrs away) and spend the day, or as much as possible, in Sydney.

Attending the Sydney Bastille Day Festival

I startled my two teenage sons by whooping about with “get up, quick, get dressed we’re heading to Sydney”.  Much groaning ensured, but I was not to be persuaded. If we couldn’t do it that day, we would miss out on the festival for another year due to sport and other commitments for the rest of the weekend.  And that was not going to happen!!

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A French Collection Celebrates Bastille Day

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Celebrating Bastille Day in Australia

Every July 14th, France celebrates Bastille Day (La Fête de la Bastille or La Fête Nationale) which marks the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 and the first major event of the French Revolution of 1789.  

The destruction of the Bastille prison in central Paris was chosen as a symbol of France’s first stirrings of democracy, though it would take several reinstated monarchies and bloody revolutions to establish an enduring Republic.

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Bastille Day 2016: What’s On and Where

Bastille Day

Bastille Day 2016: What’s On and Where

Bastille Day again I hear you say, gosh where has the year gone – has it really been a year?  Well, very nearly! Here is an idea of what’s on and where, so you join in with other Francophiles and celebrate together.

  1. Alliance Francaise Sydney:  Bastille Day celebrations at The Argyle, The Rocks, Sydney including free drink, can can dances, food, wine, music and ‘french fun’. 5pm till late tickets $15
  2. Alliance Francaise Newcastle: Celebration lunch on Saturday 16 July at Le Passe Temps.
  3. Petite Belle: 98 Glebe Road, The Junction will celebrate the day with special patisserie items on offer in their new and convenient location at The Junction.  French staff members will be celebrating the day in style and will be delighted to help you choose your special Bastille Day French pastries and food.
  4. Le Passe Temps: 73-75 Hunter Street, Newcastle will host the Alliance Francaise Newcastle lunch event. The elegant 1920s French-style lounge is a stylish way to mark ‘le jour de la Bastille’.   4910 4060
  5. The Essential Ingredient Newcastle:  Junction Fair, 200 Union Street, The Junction stocks a comprehensive range of imported French foodstuffs. So, if you are inviting guests over to ‘yours’ for a bit of French celebration then a stop at The Essential Ingredient will provide you with the foodstuffs you need.  4926 1991
  6. The Little French Cafe: 54/56 Belford St, Broadmeadow. The atmosphere will be celebratory at this well known french cafe with special patisseries on offer that are not usually available throughout the rest of the year.
  7. Pork Ewe Deli: Mayfield has a loyal following of customers who know their French food. Fresh cheese, fruit and cold meat platters are no problem to create and share with friends, family and colleagues this Bastille Day after a visit at the Deli. 4906 8774

With so much happening in our local area I’m sure you’ll enjoy this “Le Jour de la Bastille 2016”!

Related post – A French Collection Celebrates Bastille Day

Whit Sunday or Pentecost Sunday in France

Whit Sunday at Notre Dame, Paris

What is Whit Sunday or Pentecost Sunday?

Whit Sunday or Pentecost Sunday in France is a Christian observance holiday and there are special services in many of the cathedrals and churches around the country. Pentecost marks the occasion of the Holy Spirit descending on to the followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks.

Pentecost Sunday is celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday so the date varies each year. 

The Holy Spirit is symbolised by a white dove and so you will find the white dove associated with the celebration of Whit Sunday and Pentecost Sunday. 

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Château Versailles – A Guide to the Best Things to See

Château de Versailles

Château de Versailles – A Brief History and What to See

Versailles will remain in the forefront of my memory as one of my favourite places.  When you have travelled extensively, sometimes locations, activities, and even the people you met can blur.  Whilst I must admit I have forgotten some of the cities I have visited, other places are intimately remembered with even smells and textures hard-wired into my memory.  Why is this?

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April Fools’ Day or April Fish Day in France

April Fool's Day or April Fish Day

April Fools’ Day or April Fish Day in France

In many countries around the world April 1 is a day to have fun and play harmless jokes on your family and friends. April Fool’s Day or April Fish Day in France is called Poisson d’avril and it’s a day of pranks and chocolate. 

Many jokes and pranks are from telling a story that is so ridiculous, but still has a chance of being true, and so is often believed. When the other person falls for the joke or prank the joker calls out “April Fool” and hopefully everyone sees the funny side and has a laugh.

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Where Are You Going in the New Year?

Bayeux cathedral France

Where Are You Going in the New Year?

Happy New Year to you!! Where are you going in the new year? As lots of us reflect on the past year, many of us will also think and make our plans for this new year. Part of my new year planning is listing the places I hope to visit in the New Year. Some will be favourite countries or cities, others will be never before visited places and, of course, there are always new regions of France we try to explore each trip to France.

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