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Francophile Travel: Bastille Day in New York

France's biggest holiday is coming up this Monday, July 14, but don't fret if you can't make it to Paris; Bastille Day is slowly but surely catching on in New York.

Of course, like most holidays celebrated in America, Bastille Day here is less of a cultural celebration, and more of an excuse to start partying early in the day (cf. St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo).

The festivities get going early, with the annual Liberty Festival and the famous waiters' race at Les Halles on Saturday. On Sunday there's an all-day block party and petanque tournament on Brooklyn's Smith Street, sponsored by Bar Tabaq.

The biggest bash is the French Institute's fete on Monday afternoon, which closes down 60th Street from Fifth Avenue to Lexington for an impressive array of French street food. There's also a special wine and cheese tasting inside the Institute's gallery for just $12.

Related Stories:
· Les Halles [Official Site]
· Bar Tabac [Official Site]
· Bastille Day at the French Institute [Official Site]
· New York Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: celesteh]