Picture this: It’s cold. You’re rugged up, wrapped in a scarf and your warmest winter coat. You’re dreaming of a getaway, perhaps eating a baguette by the Eiffel Tower, or sipping chardonnay in the rolling vineyards of Burgundy.
Does le 14 juillet ring a bell? What about la fête nationale? Or perhaps you know it as Bastille Day, the national holiday where France comes alive with fireworks, festivities, and all things Français.
This year, those scenes we usually admire from afar are coming to us. Bastille Festival is making its Adelaide debut, turning your dreams into reality and transforming Festival Plaza into the ultimate French affair from May 31 to June 1.
With free entry and over 40 performances on the program, there’s everything from live French bands and art exhibitions to show-stopping cabaret, theatre, and even multicultural dance classes.
Expect pop ups from names like Sofrita Paella, East Blue Seafood and That Arachini Guy (goes French) as well as sweet treats from French Kiss Crêperie, Thicc Cookies and Nougat Limar, serving up a mix of French fare and broader European flavours.
Adding a little bourgeois flair, the organisers are teaming up with Festival Plaza’s Station Road restaurant, delivering an exclusive, French-inspired menu, including their take on the classic Paris-Breast.
“It’s a great way to connect local creativity with authentic French tradition,” explains event organisers.
If you’re expecting Paris in Adelaide, think even bigger. This is your chance to experience the flavours and charm of the country, with a journey through five iconic regions: Bordeaux, Rhône Valley, Provence, Burgundy and Alsace.
How does it work?
While the main event is free, those after the full French immersion can grab a Food Passport, a Wine Passport (or both) and begin a journey with your taste buds…
There are two passport options depending on how far you want to venture. The Food or Wine Passport includes either 3 tastings for $29 or 5 tastings for $55. For the full experience, the Food and Wine Passport combines both with 3 stops for $55 or 5 stops for $95.
You might start in Bordeaux, home of bold reds and refined classics. Think cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and rich plates like duck confit or entrecôte with Bordelaise sauce. If you’re a Barossa Valley shiraz devotee, try a Bordeaux blend. It might just win you over.
From there, head into the Rhône Valley, the place of earthy reds and spicy syrah-grenache, and rustic dishes like beef daube, ratatouille, and herb-laced meats. It’s the kind of soul-warming fare made for an Adelaide winter.
And for those wanting to momentarily escape the cold, Provence serves up classic, sun-drenched and Mediterranean vibes. Think tapenade, olive oil, rosé and seaside flair. Who said you need to match the weather? Embrace the French joie de vivre and do things differently.
Next up, Burgundy. Rich, indulgent and refined, this is the land of pinot noir, chardonnay, and butter-drenched decadence.
Alsace, located right near the German border, delivers crisp whites like riesling and hearty cool-weather food. Think tarte flambée, sauerkraut and sausage, and plenty of cheese. Clare Valley riesling lovers, you’ll want to make yourself comfortable here.
At each stop, you’ll try a signature French specialty and get your passport stamped. By the end, you’ve done a Tour De France, but without the bike. Skip the puffing and panting and explore the beauty of France with your palate.
“I know how much people love South Australian wines in Adelaide, so I think it’s going to be funny to see people try something different—and wine that is just as great,” organisers add.
Of course, winter in Adelaide calls for something cosy and that’s where the Fire Pit Garden comes in. Gather your crew, sip on spiced mulled wine, and toast unlimited marshmallows around a roaring fire ($25pp for a 1-hour session). It’s the ultimate winter induglence, French style.
In the words of Event Creator Vincent Hernandez, Bastille Festival is all about “bringing people together, sharing moments, enjoying the best things in life – food, wine, arts, all these things that we love.”
Whether you’re a die-hard Francophile or just here for the cheese, this is your chance to escape to Europe and enjoy a melting pot of French experiences, no plane ticket required.
Fancy a night cap in the CBD? Book your stay at the Intercontinental Hotel here and enjoy an irresistible 10% off.
WHAT: Bastille Festival, Adelaide Festival Plaza
WHEN: May 31 to June 1
To explore the experiences, click here.
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