A Toast to Bastille Day

Vive le 14 juillet! Today marks the 143rd Bastille Day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille and the start of the French Revolution. A week after Independence Day, we celebrate the French Revolution and their freedom. Bastille Day represents more than just France; it celebrates the influence of the French in San Francisco and the Bay Areas’ development. 

Since 1996, San Francisco has been a sister city to Paris, but the history between the two cities spans much farther back. During the Gold Rush, French immigrants came to San Francisco to find their fortune, but it was San Francisco that grew rich with the addition of French culture. For instance, San Francisco’s famous sourdough bread originated with French immigrant Isidore Boudin, whose bakery Boudin Bakery is still running strong.

Bastille Day is still celebrated across San Francisco, notably in “Frenchtown” on Belden Place in the Financial District. “Bastille on Belden” offers promotions served by the restaurants of Belden Place, offering a piece of France in the heart of San Francisco. Complimentary berets are just the start of the fun and celebration for Bastille Day. 

San Francisco’s Alliance Française is holding its annual Bastille Day festival on the 14th from 6 PM to 12 AM on 1519 Jackson Ave. The festival offers French food, wine, and music with a concert by Pardon My French. Admission is $10, and the festival welcomes all ages with fun for kids and even a costume contest! 

For over a century, we have celebrated Bastille Day as a nation, the culture, food, and art we appreciate and commemorate. During that time, the Bay Area was slowly shaped by the French, who planted their roots and built businesses, architecture, and cuisine. Today we raise a glass and tip our berets to commemorate the creation of modern France, to whom we owe many thanks, Vive la France!