Bastille Day Market in November?
La Fête Nationale, or more commonly known as Le quatorze juillet, is the French National holiday celebrated with a large military parade and fireworks in Paris. It marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, a military fortress and prison, on 14 July 1789 by the people to seize weapons and gunpowder and to free the prisoners. This monumental event happened just 48 hours after the beginning of the French Revolution.
Le bleu blanc rouge
In Australia, we refer to this event as Bastille Day. Chris and I like to celebrate by visiting the annual market where we can indulge in French foods … cheese, saucisson and crêpes … or perhaps find a special French gift; such as beautiful linen, scented soap, a market basket or a Breton shirt. The Bastille Market was postponed twice last year due to COVID restriction. So, on an extremely hot late November day, we drove to Willoughby, a leafy northern suburb of Sydney, to attend the Bastille Market Australia. You can check them out at:
Inviting market stalls selling beautiful French goods
A sign of the times
Despite the soaring temperature of 42 degrees Celsius, young Tahlia was modelling a beautiful red gown that was handmade by Costumes et Chateaux who are located in Versailles, France, and she invited us to take her photo. Have a look at some of their other amazing costumes at https://www.instagram.com/costumesetchateaux/
Gorgeous detail on the dress from Costumes et Chateaux
Despite the intense heat, Tahlia looks serene in this beautiful French gown
At 8pm Jewellery, we met the talented Pauline, originally from Brittany, who currently calls Sydney her home. She arrived seven years ago to improve her English and, for one reason or another, has extended her stay and is now a permanent resident. Her range of beautiful jewellery includes rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Her wonderful creations are all hand-made in sterling silver. I love my new delicate ring. Check her out at https://www.instagram.com/8pmjewellery/ or her website www.8pmjewellery.com
Pauline from 8pm Jewellery serving another happy customer
My ring from 8pm Jewellery
Soon, the intense heat found us seeking shelter under an umbrella, sipping a refreshing sauvignon blanc. Feeling a bit peckish, but too hot to indulge in raclette or a croque monsieur, I spied a stall called Tonton Bread and headed off to purchase a plain baguette. I have to say that I was also tempted by the many tasty pastries on offer but, with my baguette purchased, I was happy to see how it would compare to a real French one. Oh boy, it did not disappoint! Crisp and crunchy on the outside and just the right texture inside. Yummy! Such a pity that their shop is so far from my house.
Surveying the many food temptations
Happy to have an authentic baguette to munch on with our wine
Strolling back towards the car, we admired the beautifully decorated stalls with Edith Piaf’s voice in the background and some locals conversing in French. Just for a short while, I could pretend I was in France.
Enjoying a French connection in Sydney
