Alexandria is marking Bastille Day with a week of French-themed celebrations, featuring fine dining, family activities, and an evening 5K race.
Bastille Day commemorates July 14, 1789, when French revolutionaries stormed the Bastille fortress, a symbol of royal oppression. France celebrates with parades and fireworks, while U.S. celebrations typically feature French cuisine and cultural events.
Revolutionary Week at Bastille
Bastille Brasserie & Bar, located at 606 N. Fayette Street, is featuring a $59 prix fixe menu from July 8 to 13, showcasing flavors from Provence, Marseille, and Paris alongside its regular à la carte offerings.
Sunday, July 13, features an extended afternoon service from noon to 6 p.m., with the full Bastille Week menu available (brunch is suspended that day). On Bastille Day itself, the restaurant opens at 4 p.m. for a prix fixe-only evening featuring Escargots Provençales, Magret de Canard aux Fruits d’Été, Risotto au Maïs, and Profiterole Géante.
The restaurant will close on July 15 and resume regular service on July 16. Reservations: OpenTable, bastillerestaurant.com, or 703-519-3776.
Family Fun at Josephine
Josephine, located at 109 S. Saint Asaph St., celebrates July 11-13 with French food and drink specials, culminating in a family celebration on Sunday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring face painting, balloon twisting, and live violin music.
Special menu items include Smoked Trout Rillette, Pan Bagnat Sandwich with confit tuna, and Merguez Baguette. Drink specials feature $10 Josephine Old Fashioned and French 75 cocktails, $10 select wines, and $7 draft beers. Admission is free with à la carte pricing for food and drinks.
Bastille Day 5K
The Bastille Day 5K runs Monday, July 14, from 7-9 p.m. at Belle Haven Park. Part of the DC Road Runners’ Bunion Derby Series, the course follows the Mt. Vernon Trail south and back. Evening timing avoids summer heat. Registration details are available through DC Road Runners.
The week-long Alexandria festivities offer multiple ways to experience French culture, from elegant dining and family activities to an active commemoration of French history.