French National Day, aka Bastille Day, commemorates when French troops stormed the Bastille (a medieval fortress and prison in Paris) on 14 July 1798, effectively kicking off the French Revolution. These days, it's an excuse for a big knees up, French-style. Vive la France! (Just don't mention Portugal or the football this year.)
Here are the best places to eat, drink and dance in Shanghai in honour of French independence.
The Cut
Casual iAPM steakhouse The Cut is offering buy-one-get-one-free drinks (priced at 70RMB) until 10pm and tunes from the Super Attractive Ghetto Blaster crew as they encourage you to 'tease, eat, dance, drink' for Bastille Day at their seventh floor bar. Things will likely get al fresco if the weather allows too.
Mr & Mrs Bund
The city’s beloved modern French mainstay Mr & Mrs Bund will be throwing a fete for the ages this year, upgrading its standard national day festivities into a four-day blow-out from Thursday 14 - Sunday 17. There's a special dinner sharing set menu (488RMB per person) and a Sunday brunch as well as aperitif deals each evening from 5.30pm, but the real party is La Boum on Friday evening. Entry to this ’70s and ’80s-themed disco shindig is free before midnight or 100RMB per person (with a drink included) thereafter. Bedeck yourself in the colours of the French flag to score a free drink.
Sasha's
Party regular Sasha’s gets in on the act with a Garden Party featuring homemade French food, wines and craft beer on July 14. Music will be provided by French DJ Hell. Call 6474 6628 or shoot an email toreservations@sashas-shanghai.com to reserve a spot.
The Pearl
If a day of partying is not enough, head to The Pearl's French Week where activities to celebrate la République's birthday will be held on three nights. Things kicked-off on Tuesday 12 with The Pearl Movie Night Series screening La Môme followed by French karaoke on the actual day itself and an Edith Piaf tribute concert to wrap things up on Saturday 16. Pre-sale tickets to the concert are 180RMB while the movie and karaoke are free entry.
Kartel
Kartel is going full swing from 8pm till late this Bastille Day. They are offering a bottle of house rose wine and a French bites assortment platter that includes two ratatouille with smoked duck bruschetta, two Parma ham toasts and goat cheese toasts for 198RMB, all in the name of Liberté, égalité and fraternité.
Sir Elly's Terrace
Sir Elly’s Terrace at The Peninsula Shanghai will host a French Riviera style party to celebrate France’s National Day on Thursday 14. DJ Jasmine Li will spin the sounds of a St Tropez summer beach party while guests sip chilled rosé wine and Champagne and enjoy fresh oysters and a Mediterranean seafood grill accompanied by sunset views of the Shanghai waterfront.
Epices and Foie Gras
Epices and Foie Gras, the modern French bistro near Nanjing Dong Lu, is getting patriotic with their 38RMB wine deals from Thursday 14 - Sunday 17. Choose from Kir, Patis or Rose.
Kathleen's Waitan
Alternatively, you can celebrate France's National Day by popping some Champagne at Kathleen's Waitan on the big day itself. Buy two flutes of French Champagne and the third one is on the house. The deal is available during lunch and dinner hours for Bastille Day.
Get venue details by clicking 'read more' below.
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