French National Day is the anniversary of storming the Bastille fortress prison in Paris on July 14, 1789, part of the French Revolution. The Fête nationale française – Bastille Day – has been an annual celebration ever since. Here are some of our favorite spots to indulge in Joie de vivre.

For a taste of France in the heart of Century City, Fairmont Century Plaza’s signature restaurant, Lumière Brasserie, will celebrate Bastille Day with a special brunch on Sunday, July 14. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be live music from jazz trio Chloé Perrier and the French Heart Jazz Band, moules frites with Saffron Aioli, Paté de Campagne with Iberico and Grilled Rustic Bread, as well as Duck Confit with Frisée Salad. Enhance your brunch with complimentary tastings of Cheese and Charcuterie,  paired with Veuve Clicquot and Whispering Angel. 

If you want to make it a dinner affair on the romantic outdoor patio, indulge in the 12 oz. bone-in Beeler pork chop with braised leek and crispy shallot cooked to a blushing pink perfection, or delight in the artful mushroom gratin atop a spinach souffle with pickled daikon radish, crème fraîche, Piave and Boursin cheese, reminiscent of a Monet painting. Reservations are available on OpenTable.

Mille-feuille Napolean at Lumière Brasserie (Michele Stueven)

Bar Lis, the French Riviera-inspired rooftop lounge is partnering with Paris Loves L.A. for an evening hosted by French torch singer Adele Jacques. On Sunday, July 14, from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m., Bar Lis will transform into a cabaret show featuring Brigitte Bardot and Serge Gainsbourg songs with LA jazz musicians and special guests, along with DJ Ama B who will spin her favorite Parisian ‘60s throwbacks, disco and electro hits. 

Beforehand, stop by Riviera Sunday at Bar Lis, which begins at 3 p.m., Aperol Spritzes and a selection from the raw bar, including fresh oysters, shrimp, and scallop ceviche, all while enjoying melodic tunes with sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills as a backdrop.

Celebrate Bastille Day starting at 5 p.m., at the neighborhood French bistro Coucou, with locations in Venice and West Hollywood. Raise a glass with Coucou’s signature French dishes like Steak Frites, L’haute Dog, and the signature soft serve sundae plus drink and dessert specials, Bastille Day-themed decorations, and complimentary tote bags from Parisian-based retailer Sézane for diners (while supplies last). 

Mussels and martinis at Coucou (Michele Stueven)

Amour is planning a special celebration prepared by Executive Chef Hendrix Vega for $77 per person, Wine Director Thibaud Duccini will offer a curated selection of wines for $14 by the glass, and there will be live French jazz from the band that regularly plays at Amour every Wednesday. The menu includes salad with goat cheese, lavender duck breast with carrot puree and endive, with a decadent tropezienne pastry for dessert.

In celebration of Bastille Day, Parisian singer, songwriter, and accordionist Jessica Fichot returns to Benny Boy Brewing to present her collection of chansons. From lively gypsy-jazz-influenced tunes to playful pop numbers and jazzy call-and-response songs sung primarily in French, Fichot also will include selections in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. Celebrate la fête nationale with a special French menu by Baserriko Peppers great beer and cider. Must be 21+ for admission.

Pasjoli in Santa Monica will celebrate its first Bastille Day Soirée on Sunday, July 14, with a party that includes sabering Champagne in the secret garden, pouring unlimited celebratory beverages and serving up snacks from the kitchen all afternoon. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., with drinks flowing until 2:30 p.m. Must be 21+ to attend.

The  Hollywood Roosevelt’s,  French-inspired Shirley Brasserie will be offering a handful of specials including $14 steak frites and $7 glasses of wine on Sunday evening between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to celebrate not only the holiday but also the restaurant’s first anniversary.

French Martini

If you’d rather celebrate at home, try mixing up a French Martini or a Classic French 75:

French Martini 

.5 part Chambord Liqueur
1.5 part Vodka
2 part Pineapple Juice

Glassware: Martini glass
Garnish: Raspberry and black raspberry

Method: Shake liquids with ice + strain into glass, then garnish.

French 75 

.25 oz Simple Syrup
.25 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1.25 oz Cognac Park VS Carte Blanche
Brut Champagne
Lemon Peel

Glassware: Champagne flute
Garnish: Lemon peel

Method: Combine all ingredients except for the champagne in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a champagne flute. Top with champagne and garnish with lemon peel.