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Franschhoek Bastille Day Festival
Don your beret and celebrate France’s Independence Day with good food and wine
What better way to paint the town red, white and blue than in a beret? “Vive la Résistance!”
A centuries-old French Huguenot celebration is taking over Franschhoek for Bastille Day, France’s Independence Day. On Saturday, 13 and Sunday, 14 July 2013 brace yourself for a feast of good food, great wine and enthralling entertainment; for a weekend, the entire winelands town is transformed into a quaint French village in honour of the holiday and the area’s heritage.
What to expect at the 2013 Franschhoek Bastille Day Festival
Festival visitors can expect to meet 10 winemakers from the Rhône-Alpes Region in France; these noteworthy overseas guests will be showcasing their finest wines, available for tasting on Saturday and Sunday at Grand Provence.
Aside from this highlight, the food and wine marquee tent in the centre of Franschhoek town, next to the Town Hall, will be the focal point of the festival; a hub for foodies and wine lovers to congregate and to appreciate the fine gastronomy of Franschhoek. The marquee is jam-packed with food and wine stalls, and festival-goers are urged to buy of bottle of something and settle down with some French fare to enjoy the celebration.
That’s not all though, other major festival attractions include the largest and longest running boules competition of its kind, the much anticipated Waiters’ Race, the delightful Franschhoek minstrel parade and the ever popular barrel-rolling contest.
Don’t forget the farmers’ market, craft market stalls, musicians and children’s activities included in the festival line-up. The Marche de Franschhoek (Market of Franschhoek) in the Town Hall will host a selection of French and French-inspired food and lifestyle products.
Tickets for the 2013 Franschhoek Bastille Day Festival
Tickets are available via Webtickets.co.za and ceneral access tickets cost R150p/p, and includes access to the food and wine marquee, a tasting glass and a complimentary booklet of tasting coupons; thereafter, all tastings are charged accordingly.
Grande Provence offers a comprehensive tasting package of all wines exhibited for R395p/p. Ticket price includes access to the food and wine marquee and there are only 100 places available so booking is essential.
VIP tickets are R550p/p, and include a tasting of the Vignerons de Franschhoek wines, a delicious platter of French inspired food; ticket includes access to the food and wine marquee.
Booking is essential, as tickets to the marquees are limited. Once the venues are full, no further patrons will be admitted.
For more information, visit Franschhoek.org.za or contact the Franschhoek Wine Valley offices on 021 876 2861. For the social media savvy, get real time updates or share your experiences on twitter with the hashtag #fhkbastille.
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Check out our list of restaurants and things to do in Franschhoek.
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