I was in France a few years ago for Bastille Day and while many tourist attractions were closed for the occasion the festivities and atmosphere made for a truly French experience.
And as an added bonus the places that were open had free entry.
We finished the evening with a traditional meal
of escargot, beef bourguignon and plenty of wine in a quaint restaurant near Sacre Coeur. Here in Tauranga we are privileged to have several high quality French restaurants and cafes in town with each of them celebrating their national day in their own way.
Demand for Bastille Day celebrations has seen Le Chat Noir owner Freddy Brignone break a family tradition and he will be serving a special menu and decorating his Greerton cafe with French flags.
It's a great cafe and if you haven't already visited, what better day to do so than today.
Find out what our other French residents are up to on page A4.
For other events on today and right through the weekend, check out our events guide on A6 - I like the look of the Mid-Winter Christmas Market at the Historic Village.
A mug of mulled wine sounds the ideal way to warm up as winter really sets in.
