La Fête Nationale

Bastille Day ~ July 14th ~ La Fête Nationale

This French holiday commemorates the anniversary 

of the storming of the Bastille on this date in 1789.

Like the 4th of July here in the US,

Bastille Day is a time to celebrate independence; 

the storming of the Bastille represents the 

beginning of the French Revolution.

Patriotic festivities and parades are held throughout the country of 

France and also in many cities here in the US and other countries.

 Paris is the sight of a grand military parade on the Champs Elyées

and fireworks at the Eiffel Tower.

Some day I'd like to celebrate Bastille Day on the Champ de Mars 

beneath the Eiffel Tower and a sky filled with fireworks. 

But here in Austin, one can still celebrate in style with Bastille Day 

festivities at the French Legation. 

This year marks the 16th annual Alliance Française Bastille Day.

Native French men, women, and children living here in Texas and 

francophiles, such as myself, will gather in celebration of this 

historic French holiday.

There will be lively French music . . .

And delicious food, including French crêpes, both savory and 

sweet, and of course a selection of French pastries. 

 Click here to see a complete menu as listed on 

the Alliance Française d'Austin web site.

Face painting, petanque, and other

games will entertain old and young alike.

In the past vintage French cars 

have been on display.

And of course there will be live music

and dancing under the stars.

It's hot here in Texas so ice cream 

is a good way to cool off.

Official Poster from the Alliance Française d'Austin

Proceeds from the Austin event benefit the 

Alliance Française d'Austin's 

Frederique Moinard Scholarship Fund. 

 For tickets and more information click here.

Click here for a previous post on

the historical Texas French Legation.

Happy Bastille Day to all.

Thank you to the following hostesses this week:

Outdoor Wednesday @ A Southern Daydreamer

French Inspiration Thursday @ The French Cupboard

Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper

The Texas French Embassy

It's Outdoor Wednesday with Susan @ Southern Daydreamer. Come with me through the bustling downtown streets of Austin, TX to a quiet hilltop that overlooks our state capitol.

As we walk through the gates of this old estate, we learn that this home was originally built as the Légation de la République Française during the time when Texas was a Republic.

It was constructed in 1840-1841 as the place of residence for Alphonse Dubois, a young French diplomat, sent to the Republic of Texas to represent the government of King Louis Philippe of France.

French Legation in Texas

The French Legation, built in the Anglo-French style, was restored in the 1950s by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Click here to read an interesting account of Dubois de Saligny and his brief time in Austin.

Nestled on a hilltop east of the downtown business district, the French Legation has a protected view of the state capitol.

The structure is the oldest wood frame home in the city and is furnished with items original to its time period.

This little clump of red lilies were all that remained blooming in a flower bed that must have been awash in vibrant color just days before.

There are two of these boxwood maze gardens, one on either side of the main house.

The expanse of rolling lawn is a favorite spot for families to picnic.

The original dirt floor kitchen to the property was destroyed by a fire in 1880. This structure was built in the 1950 restoration of the property and is situated where the original hearth's foundations were discovered. I know this is Outdoor Wednesday, but there is pottery in this building. French pottery! I have to take you inside to get a peek.

The kitchen has an extensive collection of antique French kitchenware, but we'll just focus on the pottery.

Yes, there is even a shelf of Quimper and Malicorne.

As you can see, these two plates are marked HR Quimper. Below are four Malicorne Plates.

The four plates to follow are all French, but all unmarked. If anyone has knowledge of where these may have been produced, please let us know.

This collection of plates is also all French, again unmarked pieces.

This Chinoiserie motif was one of my favorites as were the following two painted in Delft Blue.

Well, I hope you enjoyed our brief outing to the French Embassy of Texas. More information and photos of this property and its history can be found at http://www.frenchlegationmuseum.org/

Click here to go over to A Southern Daydreamer to see more Outdoor Wednesday outings.