Sydney’s much-loved Bastille Festival is here with a giant 4-day celebration of French food and culture. In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, the festival is making things extra grand for its 2023 edition with more cheese, more wine, more film and a lot more French delicacies on the menu. This year, it’s also expanding to Circular Quay and taking place across The Rocks, The Overseas Passenger Terminal, East Circular Quay, Customs House, Quay Quarter Lanes and more. Here are five fabulous things to do at the Bastille Festival this year.
1. Bastille Wine Walk
Are you a wine lover? There’s no better destination than the Bastille Festival wine walk to fuel your love for a cheeky tipple. On the 1.4 Km Wine Walk, guests will receive priority access to the many bars located throughout the event and get a chance to taste eight premium wines. You’ll also get a ‘French passport‘ on the walk that you can get stamped at each of the venues, a reusable wine glass and a map to help you find your way at the event. Find more details here.
2. Le Mulled Wine Cinema
Wine and movies are an age-old pairing and oenophiles can indulge to their heart’s content at a cosy outdoor cinema at the Bastille Festival. Harbourside views, mulled wine and classic French films are on offer. The program includes popular titles like Amélie Poulain, La Vie En Rose and Les Choristes among others. Deck chairs and cosy blankets will be on hand so don’t let the frosty temps stop you from heading out. Find the full program here and head here to book your tickets.
3. Raclette Igloo Experience
The enchanting Raclette Igloo Experience has arrived in Sydney as part of the Bastille Festival and it promises a magical winter celebration the French way. Get toasty inside shimmering igloos overlooking the Opera House and try a range of wintry treats that will make you feel all warm and cosy. There’s raclette cheese, mulled wine, and warm Belgian thick chocolate with roasted marshmallows for dessert. Plus, a side of boiled potatoes, pickled onions, and cornichons. The igloos can accommodate up to 6 to 8 people so gather your crew and don’t miss out. Book a spot here.
4. L’or Parisian Cafe
Always dreamt of grabbing a seat at a French cafe and watching the world go by like a local? You can enjoy a little slice of that Parisian lifestyle at L’OR Espresso Parisian Café which has set up shop at Custom House Forecourt. There’s a vintage arcade, fresh blooms and French waiters slinging free L’OR coffee to make you feel like a true Frenchie. Get more info about it here.
5. Art and Entertainment
Art is a big part of the Bastille Festival every year and 2023 is no exception. In fact, they’re going bigger than ever with a stacked art program that includes everything from live music, dance performances, art exhibitions and much more. Enjoy captivating melodies, swing and samba dance performances, an authentic French Cancan show, French cabaret, burlesque and a lot more throughout the 4-day event. Find the full program here.