5 OF THE BEST ACTIVITIES TO DO ON BASTILLE DAY

Celebrating its 22nd Bastille Day Festival, the Franschhoek valley will once again be commemorating the French national holiday with a bunch of family-friendly activities! To prep you for this festive event, we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting French-inspired activities to take part in.

FRANSCHHOEK SPCA BASTILLE BOULES TOURNAMENT

Whether you’re a boules novice, a lover of the sport or an occasional ‘take out your rusty, knocked about boules balls’ kind of player, be sure to take part in this annual event! Forming part of the Bastille celebrations, the boules tournament also has a worthwhile cause – all proceeds made will go toward a mass sterilisation of animals in need.

Be sure to register your team before the event, have a team name and bring your own set of boules as stocks are limited.

If you’re wanting to look authentically French while you play, festive berets are available for purchasing!

OF NOTE
Where Dutch Reform Church, 29 Hugenote Road, Franschhoek
When Saturday 11 July 2015 10 am – 5 pm
Cost R180 per team, R120 for pensioners
Contact franschhoekbastille.co.za

SALOMON BASTILLE DAY TRAIL

Feel like celebrating the French national holiday with a run? Franschhoek will be hosting its Salomon Bastille Day Trail after its sold-out success last year. Be warned, the trails are no walk in the park with its 15km, 25km, 35km and 50km routes, so you should have some level of fitness to participate!

Runners are promised a ‘wild time’ destined to get their feet a little wet along the way, and will receive a celebratory tot of Obies (Old Brown sherry) at the finish line.

OF NOTE
Where Berg River Dam, Franschhoek
When Saturday 11 July 2015 from 7 : 20am (venue opens at 6am)
Cost R225- R525 (check out Energy events for more details)
Contact +27 21 424 4579, [email protected]

MARKET @ BICCS

If you’re looking to stock up on artisanal goods then make your way to the BICCS market for some locally produced chocolate, olives, country fresh bread, olive, and much more! Entrance is free so peruse, taste and purchase to your heart’s content!

OF NOTE
Where BICCS, 29A Huguenot Road, Franschhoek
When Saturday 11 July – Sunday 12 July 2015 11 am – 5 pm
Cost Free entry
Contact +27 32 876 2861, franschhoekbastille.co.za 

FRANSCHHOEK BASTILLE FESTIVAL WOOD AND WINE MARQUEE

A Bastille celebration would not be complete without a selection of the finest food and wine. The best restaurants in the Franschhoek Valley will be offering up an array of local dishes to hungry guests.  If you’re in the mood for something a little more foreign, the internationally acclaimed chef Marcus Fréminot will be cooking up some authentic Creole cuisine.

OF NOTE
Where Franschhoek Town Hall, Franschhoek
When  Saturday 11 July – Sunday 12 July 2015 11 am – 5 pm
Cost R200 pp from Webtickets 
Contact+27 21 876 2861, franschhoekbastille.co.za

BARREL ROLLING

A relatively new sport in South Africa, the aim of the game is to roll your barrel across the finish line before your opponents. The Porcupine Ridge Barrel Rolling is an annual, round robin competition which sees 18 winemaker teams battling it out for victory. Come on along, have a few laughs and show support for your favourite winery!

OF NOTE
Where Boekenhoutskloof Winery, Excelsior Road, Franschhoek
When Saturday 11 July 2015  12 :30pm – 1 pm
Contact +27 21 876 3320, [email protected]

Photography Courtesy