Mad Mac macaroons: A reason to
celebrate Bastille Day. Photo by
Claire Freierman | THE NIBBLE.

July 14th (“le quatorze juillet”) is Bastille Day in France, officially called the Fête Nationale (“National Celebration”).

If you missed that day in European History class, it commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris on July 14, 1789. It was a rallying point and symbolic act of rebellion in the French Revolution, which toppled the French monarchy (then ruled by Louis XVI, married to Marie Antoinette) and established the French Republic.

The festivities are the equivalent of America’s July 4th/Independence Day celebration. Several cities in the U.S. celebrate Bastille Day, too. (Is it the fraternité or another great reason to party?)

You can celebrate by treating yourself to some of our favorite French products:

• Wonderful French macaroons from Mad Mac, in either the standard collection or new summer flavors (Apricot, Dark Chocolate/Coconut, Mango, Passion Fruit, Strawberry and White Chocolate). Baked by two charming (and talented!) Frenchmen.
• Classic French charcuterie from D’Artagnan. Vive le France.
• Authentic French chocolate truffles from San Francisco’s X.O.X. Truffles, a NIBBLE Top Pick Of The Week. Je t’aime.