There’s no denying the French possess a certain je ne sais quoi that women all across the world have tried to emulate. From their perfectly tousled locks to their simple yet chic fashion, the French can do no wrong. In celebration of Bastille Day on 14 July, a day that commemorates both the storming of the Bastille in Paris in 1789 as well as the unity of the French people in 1790, here are five quintessentially French things to try.
Carillonade Bordeaux Red
Checkers RSP R69.99
1 Wine…
For the French, wine is an everyday essential, something to be enjoyed but not abused. Try this full-bodied red Bordeaux with your dinner, or sip on a glass throughout the day to enhance your health.
2 And dine
The French love food. Their dishes may not be as simple or as accommodating as the Italians, but it sure is divine! Head to one of these très chic food havens in your city:
Cape Town: La Mouette
Named for the seagulls often seen in the skies above Seapoint, this charming restaurant serves modern French food with a Meditteranean flair.
Joburg: Patisserie de Paris
From baguettes to croissants, this genuine French pastry shop and bakery uses traditional French baking techniques to produce delicious treats.
Durban: 9th Avenue Bistro
Serving everything from bistro classics to cutting-edge gastronomy, enjoy a modern twist on French cuisine.
Breton stripe knit
Country Road R599
3 Add a touch of Parisian chic…
Stripped down, uncomplicated looks define French dressing. Invest in good quality flats, shun OTT accessories and, if all else fails, opt for a black and white Breton stripe paired with denim.
Givenchy Le Rouge in Rouge Egerie
R605
4 With a hint of effortless beauty
Equally as uncomplicated as their style, French beauty is all about barely-there makeup and natural locks. Revel in your hair’s natural oils by skipping the everyday hair wash and styling tools, keep contouring and eye shadow to a minimum and invest in a good red lipstick, oui– that means ‘yes’, in case you were wondering.
Start French [CD-audio] by Michel Thomas
Exclusive Books R247 5 Learn the language of love
Bonjour. Je t’aime. Merci. Excusez-moi. No matter what you say in French, it all rolls off the tongue smoothly and makes us weak at the knees. Learn a few basic phrases to pepper into your Bastille Day conversation.
