July 14 is an important and highly celebrated national holiday in France called Bastille Day, or la fête nationale (meaning “the national celebration”). July 14, 2025, marks 236 years since the storming of the Bastille in 1789, an event that opened the gates for the French Revolution.
The Bastille was a fortress and prison in Paris used to detain citizens and political prisoners. It also represented the tyrannical rule of the Bourbon Monarchy. In 1789, a swarm of civilians crowded the Bastille, demanding possession of the weaponry stored in the Bastille. When they were denied, the citizens stormed the Bastille.
This moment marked the beginning of the French Revolution, making it a day of celebration and commemoration for France.
Here are some fun ways to experience the merriment and celebrations without traveling overseas.
The French Market Marin
Since 2011, the second Sunday of every month has meant a taste of Paris in Marin. The French Market Marin, held at the Civic Center, draws attendees from near and far to browse the antique wares of over 140 vendors. Not to mention the French music, crepes and outfits that are oh-so chic.
This July’s French market nearly perfectly coincides with the French National Day. Just as Americans celebrate the Fourth of July in red, white and blue, so too do the French for le 14 de juillet — called Bastille Day in English, after the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris during the revolution.
We asked producer Fern Loiacono about what to expect at this month’s market, happening on July 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How long has the market been going on?
I launched The French Market Marin in 2011 with approximately 70 vendors. Today the outdoor market has more than doubled in size, hosting over 140 vendors. Attendees flock to the market before it even opens wanting to find that perfect treasure for their collection or an accent for their home decor. Often, they come to shop but stay for the music and food. For me, it’s like having a party once a month. It’s a lot of organizing and work but I love it. Did I mention the market is held on the second Sunday of every month?
What inspired you to create The French Market Marin?
Inspired by the atmosphere of the famous Paris flea markets, where I once shopped for antique dolls, I envisioned bringing that same ambiance and charm to Marin with the French Market Marin — a vintage and antique market with a French flair, complete with French cafe-style music, delicious crepes and a diverse array of vendors showcasing their wares.
What’s your background in Marin?
I moved to Marin from New York with my family, and it has been home to me ever since. My two sons grew up in Marin and are settled here with their own families.
As the boys grew older, my passion for travel blossomed, leading me to France where I discovered the enchanting Paris flea markets and the beautiful turn-of-the-century French dolls. This ignited a passion that soon evolved into a business, with frequent trips to France in search of these treasures. Before long, I was organizing doll shows at the Marin Center, a testament to the popularity of doll collecting at the time. This eventually paved the way for the antique shows, and ultimately, the launch of the French Market Marin.
What’s special about antiques?
Antiques are a connection to the past, a tangible link to history, offering a glimpse into different eras, cultures and lifestyles. Owning an antique is like holding a piece of history in your hands. As time passes, fewer antiques survive in good condition, making them increasingly rare. This scarcity often contributes to their value.
However, the younger generation is more inclined to look for vintage items 20 to 30 years old, things that we still might be using in our kitchens or wearing today. Mid-century furniture is very popular today. We have several booths with fine antiques as well as booths with vintage housewares, clothes, art and home furnishings. Several vendors travel to France and other parts of the world and return to the market with their treasures.
What are some of your favorite items at the market?
I am partial to French antiques, especially the rustic charm of Provençal pottery, which can be found at the booth of Atelier de Campagne, a regular at the market. I also love searching for art and have found some wonderful original oil paintings.
Any memorable markets over the years? Special events, famous attendees, unpredictable weather?
It’s always a special and memorable day at the market. We have had gorgeous weather days along with rainout days when we had to cancel. If we are rained out the market is held the following Sunday. The vendors are prepared for anything, including celebrity sightings.
Any special plans for July’s market, since it falls one day before Bastille Day?
Mais oui! The French Market Marin embraces Bastille Day. Vendors are encouraged to display French flags and Eiffel Towers in booths. We will have live French music playing throughout the day, French pastries and crepes being made to order. We encourage vendors and attendees to dress in French red, white and blue and don a beret. Très chic!
Bastille Day Celebration at Left Bank
Left Bank Brasserie Larkspur
507 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur
Join the rowdy festivities at Left Bank Brasserie in Larkspur for their annual Bastille Day celebration! Enjoy a special weekend menu with additions like coq au vin or chocolate éclairs, and be transported to France with live music and Parisian decor.
Bastille Day at Petite Left Bank
Sunday, July 14
Petite Left Bank
1696 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon
Petite Left Bank celebrates Bastille Day on Sunday with live music, oyster shucking, and more. Additionally, Tiburon’s go-to spot for French cuisine will have a special menu for the entire weekend featuring staples such as coq au vin and chilled melon soup as “Plats de la Révolution.”
Bastille on Belden
Friday, July 12
4:30–9:30 p.m.
Belden Place, San Francisco
San Francisco’s Belden Place is an alleyway with a history of French inhabitants, making it the perfect place to commemorate the holiday. With its European charm and special Bastille Day discounts from the street’s restaurants, Belden Place is the place for a night full of French festivities and fun.
Bastille Day SF Festival
Saturday, July 13
11 a.m.–5 p.m., Dance Party at 7 p.m.
SF Design Center Galleria
At the beautiful SF Design Center Galleria, celebrate Bastille Day with a plethora of food, wine, culture and music. With an additional theme of “Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience” and celebrations for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games underway, this year’s Bastille Day SF Festival may be the best yet. Plus, there’s a dance party to top it off at the end!
Bardot a Go Go’s Bastille Day Bash at Rickshaw Stop
Saturday, July 13
9 p.m.
155 Fell Street, San Francisco
Wanting to party at a Parisian disco but can’t find time for Paris this summer? Bardot a Go Go’s Bastille Day Bash has got you covered with a ‘60s French pop disco dance party with music from Brigitte Bardot, Serge Gainsbourg, Jacques Dutronc, Francoise Hardy and DJ Brother Grimm.
Bastille Day
http://www.bastilledaysf.org/
If you are looking to just dine somewhere local but festive for the holiday, look no further than these Marin French restaurants.
- Le Garage, Sausalito
- Le Marais Bakery, Larkspur
- Amélie, Fairfax
- Le Chalet Basque, San Rafael
