From rooftop jazz in Hollywood to fusion cuisine in the Arts District, LA embraces French national holiday with open arms
Los Angeles lit up with French colors and culinary celebration today as the city marked Bastille Day, France’s national holiday, with a flurry of festive events. Across several neighborhoods—from the glitzy rooftops of Hollywood to the creative streets of the Arts District—restaurants and venues transformed into Parisian oases, offering locals a slice of European culture without leaving Southern California.
A Rooftop Soirée in Hollywood
In Hollywood, Bar Lis hosted one of the city’s most anticipated Bastille Day celebrations. The rooftop lounge was decked in tricolor lighting, with Champagne specials flowing and can-can dancers taking center stage. Guests sipped French 75s and listened to a live jazz quartet under the stars. The event, co-sponsored by Perrier-Jouët, attracted a vibrant mix of regulars, Francophiles, and first-time visitors who came for the ambiance and stayed for the spirit of unity.
“It’s about more than food and drink—it’s about culture,” said Bar Lis manager Sylvie Marchand. “We want our guests to feel like they’re in Montmartre for the night.”
Culinary Creativity in the Arts District
In the Arts District, Camélia, a French-Japanese bistro known for its avant-garde menu, used Bastille Day to celebrate its first anniversary. Executive chef Miko Yamada presented a fusion tasting menu that included French duck confit paired with miso eggplant, and a matcha-infused crème brûlée. Outside, local musicians played French standards while guests dined on seafood towers and toasted with sparkling sake and rosé.
“This is the best of both worlds,” said guest Andrés B., an East LA resident who frequents the neighborhood. “It’s cultural, it’s culinary, and it’s cool without trying too hard.”
Neighborhood Events and Community Spirit
Elsewhere in the city, classic French eateries like Petit Trois extended their Bastille Day specials through Tuesday, serving beloved dishes like escargot, ratatouille, and steak frites on breezy patios. In Long Beach, Benny Boy Brewing hosted a casual afternoon of tarte flambée, live gypsy jazz, and imported French ciders.
More intimate experiences also drew crowds—baking classes at Silver Lake’s L’École Pâtisserie sold out in hours, and wine tastings at WeHo’s Vin Sur Vingt gave Angelenos a crash course in Burgundy reds and Loire Valley whites.
A Growing Annual Tradition
What started years ago as a niche celebration among French expats and gourmet enthusiasts has grown into a citywide tradition. As L.A.’s culinary identity continues to evolve, so too does its embrace of international observances. Bastille Day now represents not only France’s independence, but also the local community’s appreciation for culture, collaboration, and celebration.
Organizers have already confirmed plans to expand 2026’s Bastille Day festivities to include an outdoor street festival and a curated market of French artisan goods, hoping to attract even more Angelenos to join the revelry.
