This was my first experience of Bastille Day celebrations, a festival that happens every year, a blur of colour and activity. The French Huguenots were drawn to Franschhoek in pursuit of freedom, and today scores of people are drawn to the beautiful town to celebrate just that in all its glory. Red, white and blue ribbons lead the whole way there, draped on the entrances of every farm and the town itself was a network of ribbons and banners. Berets were sold on every street and most revellers were sporting high French fashion in keeping with the theme, including moi! If you got there early enough you witnessed the memorable ‘Waiters’ Race’ where a representative barrister of each restaurant speedwalked or waddled his way from one side of the main road and back again with three bottles of wine precariously balanced on his unsteady tray, to much laughter and appreciation of the gathered crowd. The barrel-rolling race, and the Franschhoek minstrel parade, as well as the traditional boules contest all draw large inquisitive crowds– all in support of the SPCA. 
The Station Pub, a monument of Franschhoek’s own history, hosted one of the Bastille Day after-parties, one of the many events in the festival program. The main attraction is the Food & Wine Marquee which offers tastings of many of the surrounding wine estates wares and top-notch chefs’ dishes – the catch is they vastly underestimated the popularity of the festival and only 200 tickets were issued and sold out days before the weekend of the festival. Judging by the seemingly infinite queue of cars waiting to enter the bursting streets of Franschhoek, there must have been thousands of disappointed people at the entrance of the Marquee. The French Corner Market would have to do for all those who couldn’t get a Marquee ticket, a concession – even so it offers some fine French and home cuisine as well as cheeses, chocolates, nougats, and other confectionary to taste and purchase. 
The great thing about Franschhoek is there is always a beautiful view three-hundred-and-sixty degrees around you, a monument and historical buildings to visit, and every sort of restaurant and boutique to wander in and out of – so no matter what the occasion a trip there is always rewarding. A tip for next year’s Bastille Day is book early for the Food & Wine Marquee and arrive early! Watch this spot the next time the festival comes round: http://www.franschhoek.org.za/events/franschhoek_bastille_festival_2011
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