Last week was a celebration of American independence, and this week is the French's turn. For a celebration of a country where "I've stopped drinking," is an acceptable statement to make over a glass of red wine at lunch, you know you'll be having fun. 

French Restaurant Week
July 8–14
Participating restaurants, including Pigalle and Parigot, are offering $17.89 dishes and wine pairings to commemorate the year the people of France declared independence from their monarchy. While the tastings and pairings aren't enough for an entire meal (but would make a very handsome snack), they sure are tasty, with dishes like foie gras and roast lamb available. 

Annual Bastille Day Street Fair
Noon–5 PM, Snday, July 14
Between 5th and Lexington on 60th Street
Bastille Day doesn't get more authentic in the US of A than at the French Institute Alliance Francaise — the word French is essentially in that name twice. Festivities include plenty of crepes, cheese and eclairs, wine and beer to wash it all down, plus live music, crafts and even activities for the kids. 

Citroen Velsoex Car Rally 
10 AM, Sunday, July 14
Grant's Tomb, Riverside Drive  
If your celebrating allows for an early start, don't miss the lineup of classic cars at the annual Bastille Day car rally on Riverside Drive around 122nd Street, back for its 14th year.

Petanque Tournament and Block Party
Noon–8 PM, Sunday, July 14
Smith Street (Brooklyn) 
Bar Tabac's annual Petanque Tournament draws way more than just enthusiasts of the French ball game (they call them “boules”), which is part jacks, part curling. The largest Bastille Day party and tournament of its kind outside France, a significant stretch of Cobble Hill's Smith Street is shut down and many chefs in addtion to John Quadrozzi of Bar Tabac participate. 

Official Bastille Day Ball 
6:30 PM–1 AM, Sunday, July 14; $30 or $120 for VIP
404 Event Space (404 10th Ave.)
Since 1924, this annual even has brought out New York for a festive evening. Under the watchful (but not too watchful) eye of the Ambassador of France to the US, the Permanent Representative of France to the UN and the Consul General of France in New York, this party will keep your feet tapping with a live orchestra and DJ until 1 a.m. 

Bastille Day Party 
7 PM–2 AM, Sunday, July 14; $30
Noir NY (151 East 50th St.)
The latest iteration of French Tuesday's annual lineup of Bastille Day festivities, this year's is held in an old opera house. The Medoc wine starts flowing at 7 PM and doesn't stop until late into the night. 

Fig & Olive
Saturday–Sunday, July 13–14  
The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is paying homage to its Francophone side with Bastille Day specials both morning and night. Celebrate on Saturday evening from 5–7 PM with happy hour drinks ($9 rose wine and Bastille Day cocktails) while DJ Thomas Toccafondi from St. Tropez plays at the Meatpacking District location. Or, opt for the $28 prix-fixe brunch menu on Sunday morning where the same drink specials are offered.

Moulin Rouge Burlesque 
Wednesday, July 17
And in case you missed the holiday, Beaumarchais is hosting a Moulin Rouge Burlesque on the week following Bastille Day. (As well as music in honor of Bastille Day—the whole weekend in fact—by Marco Peruzzi).