It's easy to be seduced by the charms of France.

The vibrance of Paris where fashion icons line the boulevards, the smell of freshly baked baguettes fill the air, the Eiffel Tower decorates the skyline and fresh adventures await around every street corner.

Explore the countryside to discover quaint little villages, markets bursting with fresh produce, patisseries filled with creations to whisk your taste buds into gourmet heaven and wine from family vineyards or the most exclusive champagne houses.

And, of course, the soundtrack to this sublime experience is French, one of the most beautiful languages in the world.

And indulge your senses in the complete French experience at The French Affair Expo in Brisbane on July 12th, 2009.

Bastille Day Celebrations

The national day of France is a great occasion to get together and celebrate the French spirit. Commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14th, 1789, it marks the beginning of the French revolution and symbolizes the new republic's three ideals: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.

Lots of great events will be held to celebrate La Fete de la Bastille so make sure you join in:

Saturday 11 July - 10am to 3pm. Le Tour de France presented by Alliance Francaise Brisbane. A free, entertaining day for the whole family to discover French culture. Harry Oakman Pavilion, Roma Street Parkland.

Saturday 11 July - 6pm to 12am. A Grand Dinner Ball, a great evening with fine food, music, dancing and prizes. Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Sunday 12 July - 10am to 3pm. The French Affair Expo, a celebration of everything French in Brisbane. The Old Museum, Bowen Hills.

Tuesday 14 July or Wednesday 15 July - Experience some genuine French flamboyant flair as Belle Époque celebrates Bastille Day. Enjoy their scrumptious three course dinner as you dine to the beat of "Paris Dreaming", a classical guitar and accordion duo and be dazzled by the Can Can girls.

Savour the famous Belle Époque Salad with warm goat’s cheese and smoked duck breast, or soak up some Bouillabaisse with home-made baguette. French Head Chef Sebastien Labbé welcomes you with his mouth-watering menu. There's a HUGE raffle to raise money for the Mater Foundation’s Little Miracles charity, $25,000 worth! Prizes include gourmet hampers, French lessons, luxurious mini-breaks and lots more splendid surprises.

Belle Epoque welcomes you to join them this Bastille Day to share their passion for love, life, food and friends.

Friday 17 July - Calling all Francophiles - Kookaburra River Queens have an event for you! Join them for an evening of all things French. French popular music by a fun DJ and guest vocalist, Sandy Beynon will perform a few French favourite tunes. Enjoy the great Can-Can spectacle by the Barbara Bower Dancers and win a great prize in a round of French trivia. Chef will cook up some delicious French food favourites for the buffet including everyone's favourite - ESCARGOTS!

Of course, there's French onion soup, French cheeses, bread, French wine, French champagne, pâté, creme caramel, profiteroles & oven-roasted cassoulet - plus lots more surprises. Wear red, white & blue or dress as your favourite French character or icon & win a great prize. Viva la France - a bientot!

Supporting charity partner, SIDS AND KIDS FOUNDATION, Kookaburra River Queens will donate $5 per ticket.

$89pp, family $230 (2+2) extra children $30. Book online or phone 3221 1300