Off the Mall Tours, in partnership with Alliance Française of Washington DC, is offering a walking experience that highlights the many ways our French friends have influenced the nation's capital. What a fun way to celebrate the prise de la Bastille this July 14!

Bastille Day, France’s national holiday, commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison and the start of the French Revolution—what better way to celebrate than walking in the footsteps of French influence right here in D.C. and ending the night with a revolutionary fête?

This two-hour walk begins at Lafayette Square and winds through the surrounding neighborhood, heading north through Dupont Circle and ending at the Alliance Française of Washington DC headquarters in Kalorama. Along the way, we'll explore topics such as Revolutionary War hero General Marquis de Lafayette, the city’s French-influenced architecture, African American DC residents who lived in France to escape segregation in the early 20th century, and the life of Washington’s original city planner, Pierre L’Enfant.

Bring your wallet! We’ll make a brief stop at Un je ne sais Quoi…, one of Washington D.C.'s best authentically French patisseries, and you won’t want to miss their delicious confectionary creations! The tour begins at the southeast corner of Lafayette Square (at Lafayette’s statue) and ends at Alliance Française of Washington DC, 2142 Wyoming Avenue NW.

Continue the festivities with Champagne, French music, and great company! You can sign up for the tour only, or choose the package tour and Bastille Day celebration at AFDC, featuring Champagne and some of the best French hits by Parisian DJ David Dupre.

Schedule of Events

5:00 Assembly point at Lafayette Square

5:15 Tour Begins

6:00 Stop at Un je ne sais Quoi...

7:00 Tour concludes at Alliance Française of Washington DC

7:00-9:00 Champagne and music filled reception at Alliance Française of Washington DC

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