The french connection

If July 4th wasn’t enough, why not celebrate other countries’ national holidays? France’s Bastille Day is July 14 and Chicago will see a weekend of exercise, music and shopping to commemorate the event.

For A Gourmet soiree

Eat your heart out at Bistro 110, 110 E. Pearson St., Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Anything from quiche to pastries are there for tasting at this walk-around event. For $40, partying here is a little pricey, but all attendees will be eligible to win a trip to France or a case of champagne. Still hungry? Try Pops for Champagne’s, 2934 N. Sheffield Ave., annual Bastille Day Block Fest on Saturday. Listen to jazz and blues while sampling cornish game hens, summer vegetable baguettes or chocolate roulade. Food is available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and prices range from $5 to $12.

A day’s retreat

Walk, run and celebrate in the Bastille Day 5K and Block Party from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Ave. Save three dollars on the $25 entrance fee by preregistering for the race at Arthur Andersen, 33 W. Monroe St., from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Thursday.

It’s Still Red, White and Blue

Dance the night away as French DJs spin at the Bastille Day Red, White and Blue Parties at various city clubs. The Red Party kicks off at Rednofive, 440 N. Halsted St., at 9 p.m. Friday while Transit, 1431 W, Lake St., hosts the Blue Party also beginning at 9 .m. Head to Le Passage, 1 Oak Place, at 11:30 for more mixes on Friday or at 11 p.m. on Saturday. Le Passage is the setting of a four-day gala running through Saturday that features French fare and champagne.

Le champs elys