Although French troops were quite heavily involved in the military conflict that led to the USA gaining its independence from Great Britain, Independence Day is not really celebrated in France. But that doesn’t stop American communities living here creating their own July 4th events. Here’s some of the things that are planned this year, as the US celebrates 250 years of independence. Brittany – Americans in Brittany and western France are invited to gather in Rennes on July 4th for a family-friendly Independence Day celebration
centred on community, civic engagement and democratic participation. Hosted by the Brittany Chapter of Democrats Abroad France, the event is expected to bring together approximately 60 participants from Rennes, Brest, Nantes, Angers, Saint-Malo, Quimper, and surrounding communities. Americans, French spouses and family members, and children will come together to celebrate Independence Day while strengthening the community they have built far from home. The celebration is organised around two complementary themes: “We Are the Resistance” and “Building Our Community.” Saturday, July 4th, 12 noon to 3pm
Potluck picnic, Rennes – RSVP here for precise location. Paris – the capital will be hosting a free, public, day-into-night party including a mini American literary festival on the new péniche Nanna, moored at Port de Montebello at the foot of Notre-Dame. On the afternoon of July 4th, the boat Nanna (which has air conditioning) is featuring two round tables with notable American writers and journalists, plus an Open Mic in the evening — all while offering special American cocktails/softs and American food all day
and evening, playing American music spun by a DJ. The literary events (3pm-6:15pm, 7.30pm-9pm) will take place on the book-lined lower deck, the upper deck is open the entire time (1pm to midnight) just for hanging out with friends. The lower deck too when the literary events aren’t in process. Saturday, July 4th, Nanna, Port de Montebello Paris 75005, 1pm to midnight. Full details on events here, RSVP is not required. Nice – Americans on the Riviera will gather next to the replica Statue of
Liberty for an afternoon of American music and songs, readings of excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and a tribute to the decisive role played by the French people in American independence, including the Marquis de La Fayette and the Comte de Grasse – a native of nearby Le Bar-sur-Loup – and much more. Saturday, July 4th, from 11am at the Statue of Liberty Replica, Quai des États-Unis (near Opéra Plage), Nice. Organised by Democrats Abroad France – Riviera, no RSVP necessary. Are you organising
a July 4th event? Leave the details of the event in the comments section below so your fellow Americans can hear about it
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