AUSTIN, TX — If your ideal Friday night involves French cheese, historic charm, and a perfectly timed excuse to sip wine outdoors — you’re in luck. This Saturday, July 13, the French Legation and Antonelli’s Cheese are throwing a Bastille Day celebration that promises to be equal parts delicious, educational, and delightfully French.
Set at 802 San Marcos St., the French Legation isn’t just any backdrop — it’s the oldest wooden structure in Austin, originally built in 1841 as a diplomatic home for France’s chargé d’affaires to the Republic of Texas. And what better place to raise a glass (or a wedge of Brie) to liberté, égalité, fraternité?
Cheese, Please — With a Side of History
The evening kicks off at 7:00 p.m. with a guided French cheese tasting led by Antonelli’s cheesemongers, who will walk guests through a curated selection of French favorites. Each bite comes with a story — where the cheese is from, how it’s made, and why it pairs perfectly with that fig jam or baguette on your plate.
Whether you’re a lifelong Francophile or just love a good Camembert, the tasting is designed to be accessible, interactive, and genuinely fun. You’ll walk away knowing your Comté from your Chèvre — and maybe even pick up a new picnic party trick.
“There’s something magical about sharing cheese outdoors under the Texas sky,” said Kendall Antonelli, co-owner of Antonelli’s Cheese. “Add some French history, and it becomes an experience you’ll never forget.”
Bring Your Wine — and Your Picnic Vibe
This is a BYOB event, so pack your favorite bottle, bring your own cups, and settle in at one of the provided tables, or lay out your own blanket for the ultimate French-style picnic. Hats and fans are encouraged — this is Texas in July, after all — and water will be provided on-site.
Don’t stress about bad weather, either. Tents will be set up, rain or shine, so your cheese adventure stays cozy no matter what the forecast brings.
Know Before You Go:
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When: Saturday, July 13, 2025 — Tasting starts at 7:00 p.m.
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Where: The French Legation, 802 San Marcos St., Austin, TX 78702
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Parking: Limited parking available at 900 E. 9th St. (Embassy & 9th). Metered spots on nearby streets.
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BYOB: Yes — bring your beverage of choice and your own cups or glasses
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Outdoor event: Dress for summer, and come ready to relax
Why This Event Is Special
It’s not just the cheese — though yes, that’s a major draw. It’s the combination of local Austin flair, world-class cheese expertise, and rich history that makes this Bastille Day celebration stand out.
France is home to over 1,000 types of cheese, and while you won’t try them all on Saturday, you’ll definitely sample some of the best. The setting? A piece of Texas-French history that’s seen everything from 19th-century diplomacy to modern-day neighborhood gatherings.
The French Legation Museum doesn’t just showcase a historic house. It tells the story of Austin’s earliest days, the Republic of Texas, and the vibrant East Side neighborhood that continues to grow around it.
Final Word
Looking for a summer event that’s a little different — something with flavor, flair, and a little French elegance?
Then this is your moment. Grab your picnic blanket, your wine, and your curiosity, and head to the French Legation this Saturday. You’ll leave full, happy, and maybe with a new favorite cheese to brag about.
As Kendall Antonelli put it best: “We believe in the power of cheese to bring people together. And on Bastille Day, that power is très magnifique.”
