Itinerary: Bastille Day

Bastille Day, July 14, is the most important national holiday in France. It marks the date in 1789, during the early days of the French Revolution, when workers attacked the prison in Paris, primarily looking for munitions. The Bastille, a notorious prison in the early 1700s, held only seven prisoners and was slated for demolition.

Still, the seemingly miraculous capture of this former medieval fortress was a powerful and lasting symbolic act. It unified the Third Estate--the commoners and the bourgeoisie--and was the turning point for the end of absolute monarchy in France.

Thursday

Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (5905 Wilshire Blvd., [323] 857-6000) to see some of the French masterpieces in its permanent collection. Among them are Georges de la Tour’s “Magdalen With the Smoking Flame” (circa 1638-40) and Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin’s “Soap Bubbles” (circa 1739). There are also several bronze sculptures by Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) in the sculpture garden outside the museum and a smaller piece inside the Ahmanson building.

Also, Cal State Northridge (18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, [818] 677-2156) has a display of “French Theater Posters of the Early Twentieth Century From the Jane Moufflet Gallery” through Aug. 27 in the Performing Arts Center Lobby Gallery.

Friday

Let them eat cake.

OK, so in 1789 such a comment might’ve cost you your head, but it’s not such a bad way to celebrate Bastille Day.

For 14 years, Normandie Pate (5277 Jefferson Blvd., L.A. Open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 7 a.m-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. [323] 939-5528) sold pa^tes, sausages and breads to Bristol Farms, Pavilions and Ritz-Carlton. About nine months ago, owner Josette Leblond opened a takeout counter and cafe. The menu features tarts, quiches, pastries and delicacies such as duck pa^te with pistachios and chicken liver pa^te with truffles.

Saturday

Thank heaven for “Gigi” (1958), the wonderful MGM musical, shot on location in Paris, screening at 2 and 8 p.m. at the Alex Theatre (216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. $7 to $8.50. [818] 754-8250 or [800] 233-3123). Based on a novel by Collette, “Gigi” is the story of a young Parisian girl (Leslie Caron) being groomed as the courtesan for wealthy Gaston Lachaille (Louis Jourdan). He’s uncomfortable with the prospect--until he realizes he might actually love her.

The film combines the talents of writer-lyricist Alan Jay Lerner, composer Frederick Loewe, director Vincente Minnelli and producer Arthur Freed. But it’s Maurice Chevalier who steals the show as Gaston’s lady-loving uncle.

At 7:30 p.m., the Farmers Market (3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue in L.A.) hosts the Bal Populaire celebration. The event, sponsored by the French-American Chamber of Commerce, includes French cuisine, music, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets are $10 in advance and available at (323) 651-4741. Food is priced separately.

Sunday

The Santa Barbara French Festival (at Oak Park in Santa Barbara, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. [805] 564-PARIS) is said to be the largest French celebration in the Western United States. The festival includes free entertainment on three stages, from Moroccan belly dancers to Cajun singers to the Femmes Fatales Drag Revue. And, of course, there will be food: crepes, Brie, quiche, croissants and cafe au lait.