Celebrate Bastille Day At These Wellington French Spots

One of our favourite celebration spots in Wellington is Le Café Plum. The lengthy wine menu showcases many French vinos; that we are eager to try. Whether we visit Le Café Plum for bubbles and brunch or cocktails and nibbles, we know we are in for a good time. 

Kick the festivities off with a glass of sparkling Mimi Bulles Rosé Brut straight from Provence; this beauty is elegant and soft on the palate with a touch of sweetness. Take your taste buds on a tour of France with every sip of wine you try. 

What is a better companion to wine than a cheese platter? Throw in a selection of house-pickled veggies, grapes, crackers, spreads and bread. Le Café Plum is a quaint little spot that offers a snug place to catch up with friends and celebrate the good times.

Sharing the best of French street food with Wellingtonians is little old Crêpes a Go-Go. Like it says in the name, this creperie is great when you are on the go and a memorable way to kick start Bastille Day. Whether you are a savoury lover through and through, or you have a penance for sweet food, there is a delicious option available for every palette. Inspired by the number one French sandwich, is the Croque Monsieur, with NZ smoked ham, cheddar, butter and béchamel. 

Have a taste of Provence, which pairs fresh basil, feta, tomatoes and olive oil; simplicity at its finest. Moving on to the sweet crêpes, we have the simple French option that shows that less is more with the tasty combination of butter and sugar. However, it is the caramellow that stole the show; with chocolate and salted caramel.

Flamboyant Parisian chic comes to life at Hippopotamus with an abundance of chandeliers, plush textures and exotic colours. The fine-dining restaurant is nothing short of magnificent; and that is before we even glance at the menu. Visit for a decadent high tea or bring in Bastille Day in the best way with French delicacies and rare wine.

If you are an early riser, the breakfast menu showcases some of France’s finest treats, from buttery croissants to petit pancake breakfast bowls and over-the-moon truffle omelettes. The latter is incredible with truffle Brie, brown button mushrooms, spinach, omelette, petit salad and toasted ciabatta. The dinner menu is even more luxurious with Canter Valley duck, poulet grillé and saumon meunière. 

La Cloche invites diners to indulge in the best French cuisine in town, savour each bite of flaky pastry and French cheese, or head spoon first into a beautiful dish of authentic gratinee a l’Oignon. For those flying through, we recommend a light lunch, the famous croque monsieur is perfect when you are on the move, and the ham and cheese toasted sandwich is a classic dish. 

Otherwise, grab an almond croissant, a slice of Mille-Feuille or a box of macarons. If you have time to stay awhile, the smoked salmon and spinach omelette is divine, and we could never resist a sugar-coated crêpe. The variety of French dishes and sweet treats at La Cloche is a great way to experience everything we love about France.