Discover Sydney’s History with a French Twist this Bastille Festival
If you’re planning to visit the Bastille Festival Sydney on Saturday 18 July and Sunday 19 July, you’ll no doubt be looking forward to French food, fine wine, live entertainment and a fantastic atmosphere around Sydney Harbour.
But what if you could also discover a fascinating French connection to Sydney’s earliest history?
For one weekend only, The Rocks Walking Tours is adding a French twist to our award-winning Daily Tour. Beyond the British: The French Connection to Sydney’s Early Story is a special themed version of our daily 90-minute tour, available on Saturday 18 July and Sunday 19 July during Bastille Festival.
Rather than creating a completely different tour, we’ve woven the stories of French explorers, navigators and scientists into the history of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood. The result is a unique experience that perfectly complements the festival while remaining true to the engaging storytelling that has made The Rocks Walking Tours a Sydney favourite since 1978.
Sydney’s Story Isn’t Just British
Australia’s colonial story is usually told through a British lens. Captain James Cook mapped the east coast in 1770, and Governor Arthur Phillip led the First Fleet to establish the colony at Sydney Cove in January 1788.
But Britain wasn’t the only European nation interested in the Pacific.
Just days after the First Fleet arrived, French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, Comte de La Pérouse, sailed into Botany Bay on a scientific expedition commissioned by King Louis XVI. His mission was to explore the Pacific, map new lands and expand France’s understanding of the world.
Although the British established the colony first, the French presence in Australia’s early history is both significant and fascinating. Their explorers mapped large sections of the Australian coastline, documented Indigenous cultures, studied native plants and animals, and contributed enormously to scientific knowledge of the southern hemisphere.
Our Bastille Festival edition of our Daily Tour brings these remarkable stories to life, revealing how French exploration became intertwined with the story of colonial Sydney.
A Fresh Perspective on our Daily Tour
This isn’t a history lesson, it’s a journey through the very streets where Sydney’s story began.
As you stroll through the sandstone laneways, hidden courtyards and historic harbour foreshore of The Rocks, our experienced guides will share the stories of convicts, sailors, merchants and early settlers, while introducing the fascinating French characters who also played a part in Australia’s history.
You’ll discover the story of La Pérouse, learn about the rivalry between Britain and France during the Age of Exploration, and see how global politics, scientific discovery and international trade all influenced the development of Sydney.
The French stories don’t replace our daily history tour – they enrich it, offering a new perspective on events that helped shape Australia.
What is Bastille Day?
Celebrated each year on 14 July, Bastille Day is France’s National Day.
It commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris in 1789, an event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution and became a symbol of liberty, equality and fraternity.
Today, Bastille Day is celebrated around the world with food, wine, music, art and community festivals that showcase French culture and heritage.
Why Do We Celebrate Bastille Day in Sydney?
Sydney has a long and fascinating relationship with France dating back more than 230 years.
French explorers visited Australia’s shores during the Age of Exploration, scientific expeditions documented the country’s unique landscapes and wildlife, and French influence can still be found in place names around Australia today.
Bastille Festival celebrates these historical connections while bringing together the best of French cuisine, wine, culture and entertainment in one of the world’s most spectacular harbour settings.
Where is Bastille Festival Sydney?
In 2026, Bastille Festival will take place across Circular Quay and The Rocks, transforming Sydney’s historic waterfront into a vibrant celebration of French culture.
Visitors can enjoy gourmet French food, regional wines, Champagne, artisan markets, live music, street performers and winter-themed experiences, all surrounded by the heritage streets of The Rocks and the iconic Sydney Harbour.
Our French-themed Daily Tour fits perfectly into the festival, offering a unique cultural experience that explores the historical connections between France and Australia’s earliest European settlement.
Make a Day of It
Why not make a full day of your Bastille Festival visit?
Start with Beyond the British: The French Connection to Sydney’s Early Story, then spend the afternoon enjoying everything the festival has to offer. Indulge in authentic French cuisine, browse the markets, enjoy live entertainment and soak up the atmosphere before finishing the day in one of The Rocks’ historic pubs or restaurants.
It’s the perfect combination of history, culture, food and fun and a wonderful way to experience Sydney in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a completely different walking tour?
No. This is our award-winning 90-minute Daily Tour with fascinating French stories woven naturally throughout the experience.
When does the French-themed tour run?
Saturday 18 July and Sunday 19 July during Bastille Festival.
How long is the tour?
Approximately 90 minutes.
Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from The Rocks Walking Tours office at Reynolds Cottage, 28 Harrington Street, The Rocks.
Is the tour suitable for families?
Absolutely. The tour is suitable for adults, families and older children with an interest in history.
Do I need to book?
Yes. As places are limited, advance bookings are recommended.
Will I still hear about convicts and Sydney’s colonial history?
Yes. This remains our Daily Tour. The French stories enhance the experience and provide a fascinating new perspective on Sydney’s early history.
Can I visit Bastille Festival before or after the tour?
Definitely. The festival and our tour complement each other perfectly, making it easy to enjoy a full day exploring The Rocks and Circular Quay.
Discover Sydney’s History with a French Twist
This Bastille Festival, look beyond the familiar and discover a side of Sydney’s history that many people have never heard.
Join The Rocks Walking Tours for Beyond the British: The French Connection to Sydney’s Early Story and experience our award-winning Daily Tour with an exclusive Bastille Festival perspective.
Available only on Saturday 18 July and Sunday 19 July.
Book your place today and discover how French exploration became part of Sydney’s remarkable story.
How to Book
Booking your place is easy.
- Click this link The Rocks Walking Tours which will take you to our home page
- Click on Book Your Daily Tour button
- Click the calendar icon in the top right-hand corner of the booking page.
- Choose Saturday 18 July or Sunday 19 July.
- Select your preferred tour time:
- 10:30am
- 1:30pm
- Complete your booking and get ready to discover Sydney’s history with a French twist.
We recommend booking early, as places are limited and this special Bastille Festival edition is available for one weekend only.