Although France celebrates Bastille Day on 14 July, Chez Max once again held its annual celebration a little earlier this year, welcoming guests on Sunday 12 July for an afternoon of French food, live music and festivities in the heart of Dublin.
A French celebration in the heart of Dublin
The celebrations began at 2pm, with around 80 guests gathering throughout the afternoon. The terrace quickly filled as French residents, Irish locals and visitors from around the world—including tourists from the United States, Belgium and Canada—came together to celebrate France’s national day in one of Dublin’s best-known French restaurants.
French classics on the Bastille Day menu
For the occasion, the kitchen prepared a special à la carte menu featuring a selection of French classics alongside seasonal specials. Guests enjoyed dishes such as Soupe à l’Oignon, Escargots au Beurre à l’Ail, Moules Marinières, Bœuf Bourguignon and Entrecôte & Frites, while the restaurant’s freshly prepared Bœuf Tartare proved to be one of the day’s most popular specials.
Live music on Palace Street
Live music played a central role in the celebrations. Performing outside on Palace Street throughout the afternoon, the Fanfare Branchée Sax Band brought a lively French atmosphere to the streets around Dublin Castle. During the band’s breaks, Irish guitarist Ryan McTernan entertained guests with acoustic sets, ensuring there was live music from start to finish.
The restaurant was decorated in the colours of the French tricolour, continuing a tradition that has become one of the highlights of the Chez Max calendar.
“Bastille Day is something we’ve celebrated since day one,” says Max de Laloubie, owner of Chez Max. “It’s an event the whole team looks forward to for weeks. Everyone gets excited because we know it’s always a great atmosphere with our guests and among the staff. It’s a big occasion for us. It’s not a staff party, but it is something the team shares with our customers. We prepare the decorations days in advance, and every year it’s an event full of joy.”
French dining experiences throughout the year
While Bastille Day remains the restaurant’s biggest annual celebration, Chez Max welcomes guests throughout the year with a variety of French dining experiences. Alongside its seasonal menus, the restaurant serves a Tapas Menu, available Monday to Friday from 2pm to 5pm, offering a selection of classic French small plates.
During the warmer months, diners can enjoy one of Dublin’s largest French terraces, with more than 21 outdoor tables for al fresco dining beside Dublin Castle. Chez Max also caters for larger gatherings, with dedicated group lunch and group dinner menus available for celebrations, business lunches and special occasions.
A tradition dating back to 2005
Since opening its doors in 2005, Chez Max has celebrated Bastille Day every year, making it one of the restaurant’s longest-standing traditions. Over the years, it has become much more than a national day celebration. It is an occasion that brings together the French community in Ireland, Dubliners and visitors from around the world over French food, live music and hospitality.
More than two decades on, Bastille Day remains a reflection of what Chez Max has stood for since the beginning: bringing people together around the table in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
About Chez Max
Chez Max – Bistrot Lozérien
1 Palace Street, Dublin 2, beside Dublin Castle | https://chezmax.com/
- Established in 2005
- French bistrot serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and seasonal menus
- Tapas Menu: Monday to Friday, 2pm–5pm
- One of Dublin’s largest French al fresco terraces, with more than 21 outdoor tables
- Dedicated group lunch and group dinner menus available for celebrations and corporate events
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