Whether you had French ancestors, took a French vacation or simply wished life had a bit more Parisian flare, Monday is a good day to be a Francophile.

In France, July 14 - Monday - is Bastille Day, the country's most important national holiday.

The independence day celebration commemorates the day in 1789 when peasants stormed the Bastille prison sparking the French Revolution and ultimately ending the corrupt reign of King Louis XV1.

In Paris, the day usually starts with a military parade on the Champs-Elysées and ends with colorful fireworks. In between, the French dance under the stars and revel with food and drink.

It's easy to be French for a day in large cities such as New York and Seattle, which have huge Bastille Day celebrations. In Utah, it requires a bit more creativity.

The Alliance Francaise of Utah celebrates Sunday with a dinner and dancing at Jean Louis Restaurant & Bar in Park City.

Here are some other ideas to try:

- Make a reservation at The Paris Bistro in Salt Lake City, Franck's in Holladay or La Caille in Sandy.

- Make your own French meal. Buy a baguette, some brie or camembert and a bottle of Bordeaux and have a picnic. Or test your skills with vichyssoise, (cold potato-leek soup) a cassoulet, (a meat and bean casserole), crepes, (thin pancakes with savory or sweet fillings) or tarts.

- Buy a French dictionary and learn a few new words.

- Rent the 1964 comedy, "Paris When It Sizzles," starring William Holden and Audrey Hepburn. The characters have three days to write a movie screenplay that includes Bastille Day escapades.

- Dig out the 1975 album "Caress of Steel" by the Canadian band Rush. It contains the song "Bastille Day."