Celebrate the spirit of liberté, égalité, and fraternité — with a scoop (or two) of frozen French flair.
Every July 14th, France celebrates Bastille Day, honouring the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 — a symbolic spark of the French Revolution. But beyond the parades and fireworks, it’s also a moment of national pride, culture, and yes… decadent desserts.
And what better way to join in the fête than with a lineup of French-inspired frozen treats?
Whether you’re planning a garden party, a picnic à la Parisienne, or simply looking for a reason to whip up something delicious, these frosty French flavours are the perfect way to say vive la glace!
✅ In This Article, You’ll Find:
- Easy and elegant frozen dessert ideas inspired by French flavours
- A Surprise Bonus Recipe for French Fry Ice Cream (Yes, you read that correctly)
- Bastille Day party suggestions and flavour pairings
- Tips for adding French flair to your summer dessert table
- Fun foodie facts to sprinkle in while you serve
🇫🇷 A Little Personal Scoop…
Back when I worked in Soho, London, there was a little French patisserie just across from my office window — Maison Bertaux, a legendary spot on Greek Street. Every year on Bastille Day, the lady who owns it, Michelle, would stage the most theatrical celebration — waving flags from the doorway, tossing open the windows in true revolutionary style, and rallying the street in full costume.
It was half celebration, half performance art — and the whole office would gather at the windows to watch, coffee mugs in hand. That may have been my very first taste of Bastille Day — and certainly the most memorable. 💙🤍❤️
Above: A fabulously chaotic Bastille Day re-enactment outside Maison Bertaux, Soho — a moment of French flair in the heart of London!
💡 Did You Know? In France, ice cream parlours are known as glaciers — and Paris is home to some of the oldest ice cream cafés in the world, including the iconic Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis.
French Summer Desserts To Try
Ready to bring a little Parisian panache to your dessert bowl?
Below we’ve listed our homemade Bastille Day recipes — all of them are easy to make, and share the essence of France in a bowl, cone or waffle!
🍮 Crème Brûlée Ice Cream
A silky custard-style base with swirls of caramel and shards of crackling sugar.
Rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying — this scoop is like a frozen spoonful of your favourite French bistro dessert.
Serve with: a brûléed sugar crisp or shortbread biscuit.
🌿 Lavender Honey Sorbet
Elegant and floral, this dairy-free sorbet is a refined palate-cooler that feels like a stroll through Provence.
Light, fragrant, and refreshing — perfect as a mid-course refresher or sunny-day indulgence.
🍫 Chocolate & Hazelnut Gelato
Inspired by the rich flavours of Parisian pâtisserie, this gelato brings all the indulgence with a nutty twist.
Think: chocolat chaud meets praline — frozen.
Tip: Add a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce and crushed hazelnuts for extra luxury.
🍓 Strawberry Champagne Granita
A touch of sparkle, a burst of berry — and just the right amount of chill.
Sweet, tangy, and quietly bougie — this frozen fizz is perfect for toasting liberté!
Make it alcohol-free: Swap Champagne for sparkling grape juice or elderflower pressé.
🍦🍟 Bonus Recipe: French Fry Ice Cream — Oui or Non?!
Celebrate French Fry Day (13th July) the only way we know how — by soft-serving up something very unexpected: French Fry Ice Cream.
Yes, you did read that right. And before you say, non, non, non… it’s salty, it’s sweet, it’s strangely satisfying and a tad addictive! You might just be surprised!
What You’ll Need:
- Vanilla ice cream (soft-serve works best)
- A generous handful of hot, crispy French fries
- Optional: drizzle of salted caramel, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a dash of paprika if you want to push the boat out!
How to Make:
- Scoop vanilla ice cream into a bowl or cup.
- Top with warm fries — yes, on top.
- Drizzle with caramel or add a cheeky spice blend for the brave.
- Dig in. Or stare at it for a while first. Your call.
💡 Pro tip: This French Fry Ice Cream is all about the contrast — hot + cold, salty + sweet, soft + crispy. Surprisingly addictive… or utterly confusing.
🇫🇷 Bastille Day Party Tips
Planning a summer gathering or a sweet soirée in honour of la fête nationale? Bring the tricolore to life with this fun and fuss-free sundae bar idea that’s as photogenic as it is delicious.
Create a Red, White & Blue Sundae Bar with:
- Red: Strawberry or raspberry sorbet
- White: Vanilla bean ice cream
- Blue: Blueberry compote or gelato
Top with mini French flags, fresh berries, and crushed meringue for extra celebration vibes!
👉🏽 Want to create the ultimate ice cream bar setup at home? Don’t miss our full guide: Sundae Funday — Your Guide to Creating a DIY Ice Cream Bar at Home for easy tips, styling inspo, and topping ideas galore.
💡 Did You Know? Lavender is a popular culinary herb in southern France, often used in syrups, desserts, and even cheese — and it pairs beautifully with honey in frozen treats.
📌 Related Reads
👉🏽 Classic Crème Brûlée Ice Cream Recipe — Coming Soon!
👉🏽 Picnic Ideas for Summer Celebrations
👉🏽 The Coolest Ice Cream Styles From Around The World
Don’t stop at inspiration — explore our full archive of frozen desserts and bring a taste of France (and beyond!) to your kitchen.✨ Try a new recipe, host your own sundae soirée, or surprise someone with French Fry Ice Cream — and don’t forget to tag us @FrostedFusions so we can share your creations!
The Final Scoop
Whether you’re toasting with Champagne granita or enjoying a scoop of lavender sorbet, our frozen French-inspired dessert ideas are a fun and delicious way to celebrate Bastille Day.
So wave your little tricolore, scoop generously, and enjoy a chilled taste of France, wherever you are.
Bon appétit et bonne fête! 🇫🇷
We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Bastille Day-Inspired Ice Cream Desserts – A Taste Of France – and that we have inspired you to give our recipe ideas a go, yes even the French Fry Ice Cream! If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below, and we will be happy to get back to you.
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