C'est l'été (it's nearly summer, anyway)! Here's a list of child-friendly French events in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. taking place this summer:

World Cup / Tour de France Airing at St. Honoré Boulangerie (June/July):

St. Honoré Boulangerie has such delightful French ambiance and authentic pastries (at any of their three locations around Portland) that it's always a treat to visit, but this month you'll have the excuse of enjoying a pain au chocolat with your child while watching the World Cup soccer games on a surreptitious flat-screen télé. Return again in July during the Tour de France programming to enjoy another perfect pastry.

*St Honoré Boulangerie photo by Sean Dreilinger*

Fête du 14 juillet / Bastille Day Celebration in Director Park, Portland:

Organized by the Alliance Française de Portland, this year's celebration will take place July 12th from noon to 6pm. This will be the third year at the Director Park location, across from the Fox Tower cinema. In the past, children have delighted in the French food, face painting, balloon animals, and giant chess set (jeu d'échecs). They also enjoy the waiter's race, fencing demonstrations, and live music (even though the fountain is drained to make room for the stage). Afterwards, consider walking through historic Pioneer Place to play in the Market Street fountain, or rent bikes to ride along Waterfront Park.

French Immersion Summer Camps (all summer):

L'Etoile, a lovely little French immersion elementary school in the Lair Hill / John's Landing area of Portland, has just a few week-long French immersion day camps with openings left at the time of this post. The French American International School in the Sylvan Hill area also has week-long French immersion day camps available on topics such as art or international cuisine.

*L'Etoile School art containers by Andrew Kerr*

The Alliance Française de Seattle also offers one week French immersion day camps for all ages with themes including bugs, gardening, the circus, and pirates.

Art of the Louvre's Tuileries Garden Exhibit at the Portland Art Museum:

Though not a children's event per se, this summer art exhibit at the PAM will feature sculptures, photos, drawings, and paintings inspired by the Louvre's garden. Have your children purchase a favorite postcard in the gift shop before you start your tour, then he or she can keep an eye out for their chosen painting as you stroll. Get free admission by using a Clackamas library cultural pass (Multnomah County residents can qualify for a Clackamas library card too!) You can find more about getting free or discount museum admission in this post.

*Place du Carrousel, the Tuileries Gardens by Camille Pissarro, 1900*

If I learn of other child-friendly French events in Oregon or Washington this summer, I will be sure to update this page and post a note on Intentional Mama's Facebook page.

Have you attended any of these events? Which would you most like to experience this summer?

Vive l'été!