Bon Appétit this Bastille Day

French Impressionism has arrived in Melbourne with the National Gallery of Victoria’s latest exhibition, Degas: A New Vision (24 June-18 September 2016). The world-first exhibition brings together more than 200 works and provides the perfect excuse to celebrate all things French. As if that wasn’t enough, Bastille Day (14 July 2016) is another good reason to visit some of Melbourne’s finest French eateries. From patisseries to brasseries to crêperies, here are 10 of the best:

Phillippe MouchelOpening at the beginning of July, Philippe is the eponymous new venture from the French-born chef and restaurateur. The restaurant will offer classic cuisine, along with Phillipe’s signature rotisserie. 115/117 Collins Street, Melbourne.

TuThe newest player on the French block, Tu opened its doors a couple of months ago, to a welcome reception by locals. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, it straddles the divide between café and brasserie. It ups the brunch-date ante by offering a three-course champagne brunch on weekends, complete with a glass of Pommery Champagne. 41 Toorak Road, South Yarra, +61 3 9867 3725.

The French LettuceOne of Melbourne’s original French eateries, The French Lettuce does sugar like no one else. From the heady display of wedding cakes in the window, to the rows and rows of petite gateaux in the counter, every morsel is a delicious work of art. 237 Nicholson Street, Carlton, +61 3 9347 7105.

Lune CroissanterieThe croissants may be a taste of Paris, but the experience – lining up outside a rundown warehouse for a taste – is quintessentially Melbourne. The stalwarts are all there – their signature croissants are three days in the making – but there is also a nod to Lune’s more experimental arm, The Lune Lab and more exotic flavours, such as coconut pandan, also appear on the menu. 119 Rose Street, Fitzroy.

L’Hotel de GitanThe younger sibling of the classic Bistro Gitan, L’Hotel Gitan offers a more casual dining experience, but remains true to the Reymond family’s French roots. At the heart of the hotel is an open kitchen where whole pigs rotate on a rotisserie, crepes are flipped and charcuterie is sliced to order. 32 Commercial Road, Prahran, + 61 3 9999 0990.

Bistro GuillaumeInspired by France’s most popular neighbourhood bistros with an extensive outdoor terrace and zingy green décor. Diners can expect the classics – think duck confit, bouillabaisse and coq au vin. But there are also lighter alternatives, such as a selection of main meal sized salads. Crown Entertainment Complex, Southbank, +61 3 9292 4751.

Bistro VueBistro Vue’s menu is classic French cooking at its best: from premium oysters and caviar to a range of fresh poisson and boeuf, there is a dish for every Francophile. The complementary Bar Vue offers premium bar snacks and top-glass beverages, in a French-inspired environ, complete with clustered casual outdoor seating. 430 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, +61  9691 3838.

France-SoirThis iconic eatery epitomises Paris in Melbourne. The service is typically French – right down to the accents – and the menu features classic dishes, with some daily specials for good measure. The wine list alone makes it worth a visit, with fine and rare French wines collected over almost three decades. 11 Toorak Road, South Yarra, +61 3 9866 8569.

Bistrot d’OrsayLocated opposite the Regent Theatre, and perfect for a pre-show bite, Bistrot d’Orsay has been a staple on the Melbourne restaurant scene for several decades. And while the influences are Gallic, the produce used is local – with the eye fillet and beef cheek hailing from the Goulburn Valley, the goat from Central Victoria’s Tallarook and Berkshire pork from Tooborac. 184 Collins Street, Melbourne +61 3 9654 6498.

Aux BatifollesRoughly translating to ‘larking about’, Aux Batifolles is appropriately named – as it offers classic French fare, without the fuss. Pop in for the gooey croque monsieur, the juicy moules frites or get a sweet fix with the classic La Crepes Suzette. 400 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy North +61 3 9481 5015.