French-inspired delights at Cantigny’s ‘Voyage en France’ July 20
“Voyage en France” festival offers French sights, sounds, and flavors, followed by 21-and-older “Rendezvous” evening inspired by Versailles Gardens and Moulin Rouge.
Next up in Cantigny’s fun-packed summer is “Voyage en France,” set for Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum, 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton.
Later that day, “Rendezvous en France,” for ages 21 or older, will extend the celebration deep into the night, starting at 7 p.m.
French culture fans of all ages will find plenty to enjoy at “Voyage,” a festival presenting the sights, sounds and flavors of France. Event partners include Alliance Français DuPage, the French Chamber of Commerce, and the French Consulate.
Scheduled attractions and activities include en plein air artists in the gardens; performers from Salt Creek Ballet; live music and street entertainers; French-themed garden displays; children’s art projects at the Little Louvre Museum; open-air French Market; and an Eiffel Tower replica and other photo props.
Cantigny’s 2024 programming theme, “France at Cantigny,” commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a pivotal moment in World War II in which the 1st Infantry Division bravely served.
The First Division Museum’s new outdoor exhibit, “Nothing But Victory,” tells the story of those who fought on the beaches and made their way through Normandy. The exhibit and museum will be open during “Voyage en France.”
Cantigny, the former estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, is named after a small French village, site of the Battle of Cantigny in 1918. Colonel McCormick, at age 37, commanded an artillery unit there as a member of the U.S. Army’s First Division. It was America’s first significant victory in World War I.
Tickets for “Voyage en France” are on sale at cantigny.org/event/voyage-en-france/. Tickets are $15 per person; ages 15 or under are free. Parking is included in the ticket price.
Guests can further indulge in the flavors of France at the French Food & Wine Experience ($125) inside the Robert R. McCormick House. An exquisite tasting menu paired with select wines will be served at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. seatings (choose one).
After-hours fun for adults
Guests (or 21 or older) holding tickets for “Rendezvous en France” can travel back in time and experience the elegance of Versailles and the effervescence of Paris’ Moulin Rouge as Cantigny’s gardens are transformed with lights, music and performances.
Cabaret singers, aerial artists, contortionists, and surprises around every corner await, accompanied by delicious food and drinks. Hours are 7 p.m. to midnight.
Tickets for Rendezvous are $65 at the “Bohemian” level and available online at cantigny.org/event/rendezvous-en-france/. For $150, guests can upgrade to “Courtier” and enjoy an open bar, food service, and a private lounge area.
Cantigny is open only to ticket holders on July 20. Park gates open at 10 a.m.
About Cantigny
Cantigny, in Wheaton, Illinois, is the 500-acre estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick (1880-1955), longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune, and founder of the Chicago-based Robert R. McCormick Foundation. It is home to gardens, walking trails, a museum dedicated to the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, a highly ranked 27-hole public golf course, and a golf academy for all ages. More information is online at Cantigny.org, including hours, admission fees and upcoming events