Garden Party de la Rentrée at the Embassy of France Saturday  9/20

It's La Rentrée! we invite you to a unique evening in the lush gardens of the French Embassy. Enjoy French cuisine, wines, music and camaraderie! 

Wharton Club Members and Guests are invited!

About this event

It's La Rentrée! We invite you to a unique evening in the lush gardens of the French Embassy.

  • The French Touch : Come spend your Saturday evening in the French Embassy's expansive and beautiful outdoor space to mix and mingle with francophiles, French VIPs, diplomats, professionals and business people.

Important: This is a rain or shine event - In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors inside the beautiful Maison Francaise.

Read more about 'La Rentrée' and why it is an exceptional event in France: https://www.afsf.com/news/blog/bculture/la-rentre-en-france-a-time-for-new-beginnings/

La Rentrée, a core symbol of French Culture

  • In France, vacations are taken very seriously, with employees typically enjoying four to six weeks of paid leave each year. Equally important is the return to work, school, or daily routines in September, known as "La Rentrée." This term, meaning "the return," marks the end of the summer holidays and the beginning of a new cycle.
  • In recent years, La Rentrée has evolved into a significant cultural event, symbolizing readiness and optimism as everyone gears up for the final months of the year. It signifies a time of renewal and transition, encompassing a fresh start with new activities, plans, and goals.
  • La Rentrée reflects the French values of balancing work and leisure and the importance of routine and renewal in everyday life.

On the Menu: Garden Party the French Way 🇫🇷

  • Ham cut in front of you 🍖
  • French Crepes, homemade
  • Buffet campagnard (French buffet)

🥖 FRESH BAGUETTE 🥖

Fresh Baguette will be gracing our Garden Party with their authentic French touch. Dive into the savory world of France with their delectable quiches and unique cro'gels. 🍽️

More, receive a delicious complimentary baguette from Fresh Baguette for every guest at our Garden Party! One more reason not to miss this exceptional event.

🍖 Ham Cut in front of you - A Culinary Experience Like No Other🌟

  • We're excited to introduce the talented Hugh Cossard, who will be carving a Jambon right before your eyes! Don't miss this unique chance to taste authentic French flavors. A fusion of tradition and experience awaits. Come, savor, and be mesmerized! 🇫🇷🇺🇸

Open Bar All Night

  • Excellent rosé of course, but also red, white and wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Loire Valley, Alsace, Rhone, Provence, etc.
  • Kir (crème de cassis topped with white wine or bubbly)
  • Pastis: French Riviera's favorite apéritif

  • Raffle: Win restaurant gift certificates, wines, sports tickets, etc.
  • French photo backgrounds for great-looking selfies

Experience a Discussion between two key figures of the French-American History.

  • Dive back in time to learn more about Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and enjoy a discussion between Bill Barker as Thomas Jefferson and Mark Schneider as the Marquis de Lafayette

Types of Tickets

  • Premium Entry - 50 Shades of Rosé : Enter at 7pm, During the first hour, you will enjoy special hors d'oeuvres and high-end wines from France. Open bar, Kir Royal (crème de cassis topped with bubbly) de bienvenue, French food, crepes, mix and mingle. and stay until the end of the event. No guaranteed seating.
  • General Admission - Stop and Smell the Rosé: Enter at 8pm. Open bar, Kir Royal (crème de cassis topped with bubbly) de bienvenue, French food, crepes, mix and mingle. No guaranteed seating.

EXCLUSIVE VIP SECTION ' LA VIE EN ROSé'

  • VIP TABLE for Singles, Coupldx of Fours: From 7pm to 10pm (includes VIP Reception). You will seat at a reserved table in a roped-off prime area, with up to 3 others guests. Unlimited Champagne, wine and personal service during the entire event. Very limited number of tables. Please reserve early. An opportunity to make new friends and maybe plan a trip together to France?

🎹 Experience the Magic of Live Piano 🌼🎶

Step into a world of musical enchantment at our Garden Party, featuring the exceptional Simon Charette 🎹, Artistic Director at the French Choir of Washington. As he graces the keys with his live piano performance, you'll be transported to a realm of elegance and harmony.

Additional Info:

  • You must be a member of the Wharton Club of DC to purchase tickets through us at our special rates. Early Bird through 9/9
  • NOT a member? We welcome you to join!
  • For security reasons, we will need the names and emails of all persons attending the event. If you are reserving a table for 2 or 4, we will ask you the additional names the week of the event.
  • For security reasons, there will be no parking inside the Embassy. Public parking is available on Reservoir Rd. However, we strongly advise you to use a car-sharing service.
  • This is an adult-only event. No one under 21 allowed
  • Photo credits: Comet Creation & Guillaume Laplace
  • No refunds. (But you may substitute other guest(s) if you give us at least 4 days advance notice prior to the party)

Event Details:

When:

7:00PM - 10:00PM Sat 20 Sep 2025, Eastern timezone

Where:

Embassy of France
4101 Reservoir Road Northwest
Washington, DC 20007 USA

[ Get Directions ]