Named after the infamous Parisian prison fortress that was invaded by revolutionary forces in the 18th century, Bastille Day is France's national day. It celebrates the beginning of the French Revolution.

Nicolas Devic has spent hours adorning his Cairns restaurant with flags, bunting and stereotypical French decorations in preparation for France's national day, Bastille Day. "If I had to pick a food that summed up Bastille Day it would be bread," Nicolas said. "At the time [of the revolution] people were starving and the easiest food they could get was bread so I'm pretty sure it saved a lot of people." (ABC:Mark Rigby)

"In France it's very official - especially in Paris where there is a big military display," Mr Devic said.

"It's a big official boring day," he laughed.

But in Australia, and other places around the world, Mr Devic said French people tend to celebrate more extravagantly than they would at home.

"For French people living overseas it's a much bigger thing," he said.

"We use it to organise something and celebrate mainly the French culture.

"It's more than just remembering the storming of the Bastille."

For nine years Mr Devic has celebrated his home country's national day in Cairns. While he is usually busy running his restaurant on the day, he would not trade places for all the baguettes in France.

"Since I've been living in Australia, Bastille Day has a different meaning - it's more festive," he said.

"Even if I do work I'm welcoming people and giving them a piece of French authenticity.

"It's a bit of a kitsch day but it's cute at the same time and that's what people expect."

Even with his native land's national day at the forefront of his mind, Mr Devic's connection to France is in his heritage and nowhere else.

"I'll never be 'unfrenched', I can't get rid of my accent or who I am but I've embraced Australian culture," he said.

"In a sense, France is my past and Australia is my future."

Mr Devic said the French way of life is very similar to that of the Australian ideal and this was no more apparent than when celebrations - national days or otherwise - were in order.

"For French people pretty much every occasion is a reason to have a good feed and a few drinks and Australians are pretty much the same, no?" he asked.

"Whenever there is something to celebrate, a bit of booze, a feed or a barbeque ... essentially we are the same."

Source: ABC News, Mark Rigby, July 14^th 2015