Acton resident Cynthia Edelman, director of French in Acton, led her fourth annual Bastille Day dinner celebration at Belle's Bistro in Westford on July 12.

The menu commemorating France's Independence Day (which is July 14) included salade César (Caesar salad), noix de Saint Jacques (scallops) or saumon (salmon), and bonbons de glace (ice cream confections). The participants were students and friends of French in Acton from Acton, Boxborough, Concord, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Maynard, and Wayland.

Edelman believes that incorporating cultural events enhances and enriches the learning of another country's language. "Like the French," she said, "we enjoyed a good meal, served bien sûr with wine."

The group concluded the event by singing "La Marseillaise," the national anthem of France, led by Larry Krakauer of Wayland.