Entertainment

Ménage à Trois

Three Reasons to Celebrate Bastille Day

On this date, 220 years ago, the French proletariat liberated the Bastille prison from the hated monarchy; then they all went and ate escargot. Or something. Anyway, we'd like to help you celebrate by introducing you to a trio of French beauties: one you don't know, one you might know and one you might be meeting again for the first time. <em>De rien</em>.

MELANIE LAURENT

Claim to fame: Quentin Tarantino's new muse
Where you may have seen her: Trust us, you haven't. (Her résumé consists of a bunch of obscure French films, including a no doubt exquisite piece called Rice Rhapsody)
Where you'll be seeing her next: Alongside Brad Pitt in a little movie called Inglourious Basterds
Useful French phrase for when you bump into her at QT's place: "Est-ce que ca vous dit de partir d'ici pour que nous essayons d'améliorer les relations franco-américaines?" ("How about we get out of here and go work on French-American relations?")

MARION COTILLARD

Claim to fame: Winning an Oscar for 2007's La Vie en Rose
Where you may have seen her: At the Academy Awards, when you suddenly realized that Edith Piaf is…really hot
Where you'll be seeing her next: In Public Enemies, out now; in Nine (alongside Daniel Day-Lewis and Penelope Cruz in Nine, this fall)
Useful French phrase for when you bump into her on the red carpet: "Est-ce que je peux toucher votre Oscar" ("Let me touch your Oscar")

CARLA BRUNI-SARKOZY

Claim to fame: French first lady, frequently photographed au naturel
Where you may have seen her: Pretty much anywhere French President Nicolas Sarkozy has appeared since the two married in 2008. (Not that we can blame the guy)
Where you'll be seeing her next: See above
Useful French phrase for when you bump into her in the Élysée Palace: "Est-ce que le Président est en déplacement?" ("Is the president out of town?")