Paris to Provence celebrates its eighth year of je ne sais quoi of French culture this weekend. From the moment you pass the historic wrought iron gates of National Trust property, Como House and Garden, you will feel transported to your favourite French memory as the delicious aroma of French culinary delights float past, and the sights and sounds immerse you in the lively buzz of the popup French village.
Paris to Provence will transport you to the streets of Paris and the provincial villages of France. Here you’ll have the chance to absorb new trends from the French fashion designers, culinary experts and French artisans.
This traditional French event leaves no piece of French culture unexplored. Francophones and Francophiles, families and singles alike will surely find something they love with mini events such as our inaugural Fashion Show (le défilé de mode) as directed by French blogger FrenChic Touch, featuring French lingerie Simone Pérele, Aigle, Bleu Blanc Rouge, and Blue Illusion, Singles Speed Dating Soiree, authentic masterclasses, French bulldog parade and more.
The Paris to Provence market place is a discovery of 75 French exhibitors, a blend of food and wine, fashion, homewares, gifts, language, books and travel. For food think croissants and crepes, ratatoutille, racelette and rabbit pies. Bordeaux and Beyond will have interesting and edgy wines from all over France available for sampling and resident café, the Stables of Como will bring the G.H Mumm pop up Champagne garden to quench your thirst, companies showcasing their French wines, ciders and spirits including Clos Cachet bringing us the fine wines from the traditional terroirs of France.
The 2016 My French Kitchen will include Boulanger (baker) sensation Gontran Cherrier and executive pastry chef Pierrick Boyer from Le Petit Gateau whilst roaming performers and French street musicians will entertain young and old. Presentations will be held in the Grand Ballroom with more workshops and daily activities spreading to the manicured gardens.
Bring along your picnic rug and revel in the authentic sights and sounds throughout the days or enjoy twilight extended hours on Friday and Saturday evenings. Activities include petanque, an escargot eating contest and the traditional “course de garcons de café” (waiters race) but the real show stealer is Le Bal Musette a village dance under fairy lights with a French jazz band on Saturday from 5pm featuring La Mauvaise Reputation and La Nuit Blanche. Established in the 1880’s Le Bal Musette is where crowds would gather for a good time dancing to accordions in the town square.
On Friday, November 18 the festival will be running a program for students called “Le Projet des écoles” which integrates French-speaking classrooms into the festival. Over the weekend les enfants can enjoy to enjoy mini activities including animal nursery, face painting, French story time, art classes, lavender scented play dough and mini Monet painting easels.
Photographers are invited to submit their original French-inspired pictures from trips and memories gone by to beinvolved@paristoprovence.com.au . Up to 500 photographs will be chosen to become part of the Photography Exhibition. Prizes will be awarded to the winning photo and for one lucky voter too!
A truly authentic and memorable experience, Paris to Provence is an event not to be missed for anyone who loves France and good food in an incredible garden setting. Fulfill your French fantasies without leaving the city.
Friday November 18, 12pm – 9pm
Saturday November 19, 9am – 8pm
Sunday November 20, 9am – 5pm
To book tickets and go in the draw to win a 7-day boating tour for two courtesy of Le Boat, please go to: http://www.paristoprovence.com.au or you can buy tickets at the door.
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