Immerse yourself in a whimsical French pop up village at the 2015 Melbourne French Festival: Paris to Provence.
Join us this November for the sixth annual Paris to Provence French Festival where you can truly be immersed in the culture of all that embodies France.
Paris to Provence will transport visitors to a French market village in the heart of South Yarra at the National Trust property of Como House and Garden, where you will find over 75 French inspired retailers, roaming performers, street musicians, presentations and workshops and daily activities.
Friday November 20 12pm - 9pm
Saturday November 21 9am - 6pm
Sunday November 9am - 5pm
Visitors will be treated to a taste of la vie Française with live music from La Nuit Blanche, Elle at la Contrabasse and Mr Remi across all three days. They will also love the friendly games of petanque and lively festivities including an escargot eating contest and croissant tossing. The Grand Ballroom will feature sessions on French property, language and travel whilst the foodie in all of us will relish the chance to get up close and personal to local French patissiers and Chefs in the Chefs Theatre. Demo’s there include topics such as “Rise of the Croissant” with French native Agathe Kerr from Agathe Patisserie, as well as French born Mercedé Coubard from A La Folie Patisserie in South Yarra, famous for her macarons and petit choux in a class titled “Choux Pastry: All my secrets”.
Bring along your picnic rug and revel in the authentic sights and sounds throughout the days or enjoy a twilight evening on the Friday night as the festival stays open until 9pm. You’ll be surrounded by more than 30 French food and wine stalls sure to tantalise your taste buds whilst the G.H Mumm pop up Champagne bar in the Stables courtyard will quench your thirst.
Mums and Dads will adore the French kids garden where children will be issued “mini passports” to enjoy all the activities including animal nursery, face painting, French story time, 30 minute art classes, lavender scented play dough, mini Monet painting easels and petit Picasso wall murals plus a selection of other activities.
Dog lovers won’t want to miss the daily French Bulldogs parade where owners are invited to bring their Frenchies along to win great prizes and have fun with other French bulldog owners.
Photography Enthusiasts haven’t been left out this year with a unique French photography exhibition. Budding photographers are invited to submit their French-inspired original pictures from their trips and memories gone by to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., where up to 500 photographs will be chosen to become part of the Photography Exhibition which will be a major feature of this years event. Door prizes from all the exhibitors will be given on the day to those who vote on their favourite photograph and participants have the chance to win a major prize for their original submission.
Finally, be sure to catch “Les Santons de Provence Exhibit” returning in 2015. These figurines depict life in 1800's Provence featuring mini clay figurines ranging from 7-20cm dressed as peasants, farmers, baker, schoolteacher, butcher, shepherds and nuns, set in a French village backdrop. You can even take a seat and paint your own santon to take home as a memento.
A truly authentic and memorable experience, ‘Paris to Provence’ is an event not to be missed for all Francophiles, Franocphones and food-lovers. Fulfill your French fantasies without leaving the city.
TICKETING & ENTRY
To avoid queues tickets are available via the website or can be purchased at the door. For the most up to date information visit paristoprovence.com.au or Melbourne French Festival on facebook for further details.
Adults $15 prebooked online or $20 at the Gate on the day.
All children aged 6-16, $5