Melbourne’s Paris to Provence Festival…

This November marks the second annual Paris to Provence festival to be held in South Yarra’s charming Como gardens.

If last year’s event is anything to go by, then this weekend promises to be even more spectacular…

Paris to Provence 2010, a look back:

Upon entering the gardens, one is first struck by the all of the wonderful colors and delicious smells. Authentic crepes, roasting almonds, sweet macaroons and plump sausages made everyone’s mouth water. Napoleon Bonaparte and Marie Antoinette strolled around apparently oblivious to the heat in their extravagant period dress.

Couples sipped wine on the lawn, children gazed at their new French books and toys, a French band played French music. But most exquisite of all was being enveloped by the delightful sound of hundreds of people speaking French.

With all the excellent shopping- French bags with clever sayings, books of all sorts, knick knacks, chic clothing, and even a fromagerie, there was something for everyone. The event was even kid friendly – boasting a petting zoo as well as face-painting and a French cooking class.

The whole event really captured the essence of Paris to Provence- the inherent Frenchiness of the festival brought France to us, but also highlighted the fact that there is already so much French in Melbourne- fromageries, creperies, groups de musique, book stores, and even French courses of study.

The event in 2010 really was a huge success, boasting over 10,000 visitors. Personally, I can barely containt my excitement for Paris to Provence : the sequel.

Paris to Provence Festival 2011 details:

Como House & Garden, South Yarra

Friday 25 November         4 – 9pm
Saturday 26 November   10 – 6pm
Sunday 27 November     10 – 4pm

For more information, see Paris to Provence’s website.

PS: Don’t forget to stop in and enjoy our presentation about My French Life™. We’re speaking at Friday at 7:30 pm in the Corner Room, Saturday at 2pm in the Corner Room, and Sunday at 3 pm in the Grand Ballroom. We’d love to see you!