My French Melbourne: unexpected ways to Frenchify your everyday

Here at MyFrenchLife™ we love immersing ourselves in all things French: culture, language and lifestyle. And with the new year, there’s no better time for those of us in Melbourne to add a bit more French into our lives by exploring what French Melbourne has on offer.

Whether it’s salivating over the city’s best croissants, macarons and chocolat, indulging in French cuisine at our favourite bistros, catching the latest French festival, or brushing up on our language skills dans un cours de français, we certainly know there’s plenty of things to do and see in French Melbourne.

So what does the expert Francophile do when they’ve been there, done that? Without further ado, we present to you French activities you (probably) haven’t tried in Melbourne.

For the senses

Tantalise your nose the French way by making a visit to Fleurage or Peony Haute Parfumerie. Whether you fancy choosing from the most luxurious lines France has to offer, or you prefer to customise your own signature scent, these niche boutiques are our top picks for feeling slightly more French.

For someone more akin to a gourmandeur/euse, then French cheese may be your calling. Harper & Blohm and Spring St Grocer are both stellar cheese cellars, stocking more cheese than you can feast your eyes on. And, if you’re looking to pair your cheese love affair with a glass of wine, you must experience licensed fromagerie Milk the Cow.

For lovers of the arts

For an education in French music, La Niche Café is a must-see. Enjoy a lazy afternoon with an apéritif and live music acts such as Melbourne-based French gypsy jazz group, La Mauvaise Réputation.

If the dramatic arts are more your style, Le Théâtre Français de Melbourne puts on bi-annual productions with English subtitles. There’s everything from hilarious comedies like ‘Le Dîner de Cons’ to Molière classics.

For lovers of style

La Brocante and My French Finds have stunning brocante pieces that will give your home a dose of French inspiration. The Galerie (previously Galerie Montmartre) is a treasure trove of vintage posters collected from markets across France and imported to Melbourne.

For a splash of chic in your wardrobe, save your pennies for Dagmar Rousset and Le Louvre, the ultimate in designer threads.

For the outdoorsy types

If you want to take your French education dehors, then look no further than pétanque. Kick back on a Friday evening at the St Kilda Pétanque Club, where you can have a go with a glass of red in hand.

Yoga fans can rejoice, too, with expat française Véronique instructing classes peacefully in French.

And last but not least, don’t forget to mark your diaries for our favourite festivals: Paris to Provence and So Frenchy So Chic. While they may have only recently visited Melbourne, we certainly can’t wait til the next instalments!

Do you know of any other French-related activities here in Melbourne? Or have you tried any of those on our list? Let us know by leaving a comment in the box below!