HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội residents and visitors to the city will be able to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of a French market and indulge in high-quality food products from France during an upcoming festival dedicated to French gastronomy.

Scheduled for next weekend, the Balade en France (Walk in France) festival is being co-organised by the French Embassy in Việt Nam and the Hà Nội People's Committee to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and France.

As the largest French gastronomic festival in Việt Nam, visitors to the event, which begins on April 14, will have the opportunity to meander through a French market boasting more than 40 stalls, where they can explore the French agricultural and culinary heritage.

French Ambassador Nicolas Warnery (second right) speaks at a press conference on Balade en France 2023 in Hà Nội. — VNS Photo Thúy Hằng

“Under the aegis of ‘Taste France’, this event will highlight excellence, responsibility, pleasure, authenticity and innovation of French gastronomy products,” said the French Ambassador Nicolas Warnery.

“As a result of a historical and common taste for ‘eating well’, the presence of French gastronomy and products is rich in Hà Nội and throughout Việt Nam, an essential element of our ‘shared cultures’, the slogan of our 50th anniversary.”

Visitors at Balade en France 2020 in Hà Nội. — Photo courtesy of French Embassy in Việt Nam

Restaurant owners, importers and other ambassadors of the French art of living will be presented, such as Paysan Breton, Métropole, Red Apron, Marou, Saint Honoré, and La Table Hanoia.

Tasting activities will allow festival-goers to share a moment of conviviality around excellent products, including dairy products, chocolates, bakery products, cheese, delicatessen products, fruits, wines and spirits.

Some products will also be available for sale, and there will also be coffee shops.

French cuisine will be shown at its best through recipe demonstration workshops led by French chef Marc Ales from École Frerrandi – a school in Paris that offers training courses on gastronomy and hotel management.

Chocolatier Marou is among the French brands will be presented at the Balade en France 2023. — Photo courtesy of Maison Marou

In addition to the gastronomic area, Balade en France also includes a variety of interesting stands featuring tourism, hotels and studies in France.

A large cultural programme will accompany this gastronomic event, with performances on the main stage by several singers, DJs, and choirs, screening of French culinary films, painting and hip-hop workshops and mini-games, aiming to give visitors the experience of a real stroll in France.

The opening of the festival Balade en France will take place at 7pm on April 14 with an inauguration ceremony at the Lý Thái Tổ Square by Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

The event will be open to the public from 10am to 10pm on Saturday, April 15, and from 10am to 8pm on Sunday, April 16. — VNS