Vietnamese Ambassador to France Đinh Toàn Thắng spoke at the opening ceremony. — VNA/VNS Photo

PARIS — The historic Prieure Saint-Ayoul Monastery in Provins of France opened an exhibition on July 6, highlighting the heritage of Việt Nam’s Thăng Long Imperial Citadel and Cổ Loa ancient citadel.

This event marks a major milestone in the enduring cultural partnership between Hà Nội and the Ile-de-France region, while opening new avenues for heritage preservation and tourism cooperation.

Despite rainy weather, the opening drew a large crowd of Provins residents and officials, along with Vietnamese Ambassador to France Đinh Toàn Thắng, Việt Nam’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO Ambassador Nguyễn Thị Vân Anh, and representatives from various Vietnamese localities.

Bringing Việt Nam’s ancient capitals to life, the exhibition features immersive displays of images, videos, and rare artefacts. Highlights include interactive digital content, QR code access, and multimedia presentations, which also explores intangible heritage like festivals, cuisine, and traditional customs.

Visitors scan QR code to learn about exhibit items. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Thu Hà

Nguyễn Thanh Quang, director of the Thăng Long – Hà Nội Heritage Conservation Centre, noted that this year’s exhibition builds on the promotional effort launched in 2022. The centre has refreshed the content and added digital features to enhance interactivity, he said, adding that the exhibition reflects Hà Nội's growing cooperation with the Ile-de-France region and the city of Provins.

Ambassador Thắng called the exhibition a proud moment, emphasising that this is the first international introduction of Cổ Loa, which deserves global recognition and can be a cultural bridge between the two nations.

Provins Mayor Olivier Lavenka welcomed the Vietnamese delegation warmly, noting the historical significance of the monastery, once home to the famed Champagne fairs – a factor in Provins’ UNESCO World Heritage designation.

He noted that Cổ Loa was Việt Nam’s first capital, laying early state foundations. Thăng Long Citadel followed, marking the height of Việt Nam’s medieval era. The official said he hopes Cổ Loa will one day be UNESCO-listed as well.

Visitors explore artefacts from Thăng Long Imperial Citadel and Cổ Loa ancient citadel. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Thu Hà

Since 1989, Hà Nội and Ile-de-France have built a model of decentralised cooperation. Recent initiatives have embraced digitalisation, making Vietnamese heritage globally accessible.

Quang said his centre is working with Provins to bring artefacts and information online. Even those who can't visit in person can explore Thăng Long Citadel virtually, including via Provins’ website, he added.

Provins Tourism Director-General Laurence Marchal said that showcasing Thăng Long at the Prieure Saint-Ayoul, which welcomes over 1.2 million visitors annually, enriches the experience and deepens cultural ties.

Jean Francois Robin, a local resident, praised the initiative. He said that thanks to a 2022 exhibition, most local people now appreciate Hà Nội and its Thăng Long Imperial Citadel. It's great to see Hà Nội represented here in Provins, he stated.

Visitors at the exhibition. —VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Thu Hà

A cooperation agreement signed on October 1, 2024 outlines the 2025–27 phase of the partnership between the Thăng Long – Hà Nội Heritage Conservation Centre and Provins, focusing on heritage exhibitions, tourism, academic forums, and technical assistance to further bring into play the values of Cổ Loa, a special national relic site. It also includes training and experience sharing.

Running from July 2025 to December 2026, the Thăng Long and Cổ Loa exhibition is more than a cultural display – it’s a vivid symbol of the Việt Nam-France friendship. It aims to deepen mutual understanding, boost tourism, and solidify bilateral ties.

Việt Nam’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO Ambassador Nguyễn Thị Vân Anh noted that this joint effort demonstrates the two cities' cooperation in preserving and promoting world heritage – not just for today but also for future generations. — VNA/VNS