HÀ NỘI — A series of activities honouring French cuisine and culture will be held during the ‘Balade en France’ (Walk in France), which will begin tonight in Hà Nội.

Taking place at Lý Thái Tổ Square on Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street and by Hoàn Kiếm Lake, the three-day event is being held in Ha Noi for the first time, after nine consecutive years in HCM City.

‘Balade en France 2018’, organised by the French Embassy in Việt Nam, the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the People’s Committee of Hà Nội, is a concluding event of celebrations for the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Việt Nam.

Aiming to present specialties, culinary masterpieces, cultural and entertaining French activities, ‘Balade en France’ aims to bring visitors surprising and interesting experiences.

According to French Ambassador Bertrand Lortholary, through various activities, including music and art performances and language challenges, ‘Balade en France’ is a cultural bridge linking France and Việt Nam.

“The extensive and diversified programme of the ‘Balade en France 2018’ will take visitors on a journey to France. Vietnamese people can ‘travel’ to France while they are still right here in Hà Nội,” he said.

Celebrate: The entrance of ’Balade en France 2018’ in HCM City seen on December 2. Although the festival has been held in HCM City over past nine years, it is the first time it will take place in Hà Nội. — Photo courtesy of organiser

The event will begin with a lighting ceremony of a six-metre tall Christmas tree made of recycled plastic bottles, while the site of the event will be set up like a Parisian street during Christmas time lined with shops and decorated with sparkling lights.

Visitors will be able to enjoy French dishes offered by French restaurants in Hà Nội, as well as cosmetics and technological products presented at 60 booths by French companies.

The event also features an extensive music programme with performances of French music group La Bella et la Bête, DJ Ouissam Mokretar and singer Kenijah David.

Vietnamese singers Mỹ Linh, Đồng Lan, Trang Pháp, will also stir up a festive atmosphere.

A highlight of the event is sure to be a performance by Vietnamese underground band Da LAB, who will present a rap piece they created to celebrate the anniversary of the diplomatic ties.

The festival will also include a workshop on theatre guided by French artist, director and actor-improviser Quentin Delorme.

A photo exhibition entitled France and I will display photos taken by former students in France and Francophiles, while screenings of animation movies competing at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival will also be held. — VNS