Category Archives: Blog

The French Elections: What you need to know

It was against the backdrop of war in Ukraine that the French election campaign opened on Monday the 28th March. The twelve candidates officially in the running had certainly not foreseen this element which may weigh in the voters’ choice. Twelve candidates for one seat Twelve candidates declared themselves on the 7th March, 2022, after […]

French vs Australian Cinema – What’s the Difference?

As we prepare for the Alliance Française French Film Festival 2022, we wondered what the differences between French and Australian cinema are. Even though going to the movies is a universal activity, we found some interesting answers. Have a look! French VS Australian Cinema etiquette Feeling like having a little apéro at a movie theatre […]

France’s long and fascinating history with the Winter Olympics

As we tune into the 24th Winter Olympic Games in Beijing (4 – 20 February, 2022), it is the perfect time to delve into the long history and association France has with this major international event. Where it all began…The first Winter Olympic Games were held in Chamonix, France, in 1924. Referred to as “International Sports […]

MACARONS IN MELBOURNE

Did you know that Ladurée sells over 4 million macarons? That’s just short of the population in Melbourne! History The Macaron first originated in 8th-century Venice where it was popular in monasteries. It was brought to France during the Renaissance by Catherine de Medici when she married Henry II of France; the pastry chefs she […]

REDISCOVER MONET AND THE FRENCH IMPRESSIONISTS AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA THIS WINTER

There was palpable excitement amongst viewers as I entered the first room of the French Impressionism exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).  Yet, you may wonder what this current Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition might offer the viewer that hasn’t been seen before. I can assure you the NGV’s exhibition will help you rediscover […]

THE HISTORY OF THE FRENCH STRIPED SHIRT CALLED THE MARINIERE

When we think of French iconic objects, the blue and white stripes of a Breton shirt or marinière, immediately come to mind. From the French Navy’s uniform to the humble holiday shirt, and Jean-Paul Gaultier’s collections, the striped jersey seems to be in the wardrobe of every French person or Francophile! It is true that, […]