The Hanoi Times — For the first time, the French Gastronomy Festival & Francophone 2025 will be a three-day event, taking place simultaneously from March 28 to 30 at Thong Nhat Park in Hanoi’s Hai Ba Trung district. This annual celebration promises to be a cultural extravaganza, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture, cuisine, and heritage of France and other Francophone nations through an array of exciting activities.
The captivating poster for “Balade En France et en Francophonie 2025”
During a press conference on March 4, French Ambassador to Vietnam, Olivier Brochet, proudly announced the “French Gastronomy Festival & Francophone 2025” (Balade En France et en Francophonie 2025). He emphasized the significance of this year’s special edition, which is designed to bring people together in a celebration of French and Francophone culture.
The festival will open its doors on March 28, with public access from 10 AM to 10 PM on March 29, and 10 AM to 8 PM on the final day, March 30. This event has been carefully curated with young people and families in mind, featuring three main activities: the exhilarating 3rd Francophone Run around Bay Mau Lake, a delightful exploration of French and Francophone culinary delights, and an informative exhibition on studying abroad in French-speaking countries, titled “I Study and I Act.” This exhibition targets students eager to pursue higher education in French institutions.
Ambassador Brochet highlighted the festival’s role in strengthening the bonds between France, French-speaking countries, and Vietnam. He remarked, “This event creates a platform for institutional, economic, and cultural entities to come together, fostering meaningful dialogue and exchanges that will enhance bilateral and multilateral relations. It provides a unique arena to celebrate and promote Francophone heritage while encouraging cooperation in a multitude of fields.”
The press conference for “Balade En France et en Francophonie 2025” on March 4, with attendees captivated by the event’s prospects. Photo: Jenna Duong/The Hanoi Times
The ambassador also expressed his gratitude to the Hanoi People’s Committee for their unwavering support in organizing the festival for five consecutive seasons, contributing to Hanoi’s vibrant “Francophone space.”
Pierre Du Ville, President of the Group of Francophone Embassies, Delegations, and Organizations in Hanoi (GADIF), praised the fusion of two captivating events—the discovery of French products and the educational race and exhibition. He believes this synergy will engage and captivate Hanoi’s youth, fostering a sense of community and cultural appreciation.
Singer Ha Myo, set to enchant audiences with her performance at the festival. Photo courtesy of the singer
A key highlight of the festival will be the exhibition area, boasting over 40 booths showcasing an array of French agricultural products through the “Taste France” experience. Visitors will be tempted by culinary demonstrations and tastings of iconic French delights, including cheese, bread, wine, and chocolates—a true feast for the senses! This festival also serves as a bridge, fostering connectivity and potential partnerships between suppliers of French and Vietnamese agricultural products.
As Ambassador Brochet noted, “This festival has the potential to open new doors for Vietnam and France to collaborate more closely in the agricultural sector, ultimately benefiting consumers in both countries with an array of quality products.”
A joyful snapshot of little visitors at the 2024 edition of “Balade En France,” capturing the essence of cultural exploration. Photo: French Embassy in Hanoi
Beyond the culinary delights, the festival will also showcase French excellence in other sectors, such as automobiles, tourism, and education. Interactive games with a Franco-Vietnamese twist will add to the fun and engagement for visitors. Moreover, thirteen universities in Hanoi offering French language programs will participate in this year’s festivities, and a job fair on March 30 will provide a platform for French-speaking students and professionals in Vietnam to connect with French employers, opening up exciting career opportunities.
The festival will come alive with the sounds of a diverse range of musical performances, featuring the talents of Thanh Tu & Etienne, Sophie de Quay, Ha Myo, Bui Cong Nam & Kay Tran, and energetic student performances from bilingual classes in Hanoi. This cultural celebration promises to be a memorable experience for all attendees.
Admission to the festival is free, and a large turnout is expected following the success of previous editions, which attracted an impressive 400,000 visitors last year. So mark your calendars, and get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of French and Francophone culture at the French Gastronomy Festival & Francophone 2025!
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