Hanoi welcomes opening of French cuisine festival

The occasion is part of celebrations being held for the 50th anniversary of French-Vietnamese diplomatic relations and 10 years of the joint Strategic Partnership, highlighting the excellence, responsibility, enjoyment, authenticity, and innovation of French gastronomic products under the aegis of "Taste France".

Speaking at the opening ceremony, French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery noted that this year the festival has attracted the participation of 50 stands from famous restaurants, importers, and brands representing a range of French gastronomy, such as Paysan Breton, Métropole, Red Apron, Marou, Saint Honoré, La Table Hanoia, French fruit and ham suppliers, and France 24.

Most notably, the diplomat stated that about 100kg of fresh apples are  being brought in daily during the course of festival as a means of introducing this famous French fruit to Vietnamese consumers.

Along with the culinary area, Balade en France also features a variety of stands introducing French tourism, hotels, and other related products.

Nguyen Manh Quyen, vice chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, highlighted the three-day event as a contribution to promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, while creating a warm space of friendship, mutual trust and understanding between France and the Vietnamese capital.

Along with Balade en France, the same day also saw the opening ceremony of an art performance and installation programme called "Colors of Vietnam" held by the city's People's Committee on Dinh Tien Hoang street and in the pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem lake.

In parallel with the two events, visitors have the chance to enjoy a rich arts and culture programme performed by local and French singers, French film screenings, art classes, and hip-hop dancing.