From the entrance, visitors could sense the blend of tea aromas, coffee flavours and the colours of Vietnamese handicrafts. Display tables introduced different types of tea and coffee, along with information on their origins, preparation and ways of enjoyment linked to Vietnamese cultural life.

Visitors were able to taste tea and coffee and were guided through different brewing methods. Some products met organic standards and were associated with sustainable farming models, capturing attention from French consumers who increasingly value responsible consumption.

The arts segment included a presentation by historian Catherine Chadefaud, who traced the history of tea’s arrival in France and offered a perspective on cultural exchange between East and West. Musicians Maria Lucia Barros and Philippe Foulon performed classical pieces in an intimate setting, recalling the atmosphere of 18th-century European salons.

A “Musical Thé” segment combined tea tasting with music, allowing visitors to enjoy Vietnamese tea while listening to gentle melodies.

Vietnamese brocade products were also displayed, featuring traditional patterns, natural materials and contemporary expression. The display area drew visitors interested in learning about production processes and the cultural meaning of each product.

Hang Vu, owner of the Sobica Vietnamese tea shop, said the event followed an earlier exhibition in Paris and sought to expand the introduction of Vietnam’s traditional handicrafts. She said the focus was on the products and the cultural stories behind them, from traditional weaving to vivid images of daily life, beliefs and the identity of Vietnam’s ethnic groups.

She said more activities are planned through June to introduce brocade, regional specialties, as well as traditional sectors such as tea, coffee and spices.

Rosine Young, a member of the organizing board, said she had tried Vietnamese teas and was impressed by the products on display. Although she has not had many opportunities to learn about Vietnam, she said that through tea, coffee and brocade products she could sense the richness of a country with 54 ethnic groups, each with its own characteristics. In her view, brocade products are not only visually appealing but also carry human value, as they reflect manual work, thought and dedication.

She also expressed appreciation for the Vietnamese community in France, noting their efforts to overcome difficulties in integrating while maintaining cultural identity, a learning spirit and openness. She said the interaction of cultural values, together with a spirit of sharing and connection, created a distinct attraction for the event.

Conversations between French guests and Vietnamese representatives helped form a vivid cultural bridge. The event shows growing interest in Vietnamese culture in France and creates further opportunities for cooperation in culture, handicrafts and high-quality agricultural products.

Exhibition highlights vitality of Vietnamese cultural heritage

An exhibition entitled “Vietnamese cultural heritage – vitality from tradition to modernity” opened on December 25 in Ho Chi Minh City.