Scattered across Sydney is a melange of Gallic eateries, fashion houses and purveyors of fine French food, wine, cosmetics and homewares.
If one France's 18th-century Pacific expeditions had reached our shores before Captain Cook’s Endeavour, we could well be speaking French and eating croissants for breakfast. But despite our missing out on French colonial status, Gallic influence on Australian life is strong.
In the first half of the 19th century, there were as few as 600 French in Australia. Today, the French Consulate estimates some 100,000 live here, about 35 per cent in NSW. The French Chamber of Commerce counts more than 400 businesses in Australia – many in Sydney, including luxe brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Cartier and Chanel. The French Lycée Condorcet in Maroubra has about 600 students studying the French curriculum from jardin d’enfants (kindergarten) to International Baccalaureate.
This year’s French Film Festival extended its programming over a fortnight in its biggest showcase to date of 34 features and documentaries, attracting record audiences. Meanwhile the hub of French cultural activity in Sydney, the Alliance Française, is moving into refurbished premises boasting a book and DVD library, a new cafe and language courses at all levels, as well as a program of lectures, films and exhibitions.
Sydney’s eastern suburbs are scattered with boutiques, bistros and cafes with more than a hint of a French accent. The recent rise in popularity of dinners to mark the celebration of Bastille Day on July 14 demonstrates a renewed enthusiasm for French liberté, égalité and fraternité – values that translate easily as “a fair go with a bit of mateship thrown in”?
Homewares
Genevieve Lethu
53 Queen Street, Woollahra.
+61 2 9327 8307.
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Les Olivades
2 Transvaal Avenue, Double Bay.
+61 2 9327 8073.
Ma Maison en Provence
158 Queen Street, Woollahra.
+61 2 9363 1500.
Christofle
11 Bay Street, Double Bay.
+61 2 9363 4110.
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Fashion
Belinda
39 William Street, Paddington (also at MLC Centre & Double Bay).
+61 2 9380 8728.
Anne Fontaine
18-20 Oxford Street, Sydney.
+61 2 9331 8111.
Paul & Joe
Shop 4051, Westfield Bondi Junction.
+61 2 9386 0902.
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Perfume & Cosmetics
Mecca Cosmetica
Stores include hard-to-find or exclusive French brands including make-up By Terry, skincare by Darphin and perfumes including the X-rated Etat Libre d’Orange, a collection of 16 adult-only scents.
Restaurants
Bilson’s
Radisson Plaza Hotel, 27 O’Connell Street, Sydney.
+61 2 8214 0496.
Marque
355 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
+61 2 9332 2225.
Guillaume at Bennelong
Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point.
+61 2 9241 1999.
Becasse
204 Clarence Street, Sydney.
+61 2 9283 3440.
La Grande Bouffe
758 Darling Street, Rozelle.
+61 2 9818 4333.
Bistro Moncur
Woollahra Hotel, 116 Queen Street, Woollahra.
+61 2 9327 9713.
La Brasserie
118-126 Crown Street, Darlinghurst.
+61 2 9358 1222.
Sel et Poivre
263 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst.
+61 2 9361 6530.
Tabou
527 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
+61 2 9319 5682.
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Le Paris Go
38 Hall Street, Bondi.
+61 2 9130 6753.
Mere Catherine
166 Victoria Street, Potts Point.
+61 2 9358 2000.
Food
Victoire
285 Darling Street, Balmain.
+61 2 9818 5529.
La Gerbe d'Or
255 Glenmore Road, Paddington.
+61 2 9331 1070.
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Simon Johnson
Sells Mariage Frères teas, tinned foie gras, goose fat and an excellent selection of premium cheeses from every corner of France (stores in several locations).
Wine
Ultimo Wine Centre
99 Jones Street, Ultimo.
+61 2 9211 2380.
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Media & Culture
Alliance Française de Sydney
257 Clarence Street, Sydney.
+61 2 9211 2380.
Book and DVD library, films and exhibitions. The Bastille Day party is at Paddington Town Hall on July 14.
Website
Sydney French Language Group
The Sydney French Language Group also runs the Sydney French Choir.
Email
Website
The French Centre for Language & Cultural Studies
Level 2, 203 Castlereagh Street, Sydney.
+61 2 9264 0232.
Language courses at all levels, plus private tuition.
Website
Abbey’s Bookshop
131 York Street, Sydney.
+61 2 9264 3111.
A selection of French fiction and nonfiction, as well as travel guides.
Website
SBS Television
French news, Monday-Saturday at 9.20am.
Website
TV5 Monde online
Documentaries and current affairs on international French channel TV5.
Website
French Film Festival
Held in March; also in Brisbane and Melbourne.
Website
Source: Qantas The Australian Way July 2009