So Frenchy So Chic kicks off in Melbourne on January 14 before making its way to Sydney a week later, on January 20. Hosted on the open plains of Werribee and Centennial parks, respectively, SFSC is an opportunity for you to enjoy French music, food and fashion without hopping on a plane.
As usual, Melbourne’s L’Hotel Gitan and Frederic and Sydney’s Loulou and Bouillon Entrecôte are providing the gastronomic goods. Expect classic French fare like macarons, mitraillettes, ratatouille, chocolate eclairs, croque monsieurs and more. Pair your lunch with a sommelier-curated collection of French and local wines, including the venerable Champagne Lanson.
For those after something a little more elite, SFSC is also offering Premiere Pique Niques for groups of 10. Each Pique Nicque includes styled picnic decor for 10 (complete with fresh flowers, low-seat wooden tables and French themed rugs and cushions), two bottles of Champagne Lanson and two charcuterie and cheese hampers under large shade umbrellas in a prime location on the green.
Entertainment will be headlined by psych rockers La Femme, steely electropop duo Kill The Pain, and romantic country singer Laure Briard. Joining them is French-Australian popstar Malo’– an effervescent singer-songwriter whose most recent track, Laisse-toi tranquille, featured heavily on radio this Euro summer. More artists will be announced on December 1.
In addition to musical acts, a new line-up of workshops has also been added to this year’s event. Explore and learn the world of wines with Pierre Stock, ex-sommelier of France Soir; enjoy a hands-on ceramics class; complete in a grand petanque tournament; or learn a bit of French with a speedy 30-minute masterclass. For the little ones, there will also be arts and crafts, face painting, and mime classes.
Of course, it wouldn’t be named So Frenchy So Chic if it’s fashion and style weren’t a true embodiment of Parisian elegance and sophistication. And you’re asked to mirror that in what you wear – with a roaming photographer capturing the best dressed of the day. Three of the Frenchiest (and the chicest) will each win Lanson Black Label Champagne Brut Magnum 1.5L.
Tickets to So Frenchy So Chic’s 2024 celebrations start from $82 with discounts for groups of 6 or more. The Melbourne edition is on from 11.15am–8.30pm on January 14, at Werribee Park Mansion, Sydney runs from 1pm–9.30pm on January 20, at Centennial Park.
