A Day in Gay Paris

The French Speaking Association of the North Shore’s (FANS) annual French Market offers a slice of France right on your doorstep, with gourmet imported French foods and entertainment on offer.

“We’ve grown a lot in the last few years and it’s certainly become quite a little machine,” says FANS marketing officer Aurélie Favennec.

She tells of the day’s humble beginnings as the school’s fundraiser, having now transformed into one of the area’s biggest yearly markets, attracting more than 7,000 people annually.

“We’ve even had people from Newcastle, Wollongong and all over Sydney come along to buy from the authentic French vendors, and we have the room to welcome still more.”

For the French fare lovers, there will be all your favourite delights – foie gras; raclette; croque monsieur; saucissons (sausages); galette (savoury crepes); pâté; and, of course, delicious baked baguettes and French cheeses.

It wouldn’t be a true French market without sweet treats, and patrons will have to make the difficult choice between options such as handcrafted macaroons, croissants, crepes and waffles.

While the food takes pride of place (it is French themed, after all!), the more than 60 stalls will also include fashion; jewellery; home accessories; plants; French-language books, magazines and DVDs; small furniture items; and other assorted gifts.

“Everything on offer will either be pure traditional French or inspired by Francophone culture,” Aurélie explains.

There will be several activities for the kids, including fairground rides, face-painting, athletic games, a French reading corner and French sing-a-longs.

Adults can look inside a luxury Peugeot, participate in a wine or beer tasting workshop or enjoy a historical display by the 1er d’Artillerie de La Marine inc. – a French Napoleonic naval artillery re-enactment group.

“You’ll really feel like you’re in France for the day,” says Aurélie.

“Just enjoy, have a bit of food, sit on the terrace, enjoy the French music and wander around the market.”

Entry to the market is free, however a gold coin donation is appreciated and would go towards FANS’ work running the French-English bilingual program at Killarney Heights Public School.

The FANS French Market will be held on Sunday 10 November, 9am – 4pm, on the oval of Killarney Heights Public School, 10 Tralee Avenue, Killarney Heights.