France represents so much: culture and cheese, chateaux and gateaux, Champagne and romance … Well, that’s only the beginning. The Brits have long admired the Gallic joie de vivre, with its emphasis on romance, food, art and intellect – and from 19 to 21 January we have the chance to take a closer look at the finest that France has to offer.
To celebrate this beautiful and diverse country, Vive la France is coming to Olympia, London. With over 100 exhibitors, the event showcases the very best, from fine wines and gastronomic delights to culture, style and interior design. Travelling to and living in France are also emphasised, as the show spotlights a rich variety of travel destinations as well as a whole host of property.
To cover all aspects of French culture and life, Vive la France has four shows within a show. The French Travel & Tourism Show features regional tourist boards, from the favourite and best known regions to the hidden gems of France. The French Food & Wine Show includes Taste on the Terrace, which will be serving signature dishes created by some of the most popular French restaurants in Britain such as Brasserie Roux, Club Gascon, Le Gavroche and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Also, superchefs Raymond Blanc and Jean-Christophe Novelli will be cooking up a storm at the Food Theatre. Elsewhere visitors should prepare their taste buds for a culinary celebration, with a whole host of fine wine and food tasting to tempt passers-by.
The French Lifestyle and Culture Show captures that certain je ne sais quoi which makes French living so desirable. Visitors can brush up on their French or start from scratch at the Language Pavillion while fashionistas should head straight to the Fashion Stage where designers such as Agnès B will be presenting exclusive previews of their spring/summer collections. And for lovers of La Nouvelle Vague, TV5 will be showing excerpts from classic French films.
And of course, there is French property, long a favourite with us Brits. Buying property in France is not just an idyllic dream; it makes very sound business sense too. Whether it’s a hilltop villa, a coastal retreat or a country house ripe for conversion, eagle eyed investors will find an unrivalled selection of property, information and advice at The French Property Exhibition where experts will be giving seminars on making that dream a reality.
Vive la France is open Friday 19 January 10am to 6pm and Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 January from 10am to 5pm. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked on 0870 013 0730 or at vivelafrance.co.uk. Tickets are £8 in advance and £12 on the door; price includes entry to all four shows, including the French Property Exhibition.