As the world turns its gaze towards Paris for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, Queenslanders need not look far to indulge in French culture. From July 1 to September 30, Brisbane’s famous South Bank will transform into a vibrant French Quarter, offering a slice of Parisian life right by the riverside.
Our story on South Bank’s French Festival continues after this advertisement:
A French Extravaganza at South Bank
South Bank will be adorned in red, white, and bleu, featuring giant croissants, baguettes, French martinis, cancan dancers, French-inspired picnics, mime artists, opera singers, and a vast array of French cheeses.
A stunning four-storey tribute to the Eiffel Tower, named Paris Tower, will stand tall, illuminating the precinct and celebrating every Australian medal win during the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
Bonjour, Brisbane! Bon Appétit, South Bank!
South Bank’s top culinary spots are ready to bring you a taste of France. Here are some highlights:
Barbossa: Enjoy a range of French cocktails, including a Kir Royale, French 75, and a classic French Martini, or indulge in a traditional baked camembert with honey and walnuts for $15.
The Jetty: Savor two Grey Goose Martinis with a deluxe three-cheese board for $35.
Vici: Delight in a $90 bottomless brunch featuring five fabulous courses with free-flowing Aix en Provence Rosé and French Martinis, or opt for a glass of Veuve Clicquot at $25.
Ole: Experience a six-course French Fiesta with free-flowing Aix en Provence Rosé and French Martinis, or a glass of Veuve Clicquot for $25.
Fritzenberger: Don’t miss the huge Cheese Wheel, where chefs melt cheese onto fries and ‘Frenchified’ hamburgers for an extra $6.
C’est Du Gateau: Elevate your taste buds with a different Brisbane Roll each month for $9.50, a regular croissant and coffee for $11, and EXTRA large croissants over the weekends for $35.
OTTO Ristorante: Indulge in a premium French wine pairing with the signature OTTO Tasting Menu for $199 per person. At OTTO Osteria, try the twice-baked cheese soufflé for $24 or the French-inspired cocktail “Mon Cherie” for $25.
Brooklyn Depot: Enjoy a French Dip Sandwich or the famous poutine fries with a French Martini or French 75 for $34.95.
Baba Ganouj: Savor a $22 French Martini and an $18 Chocolate Fondant.
Poppies: Relish a French Martini with a twist for $18 and a French-inspired Mimosa with Chambord and bubbles for $14.
Ma Pa Me: Try the Chimosa cocktail, a mimosa with Chinola instead of orange juice, for $15.
Harajuku Gyoza: Experience the fusion of Japanese and French flavors with their famous Grilled Pork Gyoza topped with hollandaise sauce, $12 for 5 pieces and $18 for 8 pieces.
Denim Co.: Warm up with a French Hot Chocolate for $6.50.
Le Festival: A Celebration of All Things French
From Friday, July 5 to Sunday, July 7, South Bank will host Le Festival, a beloved three-day celebration of French culture. The masterclass program will offer excellence in a variety of events, including floral arrangements with award-winning florist Bart Hassam, perfume making with noted ‘nose’ Miriam Young, and beer and wine pairings with Frank Berges and Peter Gross.
The festival will also feature exhibitions, performances, and a bustling open-air market with over 50 stalls showcasing French-inspired clothes, goods, and food. For the little ones, there’s the Mini “Olympiades”.
Paris Tower: A Tribute to the Eiffel Tower
Standing an impressive four storeys tall in the stunning Cultural Forecourt opposite QPAC, the Paris Tower offers breathtaking views of the river.
By day, bask in the sunshine and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
By night, marvel at the magical transformation as the tower’s bespoke lighting design sets the mood for an unforgettable evening.
During the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, the tower will light up in gold, silver, or bronze every time an Australian athlete wins a medal.
To enhance your experience of this petit piece of Paris, a variety of activities centered around the tower and brimming with French flair will be available.
Be sure to keep an eye on our South Bank ‘What’s On’ page and social media channels to stay updated on all the exciting events.
French-Themed Events
Throughout the three months, South Bank will host a variety of French-themed events, including roving performances, music, food tastings, sip-and-paint sessions, and French-inspired picnics.
The streets will be festively decorated in red, white, and bleu, with The Collective Market styled for the occasion.
Experience South Bank Like Never Before
Over the next three months, South Bank’s transformation might make you feel like you’ve been transported to Paris.
With so many French delights to enjoy, from baguettes and blue cheese to festive picnics and unique cocktails, there’s something for everyone.
Learn Some French Phrases
To fully immerse yourself in the French experience, here are some handy phrases:
- How much for the baguette? Combien pour la baguette?
- A glass of champagne, please? Un coupe de champagne, s’il vous plaît
- Where is the masterclass held? Où se déroule la masterclass?
- We love Brisbane Nous aimons Brisbane
- We love South Bank Nous aimons South Bank
- What sort of cheese is that? De quelle sorte de fromage s’agit-il?
- Where is the Paris Tower? Où est la Tour de Paris?
- Where can I have a French Martini? Où puis-je prendre un Martini français?
- I’m here for the brunch special Je suis là pour le brunch spécial
- Where is the bathroom? Où se trouvent les toilettes
South Bank Turns French!
Don’t miss out on Brisbane’s own French Quarter – three months of French fun from July 1 to September 30 at South Bank’s Cultural Forecourt and Parklands.
For more details, visit What’s On South Bank.
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