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Featured Image: Garçon Bleu, Sofitel Adelaide
South Australia may be far from the cobblestone streets of Paris and the vineyards of Bordeaux, but the French joie de vivre is alive and thriving right here. With a wealth of French-inspired restaurants, wine, and cultural experiences, you can immerse yourself in the magic of France without leaving the state. Here’s your ultimate guide to indulging in all things French, whether you’re planning a staycation in Adelaide or dreaming of a trip to France.
If you are planning a French adventure, consider timing your journey with the Tour de France or one of France’s many vibrant wine harvest festivals. And be sure to include a visit to the Cité du Vin de Bordeaux, recently named one of the faces of the “Make it Iconic. Choose France’ campaign, who aims at promoting the French spirit and audacity in various sectors of excellence, embodied by iconic personalities and places such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, footballer Kylian Mbappé, rugby player Antoine Dupont, designer Philippe Starck, Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic and many others.
Delicatessen Kitchen & Bar
Step into a charming slice of Paris at Delicatessen Kitchen & Bar, located on Waymouth Street in Adelaide. Known for its classic bistro atmosphere, this venue serves up French favourites such as coq au vin, duck confit, and escargots in garlic butter. Pair your meal with a glass of French red and let your imagination wander to the Seine.
Hey Jupiter Brasserie Francaise
No list of French dining in Adelaide is complete without Hey Jupiter in Ebenezer Place. This bustling brasserie offers an authentic Parisian vibe, complete with a stellar menu featuring steak frites, croque monsieur, and indulgent crème brûlée. Visit during Bastille Day celebrations for an extra dose of French revelry.
Bistro Français
“We believe French food should be an everyday pleasure,” say Head Chef Fabien Striet and Restaurant Manager Nazzareno Falaschetti. “At Bistro Français, we’ve created a welcoming space where you can enjoy honest, authentic French cooking paired with great wines.” The menu features classic French dishes prepared with time-honoured techniques, alongside a few modern interpretations and seasonal specials. They offer a curated selection of wines from across France, complemented by a handful of local favorites.
Garçon Bleu
Escape to Garçon Bleu, a haven of French elegance perched atop Sofitel Adelaide on Level 9. Here, culinary artistry meets breathtaking design, with panoramic views of the Adelaide Hills and city lights setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Garçon Bleu reimagines French classics with a contemporary flair, driven by a passion for exceptional food and wine. Expect vibrant, playful dishes that break the mold of tradition while honoring the heart of French cuisine.
Smelly Cheese Co
Owner Valérie Henbest’s passion for consuming and promoting cheese and cheese education soon put this Adelaide Central Market shop on the map. With a wide range of incredible French cheese (among others) to choose from, you’ll be able to shop up a storm, for your perfect French-inspired events and entertaining. Valérie is also worth seeking out – the notable foodie has recently been awarded the Knight of the French National Order of the Agricultural Merit Award by His Excellency Jean-Pierre Thébault, Ambassador of France to Australia. This is a BIG deal! The award is one of France’s highest civilian honours. It honours Valerie’s exceptional contributions to the agricultural industry – via her incredible cheese business – and her work building strong bonds between France and Australia.
Wine Tasting at Adelaide Hills’ French-Inspired Cellar Doors
The Adelaide Hills, renowned for its cool-climate wines, offers several cellar doors with French connections. Visit The Lane Vineyard to savour their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both crafted with a nod to Burgundy traditions. For a sparkling experience reminiscent of Champagne, explore Deviation Road, whose sparkling wines are crafted using méthode traditionnelle.
La Buvette Drinkery
This intimate Adelaide bar is a haven for Francophiles. La Buvette Drinkery specialises in natural wines, pastis, and artisanal French aperitifs. The ambiance, complete with vintage posters and dim lighting, transports you straight to a Parisian café.
Adelaide Central Market’s French Corner
Immerse yourself in French flavours at the Adelaide Central Market, where stalls like Les Deux Coqs offer artisan pâtés, terrines, and crêpes. Don’t miss their sweet crêpes filled with Nutella or their savoury galettes, paired perfectly with a cup of French press coffee.
Alliance Française Events
The Alliance Française d’Adélaïde is your go-to for French cultural events. From French film nights to language classes, they’ll help you deepen your appreciation of French culture. Keep an eye out for their annual French Film Festival, which showcases the best of French cinema.
Picnic at Carrick Hill’s French-Inspired Gardens
Pack a French picnic – think baguettes, brie, and rosé – and head to Carrick Hill in the Adelaide foothills. The manicured gardens and European-style estate provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day reminiscent of the French countryside.
L’Anse French Café & Croissanterie
This award-winning regional destination has made quite a name for itself, nestled in the heart of Port Lincoln. Enjoy a French inspired breakfast, brunch and lunch, hand-made pastries and locally roasted coffee. With the owners originally hailing from France, the husband and wife duo have brought a taste of home to the Eyre Peninsula. The cuisine is outstanding, with co-owner Marvin Lattrez previously working as a fine dining chef in France, learning his craft from Michelin star chefs at several luxury restaurants, providing the highest level of gastronomic experiences.
Clare Valley’s French Influence
The Clare Valley might be known for its Riesling, but it also boasts a touch of French charm. Visit Stanley Grammar Country House, a historic boutique accommodation option with French-inspired decor, perfect for a romantic retreat.
French Hospitality In The Vines
Le Mas Barossa was inspired by the Mas throughout France, where restored farmhouses provide beautiful accommodation offerings. Le Mas is a reimagining of the 1857 Farm House that reflects a contemporary Provençal style. The destination combines contemporary design with effortless French hospitality. A luxurious place of understated charm, Le Mas is a reimagining of the boutique hotel offering, which is made for individuals who appreciate a connection to nature, creativeness, and intimacy. For in-house guests indulge yourself with authentic Provençal cuisine in the setting of the Orangerie. Each meal is prepared with a delicious combination of fresh produce grown on site or locally sourced.
Experiencing South Australia’s French offerings is the perfect prelude to a trip to France. From savouring French cuisine to sipping wines reminiscent of Bordeaux, you’ll be inspired to explore the real thing. Imagine walking along the Champs-Élysées, exploring the lavender fields of Provence, or gliding down the Rhône River.
South Australia’s French-inspired delights will give you a taste of what’s to come and make the transition to the real deal all the sweeter. So, why wait? Start with a French escape right here in South Australia. Whether it’s a decadent meal, a bottle of Champagne, or a stroll through a picturesque garden, each experience will deepen your connection to France and fuel your wanderlust for the adventure of a lifetime. Bon appétit!
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Dining and Cooking