Add some ‘Oh la la’ to your calendar!
The Killarney Heights Public School French Market is back for its 18th year on Sunday 17 November and promises to be bigger and better than ever in a vibrant celebration of French culture.
This year, the market continues its tradition of providing a unique Francophone experience, also featuring specialties from other French-speaking countries such as Belgium, Canada, Switzerland and beyond.
Visitors can enjoy French culinary delights such as charcuterie, crêpes, croque-monsieur, and foie gras, all while being immersed in a festive atmosphere accompanied by classic French music.
The French-speaking Association of the North Shore (FANS) runs the market. FANS has been operating a bilingual program at Killarney Heights Public School for 25 years. What began as one class is now 28 classes, with almost 700 students enrolled (85 per cent) in the program’s two streams – the francophones (native French speakers) and anglophones (English speakers learning French as a second language).
FANS now employs 16 teachers of French, as opposed to one teacher back in 1999. The parents pay an annual fee for the program, but as a non-profit organisation, it is reliant on events such as the market to raise funds to cover the costs of the bilingual program.
The market started out as a school fete and now attracts about 10,000 visitors.
Clemence Duprat has been in Australia since 2008 and has two children enrolled in the program. She’s very passionate about the program and the market.
French Market
17 November 2024, 9am to 4pm
Killarney Heights Public School, 10 Tralee Avenue, Killarney Heights
Cost: Gold coin donation
Find out more: fanssydney.org
“It’s a place for artisans and professional merchants that sell handcrafted goods,” says Clemence, president of FANS. “(This includes) homewares, tableware, clothing (including second-hand chic) and jewellery inspired by the French culture.”
The beautiful French food is sure to tantalise the tastebuds, with the most delicious Nutella crepes, waffles and French delicacies such as pates and preserves.
And be sure to try the famous French raclette while you’re at the market, so you can sing, as Edith Piaf once did, ‘Je ne regrette rien’ (‘I regret nothing’).
“Raclette is a favourite in France,” Clemence explains. “It’s melted cheese on potatoes with cold cuts, typically French ham with a few pickles – and a bit of salad on the side just for the green touch.”
Pretend you’re in France while you do some French-inspired Christmas shopping to the background sounds of French singers and keep the kids entertained with a selection of rides.
There will also be face painting and games, and the school students will showcase their talents in the school hall. There’s even a photo booth for Instagrammable moments and a huge collection of French books and magazines. “It’s a very popular stall because you can’t find French books everywhere,” says Clemence.
“It’s a day out for the whole family where you can buy your Christmas gifts, buy your gourmet items for a French inspired picnic or dinner at home and your kids can have lots of fun.”
