
How to visit France in Melbourne
Does jetting off to Paris seem a distant dream? Pas de problème (that’s French for no worries). From croissants to crepes, Camembert to Chanel, there are plenty of ways to get your French fix in Melbourne.
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Find the best French desserts
For crepes on the go, head to La Petite Crêperie. Your French-speaking crepe-maker at this takeaway Swanston Street kiosk will flambée your beurre Suzette with Grand Marnier and add a grand finale of cream. Or stop in for a buckwheat treat from Roule Galette. These savoury crepes from Brittany are filled with ham and cheese, or decadent truffle salmon. For a sweet crepe, order banana and strawberry 'la gourmande'.
More French dessert spots
La Belle Miette
Cute patisserie at the top end of Collins Street, with delicious macarons and sweet treats.
Shop French wine and cheese
Can’t resist a scoop of triple-cream Délice de Bourgogne? A slice of buttery, hazelnutty Comté? The French Shop at Queen Victoria Market can advise on the best cheese selection. To pair with vintages from Bordeaux, Burgundy or Champagne, make your next stop the City Wine Shop. If you’d rather shop for fromage and vin under one roof, Spring Street Grocer and their basement cheese cellar has you covered. Try traditional brie from Brittany with a rosy Côtes de Provence.
More cheese and wine experts
RIPE Cheese
Offering over 50 varieties of Australian cheese, from the Dairy Hall at the Queen Vic Market.
Blackhearts and Sparrows
Independent wine store with carefully selected range of wine, beer and cider.
Milk The Cow Licensed Fromagerie
A licensed cheese shop with over 180 cheeses from all over the world to choose from.
Dine at French restaurants
Make a date at Bistrot d’Orsay for intimate lamp-lit dining beneath a striking ceiling mural. For the last word in traditional fine French cuisine, complete with white linen and silver service, dine at Philippe. Start with oysters or steak tartare, followed by confit duck. And of course, dessert has to be a traditional crème brûlée.
More French dining
Hemingway's Wine Room
Brasserie and Wine Bar that is inspired by seasonality, with dishes based on European fundamentals
Indulge in the city's best croissants
Looking for Melbourne’s most celebrated croissants? The New York Times reckons Lune’s are the best in the world. As in Paris, they’re baked on-site throughout the day. Order a twice-baked almond croissant to enjoy with a coffee. Or savour Rustica’s tasty take on that croissant-doughnut lovechild, the cronut. For croissants with an Australasian twist, there’s Agathé Pâtisserie hidden under a staircase in Royal Arcade. Unexpected flavours include matcha and pandan, peach crumble and raspberry.
More pastry spots
First Love Coffee
Cafe run by the team behind Rustica, devoted to its coffee blend First Love Coffee.
Visit an entire café dedicated to Croque Monsieur
Tucked away in one of Melbourne's tiniest hidden laneways is where you'll find Croque Melbourne, a French toastie wonderland from the team behind Roule Galette. The classic croque is a cheesy, melty masterpiece cooked to perfection on artisan bread. Savour the house made béchamel sauce and pretend you're in France. Visit again for the salmon and avo grilled cheese, then grab flaky croissants and Danishes to go.
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East Melbourne General Store
A licensed grocer selling a full range of groceries, fresh produce and liquor.
East Melbourne IGA and Liquor
East Melbourne IGA and Liquor is conveniently located in the Tribeca Complex in East Melbourne.