How to visit France in Melbourne

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.