How to visit France in Melbourne

Whether you're window shopping or indulging in a treat, the famous Paris-end of Collins Street is a must for Melbourne Francophiles. Marvel at the heritage buildings as you traipse from Longchamp to Louis Vuitton. Don't miss the stunning displays at Gucci, Dior and Moncler, either.

Indulge in a romantic staycation in the Paris-end at the stunning Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. The luxury hotel is imbued with a French flair. Think Parisian-chic styling and creative European cuisine. Head up to the gorgeous No.35 restaurant to sip on champagne with a view and enjoy menu highlights like French caviar, lavender poached pears and beetroot tartare.

From macarons to mille-feuille, there are endless spots for French desserts in Melbourne. La Belle Miette (at the tippy top of Collins Street) is world-renowned for its perfectly crafted macarons. Use your sugar rush to power a walk down to Le Petit Gateau on Little Collins. Think mirror-glazed chocolate, custard filled treats and more, served from one of Melbourne's most underrated patisseries.

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.

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.

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 a waffle-slash-croissant hybrid from cute newcomer LeMuse. 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. This French toastie wonderland is 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.