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.
Find the best French experiences in Melbourne:
Live luxe in the Paris end
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. You can even book a Moulin Rouge-inspired stay at The Westin when the hit musical returns to Melbourne.
More of the best Paris-end shops
Staycation in a French-themed hotel
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 try sweet desserts like the 'blooming rose'. It's a white chocolate tart with a burst of berries, rose and lavender.
More high tea in Melbourne
Collins Coffee House
Modern Australian cafe located in a heritage building, specialising in coffee, high tea and brunch.
The Tea Rooms 1892
Located in Melbourne’s famous Block Arcade, the Tea Rooms are steeped in history.
The best places for high tea in Melbourne
Where to find fancy high tea, dessert high tea, gluten free high tea and more.
Find the best French desserts
From macarons to mille-feuille, there are endless spots for French desserts in the city. La Belle Miette (at the tippy top of Collins Street) is world-renowned for its perfectly crafted macarons. Pair with specialty French tea for a proper afternoon delight. 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.
More of the best French dessert spots
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 of the best French restaurants
Hemingway's Wine Room
Brasserie and Wine Bar that is inspired by seasonality, with dishes based on European fundamentals
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 of the best cheese and wine shops
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.
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 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.
More of the best patisseries
Black Star Pastry
Cult bakery, serving delicious pies and cakes, including the famous Strawberry Watermelon Cake.
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. 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.
More of the best French experiences
Last updated on Mon 23 Oct 2023
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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.