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:

People sit on a bench outside the brightly lit windows of the Fendi store in Collins Street.

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

Chanel

Chanel

Iconic global fashion brand offering luxury apparel, footwear and accessories.

Dior

Dior

French luxury brand known for its elegant apparel, footwear, accessories and beauty products.

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin

Luxury shoes and accessories featuring their iconic red soles.

Prada

Prada

The Collins Street branch of the global luxury brand known for its high fashion clothing.

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

Collins Coffee House

Modern Australian cafe located in a heritage building, specialising in coffee, high tea and brunch.

The Tea Rooms 1892

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

The best places for high tea in Melbourne

Where to find fancy high tea, dessert high tea, gluten free high tea and more.

Table displaying a range of macarons and chocolates, with a chocolate mousse and a cup of tea.

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

Sweet Canteen

Sweet Canteen

A desserts, pastries, and coffee shop hidden in the colourful Driver Lane.

La Petite Crêperie

La Petite Crêperie

Tiny takeaway kiosk serving up authentic French crepes.

Millé and B

Millé and B

Boutique patisserie specialising in the delicately layered Millé Crepe Cake.

View of Melbourne from across the Yarra River

French Quarter Patisserie

Serving delicious French cakes and pastries, seven days a week.

A French restaurant with a painted mural on the ceiling

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

Reine & La Rue

Reine & La Rue

An elegant restaurant and cocktail bar in a heritage listed grand and airy space.

Bistro Guillaume

Bistro Guillaume

Classic French food from a renowned chef.

Hemingway's Wine Room

Hemingway's Wine Room

Brasserie and Wine Bar that is inspired by seasonality, with dishes based on European fundamentals

Tapenade

Tapenade

A southern French-inspired café and restaurant serving authentic family recipes.

A range of cheeses on a table

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

RIPE Cheese

Offering over 50 varieties of Australian cheese, from the Dairy Hall at the Queen Vic Market.

Blackhearts and Sparrows

Blackhearts and Sparrows

Independent wine store with carefully selected range of wine, beer and cider.

Milk The Cow Licensed Fromagerie

Milk The Cow Licensed Fromagerie

A licensed cheese shop with over 180 cheeses from all over the world to choose from.

V Wine Salon

V Wine Salon

The epitome of the French wine bar experience located in a gorgeous heritage building.

Person holding a takeaway croissant in a bag.

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

Rustica

Rustica

Rustica's newest bakery and cafe is on the corner of Little Collins and Queen Street.

Black Star Pastry

Black Star Pastry

Cult bakery, serving delicious pies and cakes, including the famous Strawberry Watermelon Cake.

The Butter Room

The Butter Room

A Korean bakery using French baking techniques in Melbourne.

French Lettuce

French Lettuce

Exquisite cakes and other sweet treats to enjoy at home or for your next event.

Hand holding a croque monsieur toasted sandwich containing melted cheese and ham.

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

French Club
Until

French Club

Immerse yourself in French culture, improve your Language skills and make new friends.

Last updated on Mon 23 Oct 2023

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