Hanoi (VNA) - The second French gastronomy festival, “Balade enFrance” opened at the King Ly Thai To Monument near Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi onJanuary 10.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s CommitteeNguyen Duc Chung hailed the French culture and language as an important part inthe history of the capital city’s development.

Thus far, French culture, cuisine and language are still favoured and used bymany Hanoians, and continue to be widespread, he said, stating that the cityhas implemented many cooperation projects to preserve and strengthen thedissemination of French culture to the people in Hanoi and across Vietnam.

According to Chung, the second French gastronomy festival will introduce theVietnamese people to famous French cuisine along with the country’s uniquecultural and entertainment activities, promising to bring visitors surprisingand memorable experiences.

Chung emphasised that the festival as an important political, cultural andexternal event of Hanoi, contributing to promoting cultural andpeople-to-people exchange between the two countries, while creating a warm spaceof friendship, and mutual trust and understanding between France and theVietnamese capital city.

French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery stated that the “Balade en France2019” features about 40 pavilions set up by prestigious hotels, restaurants,and food and wine importers from France, such as Press Club, Sofitel LegendMetropole Hanoi, Red Apron, Chocolat Marou, Saint Honore, Lu, and Fabrik,offering typical dishes of French cuisine.

“Balade en France” will create an exciting musical party with the performanceof Vietnamese and French artists, together with other activities, includingFrench film screenings, street music, drawing pictures, and sweepstakes, aimingto bring French-styled experiences to visitors, he said.

In addition, the organising board will set up models simulating French artworks, such as Eiffel Tower and Pond des Arts, a bridge of love in France wherecouples often visit and attach padlocks (love locks) to the side of the bridgeto show their love.

The festival, organised by the French Embassy in Vietnam, in collaboration withthe Hanoi People’s Committee, will run until January 12./.