The sounds of children’s laughter, the sizzle of crêpes, and the notes of lively French music are all part of the experience at the iconic French Market in beautiful Killarney Heights. This annual celebration of French culture, food, and language is back again this year to entice Sydneysiders to enjoy a piece of France.
The French Market has grown to become one of the largest in Australia, drawing 10,000 attendees from all over Sydney. The 17th edition of the French Market will be held on Sunday 5 November 2023, from 9am to 4pm, on the oval and grounds of Killarney Heights Public School, located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Featuring French culinary specialties, clothing, music, and artisanal wares, including classic berets, foie gras, cheese, and a French book sale, there’s also plenty to keep the kids happy, with carnival games, thrilling rides, face painting, and fistfuls of fairy floss and snow cones.
Volunteer-run event
The French Market is organized by a passionate team of 300 parents from Killarney Heights Public School. Of the many vendors, dozens of stands will be run by smiling volunteers. Waffles, quiches, croque-monsieur, cakes, pastries, and more delicacies await!
“I love seeing people come from all around Sydney, to showcase my children’s school—which they absolutely adore—in a positive light, and also to help spread the charm of French culture,” says volunteer coordinator Hélène Farrenq.
Fun for the kids
The youngest marketgoers can find everything they need to make a memorable day out—fairy floss and snow cones, face painting, dodgem cars, slippery slides, bouncy castles, and classic fair games will keep the kids busy and having fun.
“Witnessing the crowds of visitors coming to enjoy a piece of France is truly humbling. Seeing the smiles on children’s faces as they embark on their tenth ride of the day or order their second crepe, seeing families indulge in culinary delicacies, or browsing through artisanal wares for early Christmas gifts… all at the heart of our unique school… this is what makes the market day so special to me,” says French Market coordinator Clémence Duprat.
Unique shopping
Marketgoers can discover an array of unique shopping, with over 70 professional vendors offering French culinary delights, clothing items, hand-crafted jewellery, and other artisanal wares. With the holidays approaching, there will be plenty of opportunities to find perfect gifts—Breton shirts (“marinières”), espadrille style footwear, tablecloths from Provence, woven baskets, and a large selection of French books for adults and children will be available.
Of course, classic French gastronomy is featured with foie gras, confit de canard, cheese, truffle products, charcuterie, nougat, macarons, and other sweet pastries.
FANS Fundraiser
All proceeds go to support the unique FANS (French-speaking Association of the North Shore) bilingual program at Killarney Heights Public School, where 85% of students are enrolled to learn the NSW public school curriculum in both French and English.
“The funds raised at the French Market help cover vital expenses to ensure we run an excellent, compliant, and sustainable bilingual program,” says FANS Vice President Clémence Duprat.
“This event has a ripple effect that goes beyond funding; it provides an opportunity for a wide audience to discover our dynamic and inclusive association, to uncover the unique partnership thriving within the walls of our primary school, and it serves as a bridge, connecting people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.”
Jessica Mineau
Discussion about this post