Discover the best of France - Singapore partnerships through culture, science, education and lifestyle with the family!
It’s that time of year to crown your mane with a chic french beret and brush up on your french – because everything French and beautiful is coming to our shores this month and next. After a two-year-long hiatus, ‘vOilah!’ is back with a big lineup of more than 250 French-inspired events that will transport you to the gorgeous countryside of France without having to hop on a flight.
Between the 26 October to 27 November, vOilah! 2022 will showcase the best of France- Singapore partnerships through culture, science, education and lifestyle. This time the festival will be making a conscientious effort to achieve a net-zero goal by reducing CO2 emissions and its carbon footprint. Great initiative! So kit out the fam and rejig that calendar with the best of French music, literature, theatre, film, food & wine tastings, and so much more! Are you ready to see, swirl, sniff, sip and savour the flavours of France?
France Singapore Festival for the family
1. Jazz Au Jardin
The France Singapore Festival 2022 kickstarts omusicalious note with the festival opening programme, Jazz Au Jardin, at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This is the perfect introduction to jazz for the littlies! So, out the fam with all your picnic essentials, and look forward to lounging at the most idyllic venue under the starry sky. Brace yourselves as the evening unfolds with well-loved jazz standards featuring French and Singaporean musicians. Snap your fingers and tap your feet to numbers like Invitation, Have you met Ms Jones, Autumn Leaves, and so much more.
Jazz Au Jardin, Free Admission, 29 October 2022, 5 pm to 7 pm, Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, Singapore Botanic Gardens , 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
2. A Singaporean in Paris – “The new normal” version
Musical comedy, anyone? Yes, please! Head over to Drama Centre Theatre, National Library, to catch the experience of a Singaporean artist (Hossan Leong) who travels to Paris in the “new normal”. Hossan lands on Parisian shores to pursue his lifelong dream of performing in a cabaret. Expect a sea of chuckles as you navigate Paris with him and as he discovers a new city, language and culture.
Purchase tickets at https://www.sistic.com.sg/ (Children 4 years and above must purchase a ticket for entry), 2 November – 13 November, 8 pm every day except Monday & Sunday – 7pm on Sunday & Additional matinees at 4 pm on Saturdays and 3 pm on Sundays; Drama Centre Theatre, 100 Victoria St, #03-01 National Library, Singapore 188064
3. Exclusive vOilah! Pastry – Salted Egg Croissant with Coconut Praline Crumbs
It’s a super delish, limited edition pastry made in honour of vOilah 2022 – and the perfect fusion of French and Singapore cultures! Any guesses? We’re talking about buttery and flaky croissants. This one jumps off the charts with a rich and creamy salted egg yolk paste, crowned with crunchy coconut praline on the top. It’s tried and tested, and we say it’s to die for! Don’t be surprised to find fussy lil eaters going for seconds on this one!
26 October to 27 November 2022, Outlet Opening hours, Tiong Bahru Bakery Foothills, 70 River Valley Road #01-05, Singapore 179037
4. BAKE IT! Unleash your creativity at a family workshop
Christmas is never complete without that all-decadent Yule Log cake. Did you know this festive dessert originates from France and is originally known as bûche de Noël? We can’t think of a better way to get into the Christmas spirit than whipping up a nom-worthy Yule Log cake with the fam. This special fam-workshop will give you the necessary skills to perfect the all-time Xmas fave right in time for Christmas. Brace yourselves for a fun Yule Log cake-making sesh where you will get to create and decorate your very own Yule Log cake. Plus, you and the fam can enjoy a lovely breakfast to get into the Xmas spirit.
Register at [email protected], 12 Nov, 9.30 am to 11.30 am, $30 per a,dult $20 per kid, The Taste Lab – Classic Fine Foods, 7A Chin Bee Drive, Level 4, Singapore 619858
5. French Food Market
The French are famous for taking their food very seriously. And equal attention is given to the quality of ingredients in their pantries. Dive into an eye-opening experience at a french food market that will give you a newfound perspective on the artistry of food and sensitise your palate to an array of fresh flavours. The market will host a range of tastings, stalls with food, and an inspiring line-up of chefs, experts, sommeliers, wine importers, cheesemongers, producers and cold cuts specialists. Sample and bring home French cheeses, charcuterie, wine, seasonal fruits, veggies, typical pastries, caviars, and so much more. Try the best the French Overseas Territory has to offer, from the world’s best seafood, vanilla bean, exotic jams and more!
26-27 November, 10 am-10 pm, Level B4 ION, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
6. Singapore Writers Festival
The 25th edition of the Singapore Writers Festival has partnered with the Embassy of France for this year’s showcase. The festival embraces a quarter-life crisis as it grapples with its oriins, and ponders what could have been. Expect to find an incredible lineup of French thinkers and writers from genres ranging from science fiction and sequential arts to poetry and journalism. There’s something for all ages, including exciting story sessions for kids.
Click here to purchase your festival pass, 4 Nov- 20 Nov, 10 am to 10 pm, various timings, SWF Festival Grounds at the Civic District
7. Tour De France Prudential Singapore Criterium- Street Racing Spectacular
Calling all cycling enthusiasts! Boy, we’ve got a big treat in store for you! The F1 of all cycling events, the Tour de France, makes a South-East Asia premiere in Singapore with its latest addition – Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium. It will test the speed and agility of cyclists in a closed circuit for both professionals and amateurs. The two-day programme will culminate in the criterium race and will feature 32 cyclists from eight of the world’s best professional cycling teams. Yay! Want to be part of the action? Join as a participant! Or else join as a spectator with the fam in tow. Don’t miss out on the one-night show, SYNTHONY, featuring a breathtaking fusion of electronic dance music, DJs, vocalists, instrumentalists and a live orchestra.
Tour De France Prudential Singapore Criterium, Purchase tickets at Ticketek Singapore, 29 October & 30 October, 7 am to 9.30 pm, The Float @ Marina Bay, 20 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039805
8. Allez Les Bleus! Football festival
Want in on all that football fever right here on Singapore turf? We know just the fix to satiate your FIFA hunger. The French Football Academy Singapore presents a four-week programme celebrating France’s participation in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022- featuring four mini-world cup tournaments and two matches for public viewing. So pull over your fave football jerseys and catch some sporty fun with the fam.
Entry to the tournament is free; taking part in the tournament is $5 per person. Public viewing is $15 per person. Mini world cup tournament: 13 November (Kids U9-U11), 20 November (Kids U12-U14), 27 November (Kids U15-U17), 04 December (Adults) World cup Public viewings: 27 November 12 am to 2 am France – Denmark (Venue TBD), 30 November 11 pm to 1am France-Tunisia (Venue TBD). Tournament : 1pm to 5pm, Public Viewings: 12am (27 November), 11pm (30 November). XCL WORLD ACADEMY, 2 Yishun Street 42, Singapore 768039
9. 38th French Film Festival
Calling all you movie buffs! The French Film Festival is back with its 38th edition this year, showcasing 30 movies for you to enjoy. The festicelebratesn of French storytelling, through various genres, including thrillers, action, drama, romance, comedy and animation to suit every filmgoer. Keep your popcorn at the ready but plan for a deeper tub cause there are lots in store for the brood. Kids can look forward to animated films – Little Nicolas-Happy As Can Be by Amandine Fredon and Benjamin Massobre, and Belle and Sebastian- Next Generation by Pierre Core. Psst…look forward to free screenings organised at select public libraries in partnership with the National Library Board!
For full programme details, please visit https://www.voilah.sg/
France Singapore Festival for the fam with older (tween/teen) kids
10. French Classical Music
Looking to introduce your older kids to the world of French classical music? vOilah! 2022 has a great lineup of programmes where the fam can truly immerse themselves into elegant tunes that resonate with the cultures of France.
Mozart Flute & Harp Concerto
Slip into a Concerto by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO), led by renowned French maestro Ludovic Morlot. Engage with Mozart’s sublime union of the flute starring Jin Ta (SSO Principal Flute, Stephen Riady Chair) and the elegance of the harp starring Gulnara Mashurova (SSO Principal Harp), concluded with Schumann’s tribute to spring.
Purchase tickets on https://www.sistic.com.sg/ , 25 & 26 November, 7.30pm, Victoria Concert Hall, 11 Empress PI, #01-02, Singapore 179558
Philip Glass “King Lear”- performed by Tana Quartet
The Tana Quartet joins forces with composer Philip Glass for the Asian premiere of his string Quartet No.9. Expect to catch a dramatic landscape of harmonies characterised by swaying rhythms and more.
Philip Glass “King Lear”, Click here to a buy ticket, 27 October, 7.30 pm, The Esplanade, Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
The Salon of Princesse De Polignac: In search of lost time
The Salon of Princesse De Polignac is a reminiscence of the Parisian salon and its music that inspired Proust’s vignettes of his musical contemporaies, in the most respected novel of the 20th century. The performance will feature internationally acclaimed musicians like Jamie Walton- cello, Luca Buratto – piano, Tang Tee Khoon – violin and French clarinettist Florent Heau.
The Salon of Princesse De Polignac, 11 November & 12 November, 8pm, $42, $62, $82, $102, The Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive. Singapore 038981
Femme X:Baroque Heroines: Three Portraits of Mythological women
The stories of the three mythological women, Ariane, Lucretia and Circe, have been passed from generation to generation in epics, poems, music and paintings. In this one-of-a-kind programme, they finally tell their own stories featuring solo baroque cantatas. Catch an enticing performance by Ariane starring Philippe Courbois, La Lucrezia starring Georg Friederich Handel, and Circe by Francois Colin de Blamont performed by Teng Xiang Ting, Felicia Teo Kaixin and Cherie Tse.
Purchase tickets on https://peatix.com/femmex , 22 November, The Esplanade, Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
11. Baking Lemon and Chocolate tarts – Learn classic French bakes
Tarts are one of the most popular sweets in France, often served at French bistros and fine dining restaurants. If it sounds appetising, then check out this workshop where you can satiate your sweet tooth and pick up some pretty sweet skills to master this all-time french fave. SO France’s chef Balaji will teach you how to bake perfect tartes in a fun, interactive way exclusive to vOilah! You will get to learn the secrets to a light, buttery crust signature to French tartes. For the filling, you will learn to make the lightest lemon curd for tarte au citron (lemon tart) and the most intense chocolate ganache for a decadent tarte au chocolat (chocolate tart). Delish!
Purchase tickets here, 10 November & 24 November, 3 pm- 5 pm, S$50++, SO FRANCE DUO 7 Fraser Street, Duo Galleria #01-51/56, Singapore 189356
12. Architecture in Paris, Haussmann & Modernity – Architecture Workshop
Think your tween/teen has a creative streak? How about an introduction to the world of Architecture? This workshop aims to introduce children to architecture and to raise awareness about heritage in a playful way, taking the example of Paris and its Haussmannian architecture. They’ll get to make their very own Haussmann building model (scale; 1:50) and dabble in drawing and theory. The workshop also gives insight into the architect profession, its role, mission and major architectural projects around Paris.
Architecture in Paris, Haussmann & Modernity – Architecture Workshop, Purchase tickets on https://studiobty.com/ 29-30 October or 10-11 November, First Workshop: Saturday – Sunday: 9 am to 3 pm Second Workshop: Thursday – Friday: 9 am to 3 pm. Each workshop: 12 hours total, Prodigy by Proactiv Sports, 451 Joo Chiat Rd, #03-01 to 04 Katong Point, Singapore 427664 (accompanied if below 7 years old)
13. Iconic! The French Visionaries
Did you know that the iconic Smiley, hot air balloon, pasteurisation process, metric system, photography and film are all French creations? ICONIC! is where you and the brood can discover more about all these French inventions.
Free Admission, 9 November to 17 December, Tuesday to Friday, 1 pm – 7.30 pm & Satu,rday 9 am to 5.30 pm, Alliance Francaise de Singapour 1 Sarkies Rd, Singapore 258130
14. France Alumni Singapore Lecture by Imran Hashim- Highlighting the influence of higher education in France
How can education in France influence your child’s career path? This lecture series gives all you inquisitive parents an insight into the finer details of education overseas. The France Alumni Singapore Lecture Series will be presented by eminent personalities in Singapore who studied in France courtesy of The Embassy of France in Singapore and the French Alumni Singapore.
Free Admission, 10 November, 6.30pm, Embassy of France in Singapore 101-103 Cluny Park Road, Singapore 259595
15. Choose France! Education and Career Fair Asean 2022
Exploring higher education opportunities in France for your child? The 2nd edition of the Regional Virtual Student Fair will give you a deep dive into higher education in France. Explore webinars held by representatives of France’s top universities and higher education institutions of different specialities like business, engineering, social sciences or the arts. But here’s the big question. Can your child speak French? Do not fret! The good news is many universities offer programmes in English as well, bringing the same high-quality education to non-francophones. Psst, you can also explore career paths as well.
Digital, free, 14-19 November, 14-18 November: 3pm to 8pm & 19 November: 10 am – 6pm
16. French Regional Dinners – A Gastronomic Journey Through France
Introduce the fam to an exciting line-up of French dishes on ‘A Gastronomic Journey Through France’. From hearty dishes from Burgundy and Bordeaux, and Mediterranean flavours of Provence, to seafood dishes unique to Brittany, the offerings are sure to have you entranced and hungry for more.
02, 09, 16, 23 November, 6.30 pm onwards. 2 November: Burgundy, SO France Claymore, 9 November: Provence, SO France Duo, 16 November: Bordeaux/ South West, SO France Claymore, 23 November: Brittany, SO France Duo, SO France Claymore, 1 Claymore Drive #01-01, Singapore 229594, SO France Duo, 7 Fraser Street, Duo Galleria #01-51/56, Singapore 189356
17. Plein-Air oil painting Session
We all know the French have a passion for art. If you’re also feeling artistic, why not join Mylene Viggers as she takes you through the basics of Plein-air oil painting in the most idyllic natural setting, the Singapore Botanic Gardens? All materials will be provided at the venue, including oil pastels, oil paints, turpentine, palettes, brushes, canvases, easels, and other materials.
5, 12, 19 November, 8 am, S$ 95 per pax, (each session approximately 3.5 hours), Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
18. Nicolas Lefeuvre: I think I can see it: Retrospective through 3 main series over the last 12 years
Here’s a special exhibition for all art enthusiasts in Singapore. Explore the ink works by French painter Nicolas Lefeuvre, inspired by his 20-year-long stint living in Asia. A minimalist, contemplative and graphic display of expressions at the intersection of Asian and European cultures. Don’t miss out on his new book launch Nicolas Lefeuvre: Ink Works 2010-2021, editions des Galeries, 2022.
5-29 November, 10am to 7 pm, Thursdays to Sundays, 6 November, 4pm to 8 pm, Meet the artist and book signature, 7 November, 7 pm – 9 pm, Art talk and live performance between Nicolas Lefeuvre with Marie-Diane Meissirel. Free Admission, Clementine de Forton Gallery, 63 Spottiswoode Park Road, Singapore 088651
France Singapore Festival for mums and dads
19. Baguette & Brioche Experience – Intermediate Sourdough Workshop
Looking to amp up your sourdough baking skills? We know just the workshop for mums and dads to climb the ranks in the baking department. Tiong Bahru Bakery is back with a great workshop to pick up skills in baking sourdough baguettes, brioches (babkas) and burger buns. Guided by TBB’s very own sourdough b,aker Chef Paul, learn to make naturally fermented baguettes and brioches by hand and kneading techniques.
$299.60, purchase tickets on https://peatix.com/ , 24, 25 & 26 November 1pm – 6pm, Tiong Bahru Bakery Foothills (Sourdough Academy), 70 River Valley Road, #01-05 Singapore 179037
20. Cheesy Workshop – Learn the basics of cheese-making
This workshop will be a super hit with all the mums and dads. Sorry kiddos, for a change, your mums and dads will dedicate a good five hours to the world of cheese! Yep, you heard right! Learn from Laurent as he shares the ancestral traditions of cheese-making. He will also explain and demonstrate the steps of making the most popular cheese types. You will learn ways to enjoy cheeses while sipping from a selection of wines and take home your very own handmade flavoured cheese. You can bet the little home mice will be waiting at the ready!
Cheesy Workshop, Click here to purchase tickets, 11 November, 2 pm to 7 pm, S$ 150++ -20pax. Working in pairs, Incubaker Cafe, 21 Media Circle #01-01, Infinite Studio 138562
21. Tour De Singapore – Savour your way through the historic enclaves of Singapore
It’s high time busy mums and dads had a date night from the rigour of parenthood. So celebrate love by embarking on a restaurant hop through Singapore’s historical and cultural district in the CBD. Yep! We are talking a night with aperitifs and snacks at Poisson, dinner-boeuf at Boeuf, and end on a sweet note at Noir with desserts in a plush wine lounge. We reckon the evening will continue on a sweeter note after dessert!
Tour De Singapore, Pre-purchase tickets via enquiry @159ATAS.SG, 1 November, 8 November, 15 November & 22 November 2022, 6 pm – 7pm : POISSON (Snacks & Aperitif), 48 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089859, 7.30pm – 8.30 pm : BOEUF (Mains and red wine ) & 8.30 pm – 9pm: NOIR (Desserts), 159 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068614
22. Wine-tasting experiences
In need of a break from parenthood duties? Here’s a special lineup of the best wine tastings for mums and dads:
Chateau Cos D’Estournel with Local food – Bordeaux Grand Cru from Chateau Cos D’Estournel paired with local food
Discover a food and wine pairing fusion created between French and Singaporean flavours. Wines of Chateau Cos d’Estournel Grand Cru Classe de 1855 paired with a local twist Saint-Estephe (Bordeaux), at the casual and local Yang Ming Seafood Eatery. Wines names: Grand Cru 2007 and Grand Cru 2012. Through this tasting discover how the white pairs with meaty and juicy signature lobster and the red matches with the suckling pig.
Contact [email protected] to purchase tickets, Local eatery Yang Ming Seafood (Ubi Branch) 71 Ubi Crescent Excalibur Centre #01-05 Singapore 408571
Shaken not stirred – Improve your Mixology skills with Martell
Join Martell’s Brand Ambassador and Resident Barman at a Set of Six for an exclusive Martell cocktail masterclass. A real treat for dads!
Shaken not stirred – Improve your Mixology skills with Martell, 27 October, 18 November & 25 November 2022, 2 pm to 4 pm, Set of Six, 20 Craig Rd, #01-01, Singapore 089692
Organic Wine Tastings – A Saturday with “The Vintage Club”
Spend one hour with the wine experts to decrypt organic wine labels and taste four different wines.
Contact [email protected] to purchase tickets, Organic Wine Tastings – A Saturday with “The Vintage Club”, 29 October, 5 November, 12 November, 19 November, 11 am – 12.30 pm; Vintage Wine Club, 49 Jln Pemimpin, #01-11APS industrial building, Singapore 577203
Iconic Wine & Cheese Pairing- Exclusive Masterclass with Little Farms Cheesemonger & Sommelier
Ever wonder why cheese and wine pair so well? Here’s a great introduction to the art of wine and cheese pairing at signature Cheese Bars in Little Farms outlets hosted by Olivier Sublett. Expect to find five iconic cheeses from various regions of France – such as Tomme De Savoie from the French Alps, paired with French wines.
Iconic Wine & Cheese Pairing, 2 November @ Little Farms Bistro, Katong Point, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm, Singapore 427664, 9 November @ Little Farms Cafe, Valley Point, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm, Singapore 248371, 16 November @ Little Farms Table, Tanglin Mall, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm, Singapore 247933, 23 November @ Little Farms, Serangoon Gardens, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm, Singapore 556679
Au Naturale – Biodynamic Wine Workshops by Drunken Farmer
Calling all wine novices and connoisseurs! Learn from wine expert and sommelier, Eduardo Bayo, as he improves your understanding of conscientious winemaking. Get an in-depth understanding of cutting-edge wine varieties and train your palate, at the same time.
Purchase your tickets here, 2-3 November, 23-24 November @ Stanley Street, 7 pm, Singapore 068730, 9-10 November @ Martin Road, 7 pm, 239058, 16-17 November @ Joo Chiat Road, 7pm, 427456
A Journey through French Vineyards: Quintessential pairing at Fleur De Sel with the wine odyssey
The Wine Odyssey brings to you French vineyards with three amazing wine dinners, hosted at Fleur De Sel restaurant. Look forward to a special menu, designed by Chef Alexandre Lozachmeur, that pairs perfectly with the wines.
First dinner on 8 November dedicated to Burgundy; second dinner on 15 November, a journey through Loire Valley and Rhone Valley; third dinner is the Bordeaux wine dinner on 22 November, S$255 Net; Book at +65 82991590 or [email protected], 8, 15 and 22 November, 7 pm, Fleur De Sel, 64 Tras Street, Singapore 079003
South of France Wine Festival: Tasting with Wine Producers from Languedoc Roussillon
Enjoy wine and tapas at FOC Sentosa, featuring wines imported from the best estates of wine regions like Languedoc Roussillon and Provence in the South of France on the Mediterranean Sea. Expect to find names like Domaine du Clos des Fees, Mas de Daumas Gassac, Mas Amiel etc.
$148 net, for more information and booking please contact [email protected], 24 November, 6.30pm – 8.30 pm wine tasting, 8.30pm to 10.30 pm – free flow of wine and tapas, FOC Sentosa, 110 Tanjong Beach Walk, 098943
And there you have it! The perfect and most sublime sip of vOila! 2022 with the fam.