Le French May Returns

The most delicious, stylish, and ...well ... French, month in our city's social calendar is back for another celebration of all things bon, belle, and bien. Celebrating its 24th year in Hong Kong, this year's arrangements look set to be bigger and better than ever. With rousing music, jaw-dropping acrobatics, and delicious cuisine - all washed down with some local wine of course - it's no wonder this annual event draws in over one million visitors each year. Ooh là là!

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Party at PMQ

Kicking off the celebrations with a bang, the PMQ courtyard will be transformed into a French village over the public holiday weekend. The French Fun Brass and Dancers from Cirque Eloize will be dazzling guests with their creative performances, which blend music and circus acts. Meanwhile, graffiti artists Bao and Miguel will be performing live, artistic shows throughout the weekend to document the special occasion. Of course, no French party is complete without a feast! Browse the booths of Le French GourMAY restaurants and shops, and savour authentic flavours from France and Midi-Pyrénées - aka tuck into a whole load of cheese and delicatessen products, and wash it down with a glass (or three) of the regions' most sumptuous wine. Santé! When: April 30 - May 2, (10am - 7pm) Where: PMQ Courtyard, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central How much: Free Click here for more information

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Read more! Find out more about the 'Queen of Hong Kong's street art scene' in Five Minutes With: Bao Ho.

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Have a French Feast

Wake up and smell the Roquefort, Hong Kong! Le French May is serving up a mouth-watering selection of traditional French gastronomy at authentic markets across the region. From fresh baguettes to sugary crêpes, a whole month of French feasting is something we can definitely get on board with. This year, the Alsace region is the focus of these tasty celebrations. Products from this rural region will be highlighted in restaurants, shops, and workshops at venues across the city. Over 100 of our favourite eateries, including F.A.B and Le Pain Quotidien, are adding Alsatian-inspired dishes to their menus, and some are throwing special promotions into the mix too. French shops are also getting in on the action, with many offering discounts on French produce. If you want to get busy in the kitchen and rustle up some French-inspired dishes of your own, why not make it a truly authentic experience and pick up your ingredients from the French Traditional Market at Stanley House? Coq au Vin, Beef Bourguignon ... we're totally open to invitations.  When: Le French GourMAY, runs until May 24, (times vary) Where: Le French GourMAY, locations vary How much: Prices vary Click here for more information

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Read more! Tuck into the 12 Best Free-Flow Brunch Buffets.

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Get Down to the Beat

The food has gone, the belts have been loosened, and we're a couple of kilos heavier than we were in April. What we need now is some light relief - and like musique to our ears, K11 has got a tuneful line up of French-inspired Sunday sessions.  First up, it's the juggling, acrobatic French Fun Brass Band, who will be taking over the outdoor terrace of Tsim Sha Tsui's trendiest shopping mall. Circus performances and brass instruments may not sound like the most natural pairing, but we can promise that it will be a performance you won't forget. The following weekend, Compagnie Revolution will be busting some moves, and finally Electrogène Fanfare Club will be getting your toes tapping. Cue the French horns! When: May 8, 15, and 21 Where: K11 Piazza, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui How much: Free Click here for more information

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Read more! Get down to the beat at the 10 Best Live Jazz Bars.

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Hit the Races

Adding a little "je ne sais quois" to the races, Le French May is taking over Happy Valley Racecourse for the first three sessions of the month. Pick up a glass of French wine, place your bets, and allow a cast of acrobats, musicians, and dancers to entertain you throughout the evening. The excitement doesn't stop there either, with jockeys and their steeds battling it out on the track for Le French May Trophy and the France Galop Cup on French Day (May 11). Who will emerge victorious? When: May 4, 11, and 18, (7.15pm - 11pm) Where: Happy Valley Race Course, Happy Valley How much: $10 Click here for more information

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Catch Some Culture

From classical music performances to avant garde art exhibitions, Le French May's cultural programme is as diverse as they come. The art of ballet is the centre of attention in the Grand Theatre, with breathtaking productions of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast (pictured above) leaping into the spotlight. Galleries across the city are celebrating the influence of French artists with a variety of celebratory exhibitions throughout the month. Hong Kong Heritage Museum is dedicated to the founder of French impressionist painting, Claude Monet, whilst 20th Century French Movie Posters are the focus at Space 27 HK. Fancy a night at the opera? Le French May has got you covered, with a fiery cast of singers taking to the stage in aid of charity in Opera Fever 4ever. When: Runs until June 30, (times vary) Where: Locations vary How much: Prices vary Click here to check out the full schedule

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Learn Something New

Adding another string to your bow is never a bad thing, and with workshops scheduled to take place throughout the month at various venues, there are plenty of opportunities to pick up some new knowledge. Foodies have the pick of 12 Le French GourMAY events, including wine and spirit tastings, and a L'Atelier du Goût masterclass on how to whip up the perfect Alsatian Apple Tart. Over at Scarlett Café & Wine Bar, Géreard Poulard will be sharing his love of cheese and creating tailor-made tasting platters for each guest in the J'adore le Fromage workshop. Délicieux! If you fancy trying something a little more unusual, however, then check out the Artistic Perfume Appreciation Workshop, courtesy of Hong Kong's first artistic perfume boutique, Parfumerie Trésor. Francois Hénin and Benny Tung, masters of boutique of perfume, will detail the history of perfume, personal scents, and also how to perfectly match a scent and an occasion. All guests will leave with a gift too - très bon!  When: Times vary Where: Locations vary How much: Free - $2,000 Click on the links above for more information

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Read more! Make a splash at The Coolest Outdoor Pools in Hong Kong or explore with our Island Series: Lamma Guide.

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