From French cuisine to skin care and home products, the French Fair at 1 Utama offers everything the country is famed for, writes LOKE POH LIN.

French maids all dressed up to greet visitors to the fair.

WALKING along the cobble-stoned streets, listening to the plaintive sounds of the accordion, catching a waft of freshly baked baguettes in the air and catching sight of pretty spring flower shrubs embracing park benches, it’s easy to imagine that you’re in France.

From May 7 to 19, France comes alive at 1 Utama in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, where, in conjunction with Mother’s Day, it is hosting a French Fair themed Bonjour! France in Town.

Take a short walk around the park located at Ground Floor, Highstreet and enjoy French cuisine, wine, skin care, perfume and home products.

Well-known brands such as Clarins, L’Occitane, Guerlain and Sothys have set up shop there, as have Denise the Wine Shop and Tefal.
With any luck, you’ll be greeted by two French maids, complete with black and white outfits on your visit.

If you’re feeling peckish, Cafe Fitou serves up authentic French quiches with Roquefort and fish soups.

Give yourself a second wind with a cup of French coffee before resuming your retail therapy.

Throughout the week, there will be activities galore for mums and their families: fashion shows (featuring Promod, Elle, Lacoste and Guy Laroche), talks by chefs Pierre Chaillou and Sommelier Sebastien Le Francois; and cooking shows by Tefal and chef Nathalie.

There are even mini cabarets to give you an idea of what goes on in the famed Moulin Rouge.

Now’s the opportunity to get a taste and feel of France without the price of a plane ticket.

A tip though: wear a pair of comfortable shoes and leave your high heels in the car. Those cobble-stoned streets can be murder.