Walking Tour: French Influences in the Melbourne CBD

Discover how French culture, architecture and revolutionary ideas helped shape some of the city's most iconic landmarks.

From grand nineteenth-century buildings inspired by Parisian design and Gothic Revival traditions to stories of democracy, fashion, food, public art and Australia’s ties to France during the First World War, you’ll discover a side of Melbourne rarely seen. The experience concludes in true French style with a glass of champagne at Queen Victoria Market.

The tour will depart from the Statue of Joan of Arc at the State Library of Victoria at 10am and finish at the Queen Victoria Market.

Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour is due to depart.

Duration: 2 hours

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This Walking Tour event is being held as part of the 2026 Bastille Day French Festival.

Let's meet under The Eiffel Tower! The Bastille Day French Festival returns to the iconic Queen Victoria Market Sheds C & D on Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th July.

Walk into a wintry French town square right in the heart of Melbourne. Browse the bustling market brimming with local French-Australian producers, indulge in mouth-watering cuisine; think flaky croissants, melting raclette, and a very good vin chaud and lose yourself in the sights and sounds of dazzling live performers.

This year’s highlights? Gather your crew for a game of pétanque: the ultimate excuse to stand around in the cold with a glass of mulled wine, or simply sit down and enjoy our range of French music from the Main Stage.

Round out the fun and experience with Les Lumières talks, hands-on masterclasses in our cultural program and more!

C’est la vie at its finest. Swap your beanie for a beret and rendezvous at the Bastille Day French Festival Melbourne 2026!

À bientôt au Festival!

To find out more, visit: https://www.bastilledaymelbourne.com/