A Très Magnifique Day Out – Le Festival at South Bank, Brisbane

 

A Très Magnifique Day Out – Le Festival at South Bank, Brisbane 

“You haven’t lived until you’ve eaten hot cheese scraped by someone in a tricolour apron.” 

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Some Saturdays start with a yawn. Ours started with a bonjour and a double shot of espresso. 

If you closed your eyes at South Bank on Saturday, you might’ve thought you were in the streets of Montmartre. French music in the air, champagne corks popping, and people walking around with crepes in one hand and baguettes in the other. With the sun warming the Brisbane skyline and the air already dancing with the scent of pastry and perfume, we knew we were in for something special. It was Le Festival time at South Bank – Brisbane’s own slice of France – and we were ready to soak in all things français, from buttery croissants to street performers with more charm than a Parisian rooftop. 

First stop: Espresso Garage – the humble little café just off Grey Street where caffeine dreams come true. Strong, smooth, and delivered with a smile. Just how we like our coffee. As we sat outside watching early festival-goers wander past with fresh crepes and berets, we mentally prepared ourselves for a day filled with indulgence, entertainment… and probably cheese. 

Le Festival was already buzzing as we arrived. The main stage echoed with accordion music while can-can dancers twirled their petticoats like they were in the Moulin Rouge. It was hard not to tap your toes – even harder not to join in. We didn’t (this time). 

Strolling through the food stalls was a sensory adventure – tartiflette bubbling away in pans, stacks of colourful macarons calling our names, and raclette being scraped over warm potatoes like some glorious culinary slow dance. Let’s just say, if willpower had a flag, we waved ours goodbye before noon. There was even a dog in a beret. (We repeat: a dog in a beret!) 

Lunch was calling, and we answered with gusto at the Southbank Beer Garden. Perfectly positioned with park views and just enough shade to keep us cool while sipping chilled drinks and tucking into hearty fare. I’m not sure if French beer is a thing, but pairing  burgers with people-watching was very on brand. 

Post-lunch wanderings led us into the South Bank Collective Markets, where handmade jewellery, funky tees, scented candles, and more had us feeling equal parts tourist and treasure hunters. Kim loved the hand-stitched tote bags. Some funny dog-themed shirts took our eyes.  

Back at Le Festival, we rejoined the crowd for more music and cultural delights. A French jazz band stole the show with their velvety vocals and cheeky banter. We’re still not sure what one of the songs was about, but we clapped like we understood every word. C’est la vie! 

As the sun dipped, the day wasn’t done. Dinner was calling again (this time in a Caribbean-French fusion tone) at Barbossa Bar. Rum cocktails, spicy bites, and a moody atmosphere – it was the perfect palate cleanser after a day of cheese and crepes. 

After dinner, we made a second round of the Collective Markets, now glowing with fairy lights and a different kind of energy. Just as we were soaking in the night vibes A silent disco train passed by. Dozens of people, all dancing to music only they could hear, glided past us like some kind of funky ghost parade. We couldn’t hear the beat — but we definitely felt it. (There may have been a few spontaneous shoulder shimmies.) 

Finally, we returned to the main festival area to snap a few night photos, capturing the Eiffel Tower replica, glowing lights, and a magical crowd that didn’t seem ready to go home — neither were we. 

As we finally wandered back toward the car, legs tired but hearts full, we reflected on just how much joy a single day in Brisbane could bring. Le Festival wasn’t just about French food or entertainment – it was a celebration of culture, community, and the magic of taking it slow. 

We laughed, we ate, we danced (kind of), and we lived a little like the French – with style, with flavour, and with full bellies. 

#visitbrisbane #lefestival #southbank #french

Until next year, Le Festival… merci beaucoup for the memories.