French art, charming music, vintage motorcycles, a scavenger hunt resulting in free champagne and luxurious French dining all set amongst gorgeous, historical gardens… Yes, please! (or should we say, oui s’il vous plaît!)
Nestled in the foothills and only 15 minutes from the city lies a gorgeous garden perfect for a summer French festival. And it’s happening. The stunning Carrick Hill Estate is presenting two days of French inspired activities at A French Weekend on Sunday 13 and 14 January 2018, transporting us from Adelaide to Paris in all of a second.
Carrick Hill is a significant South Australian cultural tourism attraction, with a major heritage building being the previous home of Sir Edward and Lady Ursula Hayward as well as internationally significant art collections.
Carrick Hill’s Guides will take guests on guided tours of the historic house, pointing out the particular French items in the Hayward art collection and outlining Lady Ursula’s love of France. On loan for ‘A French Weekend’ will be Renoir’s ‘Coco,’ a bequest by Lady Ursula to the Art Gallery of South Australia in 1963.
Along with gorgeous tours, the Stable Lawns will host a display of rare and vintage French motor vehicles and award-winning art teacher Alan Ramachandran will lead a full day watercolour Art Class on the Saturday.
A French Trail has also been developed at Carrick Hill for A French Weekend. Collect a Trail Guide from reception and follow the clues in an innovative scavenger hunt that may win you a bottle of champagne!
On the Sunday you can enjoy some charming French Baroque music in the Great Hall, reminiscent of the court of Louis XIV. Tickets to this musical event can be found here.
And if music, treasure hunts and exquisite art is not enough, then may we suggest dining and French wines by the glass and bottle. Chef John Gabel will bring his classical training and French heritage to the fore with a French-inspired dining menu for the weekend. ‘The food business’ at Carrick Hill will open during the evening on Sunday 14 January with a special Prix Fix Dinner from 6.30pm. Reservations are essential.
So head down to Carrick Hill and enjoy a weekend of French-inspired activities perfect for everyone.
A French Weekend at Carrick Hill
When: 13 and 14 January, 2018
Where: Carrick Hill Estate; 46 Carrick Hill Drive, Springfield
Cost: Admission is free; House Admission is $17 Adult, $12 Concession, $36 Family.
For more information, visit the Adelaide Festival Centre website.
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