Think cool tunes, classic French style, beautiful gardens, gourmet foods, a dash of whimsy, plenty of joy and that sums up a day in the grounds of Werribee Park Mansion soaking up the beautiful atmosphere that is So Frenchy So Chic.

When: 13 Jan 2019 (or 19 Jan in Sydney)

Where: Werribee Park Mansion

Cost: Children under 12 are FREE, accompanied by adult – adult early bird $75, book your tickets now

If you’ve never been to So Frenchy So Chic, and you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, have a look at my photo’s and you can read a few of my thoughts below.  Short story is – it’s a beautiful day out.  Pack a picnic (with games, blankets, drinks and food) and relax under the shade of the trees listening to the music wafting through the gardens.

Our 2016 experience was on a stunning summer’s day – possibly verging on too hot.  We retreated into the gardens and enjoyed the shade of the amazing trees – there is plenty of space to spread out.  The boys made friends (turned out their friend’s dad was someone I used to work with – small world) and played cricket for hours – the two girls linked arms and went exploring.  My friend and I followed them for a little while – watching them get hair braids and macaroon shopping – as we reminisced about our own friendship at that age.  The gardens are generous – but not so big that you can get lost or wander off for ages (although I wouldn’t apply that logic to a preschooler), so we gave the kids some freedom as long as they stuck together and returned to our picnic spot regularly to report in.

While the crowd was definitely hip and young – there were also loads of families mixing it up, as well as a few oldies too; so it was a very friendly crowd.  The keen ones (who were there for the music) had arrived early and set up camp on the main lawn.  While I enjoyed the live music (especially on a big festival sized stage) I equally enjoyed the atmosphere and the pace of the day and being in the gardens.  We were in no rush to be anywhere – and other than hungry children occasionally demanding food, the day was really very chilled.  I even bumped into some people I knew – and I could easily imagine any of my friends having a lovely day out.

We arrived at about 11am and headed for home at 5.30pm – the live acts performing go on until about 8pm, so I can imagine sans kids it would be quite fun to kick up the heels, enjoy more than one glass of champagne and do a bit more dancing.  I guess the only risk with an outdoor event would be if the weather was freakishly awful – but mid-January in Melbourne is relatively safe (unlike mid-October!).

I’d love to go again in 2017 – so friends if you are reading this and planning on going, let me know!

Disclaimer:  Meetoo was invited as media to this event, all views are my own