Top 10 French Activities in the GTA

french activities in the GTA

Face painting

French Activities in the GTA

There’s no better place in Canada to get your daily dose of multiculturalism than in Toronto. Did you know that you can expose your child to many French Activities right here in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)?

We have put together a list of awesome cuisine, entertainment, and activities for children that all encapsulate authentic French living right here in the GTA.

Not only can you be involved in your child’s discovery of French culture but you can even learn a few things yourself!

Let’s Begin!

French Activities in the GTA: Have a Bite

The most common thing people think of when they hear French culture is French cuisine. Crepes, croissants, maybe even escargot! So to start off, here are a few of our top French Restaurant picks.

Colette Grand Café

Colete Grand Cafe foodTry starting the day with a trip to Colette Grand Café for brunch on a Saturday or go for their Sunday buffet. The ambiance of this restaurant is uniquely French with fair prices and a short but authentic menu that captures France’s simplistic cuisine.

Douce France

Fancy a quick snack? Head to Douce France, a boutique cafe that will transport you to Europe for your stay. The staff are completely bilingual and encourage children to speak French with them. They use only original methods of creating the items on their menu, which include biscuits, chocolates, madelines, dragées, and homemade jams and chutneys. If you have some chocolate lovers in the family then have them try Angelina’s famous chocolat chaud which has rave reviews on yelp and tripadvisor.

French Activities in the GTA: Learn a New Skill

Your child is learning a whole new awesome language, why don’t you get in on the fun? You can learn a new skill while speaking French or learn an inherently French skill!

LABO

If your child is more mature, have them learn something new at LABO, a French media arts centre in Toronto. LABO offers workshops in the digital arts, learning how to navigate Adobe premiere, illustrator, photoshop and more!

LABO supports the creation of Francophone artists and Francophiles with access to professional equipment, a digital media creation station, workshops for professional development and mentoring program.

Culinaria Cooking School

Held at the gorgeous historic Elliott House in Mississauga you can take cooking classes at Culinaria Restaurant. Unfortunately the classes are not held by French speaking instructors but you will be able to indulge in French cuisine and get your hands dirty! Adult and child classes are held on a scheduled basis. Culinaria even holds workshops lasting a week where your child can learn all about the art of French-cooking native to Provence, France.

French Activities in the GTA: Engage the Senses

Learning French can be difficult at times for your child, we get it! But finding ways to engage them in more than just one way can be essential for a child to regain their confidence and excitement for speaking French.

“Boy, those French! They have a different word for everything.”― Steve Martin

Le Theatre Francais

Le Théâtre français holds live theatre productions completely in French. Sometimes they offer english subtitles so check before you go. The theatre’s main location is on Berkeley Street, Le Théâtre Français also holds French acting classes for the artistic type this summer.

La Librairie Mosaique Bookstore

A great way to keep your child’s French fluent is to get them reading! Le Libraire Mosaique Bookstore is the only French bookstore in the GTA and serves as an excellent resource to check out if your son or daughter is looking for a great French read. They are located downtown at 24 Spadina Ave.

French Activities in the GTA: Attend a Festival

Mark Your calendars!

Many Franco festivals occur over the summer across Ontario but we’ve recommended two that will be an awesome treat for you and your family during July.

Toronto Bastille Day

Save the date on July 10 this year from 11am to 8pm because Toronto will be celebrating the French Holiday Bastille Day.

Head to Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St. Toronto, to celebrate France and French culture. You can expect to play a game of pétanque or volleyball and attend a children’s carnival.

Franco-Fete de Toronto

Take the family to Toronto’s French Festival which will take place from July 15-17 this year. At the festival you can expect acting talent and great music such as Gabrielle Goulet, Kelly Bado, and SWING. 

How do you celebrate French culture in the GTA?

Now tell us, how do you celebrate French culture with your family?

Disclaimer: Information about third party organizations is provided for reference only. Tournesol is not responsible for the quality of services provided by these third party organizations. Their inclusion in this blog is not an endorsement by Tournesol.  Parents and guardians should research the organizations themselves before using them.

 

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