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 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!
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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 Cafe
Try starting the day with a trip to Colette Grand Cafe 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.
Le Papillon on Front
Close to St. Lawrence Market is Le Papillon on Front. This quaint French restaurant has garnered a large following with torontonians calling it amazing, elegant and a favourite. Le Papillon on Front is great for mature birthday dinners with people looking to have a real taste of sophisticated French cuisine. The escargot is a popular and recommended menu item and they also feature an excellent Tourtière.
Crèpes à gogo
If you’re looking to indulge in a sweet & savoury meal head down to 750 Spadina Avenue where you’ll find Chef Veronique entertaining her way through the art of crepe making at Crèpes à gogo. In addition to dessert and breakfast crepes, they have vegan and vegetarian options for affordable prices. On special occasions Chef Veronique even holds crepe making workshops that are fun for the whole family.
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 and learn a new skill while speaking French or learn an inherently French skill!
Le Labo
If your child is more mature, have them learn something new at Le Labo, a French media arts centre in Toronto. Le Labo offers workshops in the digital arts, learning how to navigate Adobe premiere, illustrator, photoshop and more!
The Lab 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 Librairie 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. For full lineups and more information you can click here.
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.
