By Rihaab Mowlana

What if a Sunday morning in Colombo could feel a little like a stroll through a French village?
On June 21, La Maison de Colombo will host the city's first French Market, transforming its boutique hotel and restaurant into a celebration of French food, wine, craftsmanship, music and culture.

Running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Stratford Avenue premises in Colombo 6, the event promises more than just shopping. Visitors can browse artisan stalls, enjoy live accordion and saxophone music, sample French specialities, meet local exhibitors and experience what founder Christophe Coucaud describes as the French art de vivre - the art of living.

For Christophe, the inspiration came from a tradition that remains deeply woven into everyday life in France. "In France, the village market is much more than a place to shop," he says. "It is a social gathering where people meet friends, share stories, enjoy a coffee or lunch, discover local products and simply enjoy being together."

Pictured: Founder of La Maison de Colombo, Christophe Coucaud 

Having spent many weekends visiting village markets across France, he wanted to recreate some of that atmosphere in Colombo. "This French Market is an invitation to slow down, discover authentic products, enjoy good food, listen to live music and experience a taste of the French art de vivre in Colombo."

The event is a natural extension of La Maison de Colombo itself. The boutique property has built its identity around French hospitality, cuisine and wines, while embracing the warmth and charm of Sri Lanka. "La Maison means home," says Christophe. "This is not a gastronomic restaurant but a friendly atmosphere in full simplicity."

That philosophy is reflected throughout the market. Visitors will find a carefully curated mix of exhibitors offering French-inspired products alongside local, eco-friendly and artisan brands. "We selected exhibitors who share our values of authenticity, quality, craftsmanship and community spirit," says Christophe. "The market brings together both French-inspired and Sri Lankan businesses, creating a bridge between the two cultures."

Food will naturally be a major part of the experience.

The French Market will also introduce visitors to the next evolution of La Maison's menu. Over the past two months, the kitchen team has been working on a range of new dishes that blend French culinary traditions with ingredients sourced in Sri Lanka.

"Rather than importing meat from Europe, we chose to work with carefully selected local suppliers," says Coucaud. "Our philosophy is to combine French culinary traditions with the excellent ingredients available in Sri Lanka."

The special market menu will offer visitors a preview of dishes that will soon join La Maison's regular menu. Among them is a traditional French blanquette, adapted using chicken while preserving the authentic French sauce and cooking method. Guests can also enjoy homemade quiches, fruit tarts and the classic French dessert known as floating island, while traditional French dishes have been adapted to suit local ingredients without compromising on authentic flavours and cooking techniques.

"This market menu is the beginning of the evolution of our menu," says Coucaud. "Visitors will discover dishes that combine French culinary traditions with the excellent ingredients available in Sri Lanka."

Wine lovers will also have the opportunity to meet wine consultant Shiyani, whose expertise in French wines is well known. "Whether someone is completely new to wine or already passionate about it, she can explain the stories behind the wines, the regions they come from and why they taste different," says Christophe.

At the heart of it all is the idea of art de vivre.

"The French art de vivre is a way of celebrating life's simple pleasures," says Christophe. "Enjoying good food, sharing convivial moments with others, appreciating artisanal craftsmanship, culture, music and the elegance of everyday life."

For this first edition, La Maison has even taken the unusual step of closing the hotel for the day to dedicate the entire property to the event.

"We are taking this first edition one step at a time," he says. "If the public enjoys the experience and the exhibitors find value in it, I would be delighted to repeat the French Market."

That means this weekend's event could be the beginning of a new addition to Colombo's cultural calendar.

For now, however, visitors can simply look forward to a relaxed Sunday filled with good food, good music and a little slice of France in the heart of the city.