Lycée Français de Chicago Brings French Market to Town

The Lycée Français de Chicagoinvites Chicago to experience the tastes, sights, and sounds of a traditional French

image for french market poster — French Market is coming soon to Lycee Francais

marketplace at its annual Fall French Market October 14–16, 2011. The school will transform itself into a bustling bazaar with more than 90 vendors, culinary demonstrations from top Chicago chefs, great raffle prizes, and children’s entertainment. Proceeds will benefit the Lycée in its mission to provide dual-language education focused on academic excellence.

“The Fall French Market is our opportunity to open the doors of the Lycée to the local community and share the best of French culture with Chicago,” said Alain Weber, president of the Lycée Français de Chicago. “There truly is a little something for everyone.”

Market Preview: October 14

The Fall French Market Cocktail Preview offers a sneak peek at the jewelry, artwork, antiques, and other wares available at the Market. Well-known artists and vendors include Provenance Food & Wine, CoCoRico Macarons, Figaro Parisian Interiors, and Bijoux Fantasia. The evening includes hors d’oeuvres, provided by Lebanese restaurant Semiramis; wine and beer; and live entertainment including a belly dancer.

Fall French Market: October 15 and 16

The Lycée expects more than 2,500 visitors to enjoy the wares of vendors from across Chicago and beyond, selling jewelry, accessories, clothing, cosmetics, and home décor, as well as French crêpes, linens, gifts, furnishings, antiques, and more. New to this year’s Market are a “spa corner” with personal care options and handmade artwork by local artisans.

Those who love food can taste and learn from Chicago’s finest chefs, who will conduct cooking demonstrations both Saturday and Sunday.

Shoppers can take a break at the French Bistro with authentic salads, sandwiches, and beef bourguignon and vendors will serve up artisan confections, pastries, and cheeses.

Market entertainment

The Children’s Pavilion will offer entertainment for children ages three and older both days, including arts and crafts, open play, and a variety of one-hour acts, including a magician.

In addition, the Lycée’s student orchestra and chorus will perform for children and adults alike.

Ticket information

The Fall French Market Cocktail Preview takes place Friday, October 14 from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are for sale and available at lyceechicago.org/fall_market/. The Fall French Market takes place Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is a charge for tickets, see the site for information. Children are free with adult ticket. All events take place at the Lycée Francais de Chicago, 615 W. Bittersweet Place (entrance on Irving Park Road and Marine Drive).

The Lycée thanks award-winning French artist and graphic designer Yann Legendre for donating his time and talent for the 2011 Fall French Market poster and logo design.

About the Lycée Français de Chicago

Lycée Français de Chicago, a private, not-for-profit, coeduational day school serving 630 students from pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade, has been providing education to American and international students since 1995. The school’s mission is to prepare young people to be responsible global citizens by providing a dynamic, dual-language education focused on academic excellence. Instruction is provided in French and English, and students follow the French Baccalaureate course of study. This year, the school also began offering courses for English-speaking ninth grade students that will lead to the International Baccalaureate. Both are comprehensive honors programs that enable students to graduate with an edge on college admission and their life endeavors.