[Part 2 ]This Is How I’d Explore vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2026

Hi Huneybees,

His Excellency Stephen Marchisio, Ambassador of France to Singapore and Festival Partners at the opening of vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2026.

I recently attended the opening of the vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2026, and honestly, it felt less like a festival launch… and more like stepping into a little pocket of France right here in Singapore.

From the moment we arrived, there was already this vibrant energy flowing through the space with conversations over wine, the aroma of pastries and gourmet delicacies drifting through the air, and people slowly moving between food, art and performances with that unmistakably relaxed European pace.

And after getting a first look at what’s lined up this year, I can safely say this isn’t one of those “visit once and you’re done” festivals. It’s the kind you keep returning to depending on your mood — whether you’re craving a foodie day out, an artsy afternoon, or a slow evening filled with music and film.

Running from 25 April to 20 June 2026, the festival unfolds across galleries, theatres, waterfront spaces and cultural venues, gradually transforming Singapore into a multi-sensory French escape through food, art, music, cinema and live performances.

Instead of trying to fit everything into one packed itinerary, think of it as a journey you can ease into...  something you can explore at your own pace, depending on the kind of experience you’re in the mood for that day.

---

🍷 The French Food Market 

With the French Food Market at VivoCity serving as the opening launch was simply a clever move — with food sharing cultures and this is probably where most people will naturally start their vOilah! journey too!

The atmosphere immediately felt festive yet intimate at the same time. Tables were lined with artisanal cheeses, pastries, breads, delicatessen, wines, while live French music filled the background. Everywhere you turned, there was something to taste, photograph, or discover.

What I loved most wasn’t just the food itself, but how social the whole experience felt. People weren’t rushing. They lingered, chatted, sampled things slowly, and genuinely enjoyed the atmosphere which is very much that French “take your time and savour the moment” energy.

Adding to the excitement over the weekend were live cooking demonstrations by Michelin-starred chefs, alongside family-friendly activities and even lucky draws featuring gourmet hampers and dining experiences.

---

Nest and Neighbors: Solitude and Coexistence in High-Density Cities.
(Image Credit: Ceed Fouad)

🎨 Step Into Its Artistic World

What makes vOilah! particularly special is how naturally it expands beyond culinary experiences into something much deeper and more immersive.

This year’s visual arts programme feels incredibly reflective, with exhibitions exploring themes of memory, solitude, urban living and cultural identity.

At Prestige Gallery, Nest and Neighbors: Solitude and Coexistence in High-Density Cities by Ceet Fouad uses his playful “chicanos” figures to reflect on modern city life on how we can live side by side in crowded spaces while still feeling disconnected from one another. Beneath the bright colours and whimsical characters is actually a rather relatable commentary on contemporary urban life.

Meanwhile, Only Light Has No Shadow by Syrian-French artist Ziad Dalloul takes on a much quieter and more introspective tone. His works blur the line between interior spaces and imagined landscapes, creating dreamlike environments that feel both intimate and contemplative.

Only Light Has No Shadow.
(Image Credit: Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery)

At Gillman Barracks, Still Lives, After Life reinterprets still life paintings in a surprisingly emotional way, focusing not on decorative beauty, but on traces left behind like tables after meals, objects after use, moments lingering quietly after people have gone.

The artistic journey continues through exhibitions like Voilà les fous!, which brings together Singaporean outsider artists responding boldly to the French Fauvist movement, and Silent Echoes, a hauntingly beautiful series inspired by abandoned homes in Japan and the traces people leave behind.

These exhibitions don’t just ask you to observe; they invite you to pause, reflect, and connect emotionally with the spaces around you.

---

LACRIMA, by Caroline Guiela Nguyen.
(Image Credit: Jean-Louis Fernandez)

🎭 It Becomes Even More Theatrical

As the sun sets, the atmosphere shifts once again, and the performing arts begin to take centre stage.

One of the festival’s biggest highlights is LACRIMA, directed by acclaimed French theatre maker Caroline Guiela Nguyen and presented as part of the Singapore International Festival of Arts 2026 too! 

Set within the world of haute couture, the production reveals the hidden craftsmanship behind luxury fashion, following the lives of seamstresses, embroiderers and artisans across multiple countries as they work on a royal wedding gown commission. It feels grand in scale, yet deeply human at the same time.

Another visually arresting performance is Planet [wanderer] by choreographer Damien Jalet and visual artist Kohei Nawa. Combining choreography with shifting landscapes of sand and textures, the performance explores the fragile relationship between humanity and the natural world in a way that feels hypnotic and almost otherworldly.

For those who enjoy classical elegance, Danses de Rêve by Singapore Ballet promises a beautiful evening blending neo-classical choreography with timeless ballet traditions.

---

Miles Ahead!
(Image Credit: Norhendra Ruslan)

🎶 Music, Jazz & Stories Under the Stars

Music also becomes a huge part of the festival atmosphere, whether through intimate chamber performances or large open-air experiences.

One particularly meaningful moment this year is the Hans Graf Farewell Series: Mystère de l’Instant, where conductor Hans Graf celebrates French music during his final season with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

Meanwhile, jazz lovers can look forward to Miles Ahead!, an outdoor tribute concert celebrating the legendary Miles Davis. Set against the relaxed backdrop of OCBC Square, it feels designed for those warm evenings where you simply want to sit back, enjoy live music, and soak in the atmosphere.

For something truly unique, The Sacred Voices of Corsica introduces audiences to traditional Corsican polyphonic singing showcasing raw, resonant harmonies rooted in centuries-old oral traditions recognised by UNESCO.

And if you simply want a slower, more relaxed evening, the outdoor French cinema screenings at Sentosa might be one of the most underrated experiences of the festival. Watching beautifully animated French films under the open sky will somehow feel nostalgic, comforting, and quietly magical all at once.

---

Slient Echoes.
(Image Credit: Alexandre Levi)

Well, for me, after attending the opening, what stayed with me most wasn’t just the scale of the programming, it was how naturally the festival allows you to move between experiences. You can begin with pastries and wine in the afternoon, wander into an art exhibition, catch a live performance at night, and somehow end the evening sitting under the stars watching a film.

Nothing feels forced or overly structured. Instead, the festival unfolds organically, allowing you to experience it however you want to, just like how I remember the france pace was like in my journeys.

If Part 1 of my vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2026 sharing was about why you should go, this is about how you experience it.

So take your time, follow your curiosity…
and let the festival unfold naturally.

 vOilah! France Singapore Festival 

📍 Various Locations

📅 25 April to 20 June 2026

🌐 https://www.voilah.sg/

Do follow me on my social media for more daily updates...
 Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok

Read More

[Part 1] France Comes to Singapore: A First Look at vOilah! Festival 2026

Hi Huneybees,

BALLET: The Making of an Étoile.
(Image Credit: Opéra de Paris)

If you’ve been thinking of wandering down the Champs-Élysées, picking up buttery pastries from a Parisian boulangerie, sipping wine at a cosy café, and ending the evening with a theatre show or art exhibition…

Here’s a taste of France you can experience without booking a flight, now brought right here to Singapore. From 25 April to 20 June 2026, the vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2026 returns with a line-up that feels less like a typical festival and more like a thoughtfully curated journey through French culture, toally no passport required!

---

The vOilah! French Food Market returns, offering local consumers an opportunity to discover some of France’s
finest foods and wines.
(Image Credit: Moonrise)

A Festival That Begins with Flavour

🌟 The heart of this entire experience starts with food... because nothing introduces a culture quite like what’s on the table. 🍷🌟

One of the most anticipated highlights is the vOilah! French Food Market at VivoCity, where the atmosphere alone promises to transport you straight into a lively European weekend market. There will be tables filled with artisanal cheeses, golden pastries, and breads that carry that unmistakable bakery aroma.

But what makes this more than just a food fair is the spirit behind it. The French have always embraced dining as a social ritual - a moment to pause, connect, and savour. And that same convivial energy is what this market brings to Singapore.

Adding to the experience are live demonstrations by renowned chefs - Chef Sébastien Lepinoy of Les Amis, three-Michelin-starred restaurant and Chef Jérémy Gillon, former chef of JAG, one-Michelin-starred restaurant, offering a rare glimpse into their craft. 

---

‘Crosscurrents: Masterpieces of Indian, Iranian & Ottoman Art’ places masterpieces from the Louvre’s Islamic art collection in dialogue with the Asian Civilisation Museum’s own collection.
(Image Credit: Musée de Louvre)

🎭 From Culinary Moments to Cultural Encounters

What makes the vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2026 truly special is how effortlessly it unfolds beyond its culinary beginnings into a richer, more layered cultural journey.

You might start your day lingering over pastries and wine, soaking in the relaxed charm of a French-style market. But as the hours pass, the experience begins to shift. Almost without realising it, you find yourself stepping into theatre spaces, wandering through galleries, or settling into performance venues across the city.

There’s a natural rhythm to it all. One moment leads gently into the next, like turning the pages of a beautifully written story where each chapter reveals something new, yet still feels connected to what came before.

This year’s programme reflects that same sense of fluidity and depth. It brings together an impressive spectrum of experiences — from large-scale theatre productions and contemporary dance performances to intimate chamber concerts and thought-provoking visual art exhibitions. Each piece stands confidently on its own, with its own voice and perspective, yet together they form a cohesive narrative that celebrates not only French creativity, but also its ongoing dialogue with Singapore’s cultural landscape.

One of the standout highlights within the visual arts programme is Crosscurrents: Masterpieces of Indian, Iranian & Ottoman Art from the Musée du Louvre, presented by the Asian Civilisations Museum. Making its Southeast Asian debut, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to encounter works from the Louvre’s Islamic art collection in a new context.

Here, these masterpieces are placed in conversation with the museum’s own collection, revealing unexpected connections across regions and time. It’s an experience that goes beyond aesthetics — inviting you to reflect on the shared histories and cultural exchanges that continue to shape the world we live in today.

---

One Ocean: Every Action Ripples.
(Image Credit: Science Centre Singapore)

🎨 Art That Invites You In

Beyond its visual appeal, the festival leans into something far more engaging - immersive storytelling that invites you to step inside the experience itself.

A striking example is One Ocean: Every Action Ripples -  an exhibition developed in collaboration with Science Centre Singapore and the Tara Ocean Foundation. Making its worldwide debut here, the showcase brings the Tara Ocean Polar Station to Singapore, transforming scientific research into a deeply sensory journey.

Through a blend of virtual reality, large-scale projections, and spatial sound, visitors are transported across diverse marine environments - from the stillness of Arctic ice formations to the vibrant life of coral reefs and the unseen world of microscopic plankton. It’s not just visually captivating; it quietly reminds you of the fragile balance within our oceans and the impact of our everyday actions. Moments like these reflect how art today has evolved beyond something we simply observe. Instead, it becomes something we move through, connect with, and carry with us long after we leave.

At the same time, the festival continues to ground these immersive experiences in a broader cultural context. Major exhibitions draw meaningful links across regions and histories, placing renowned works in dialogue with local narratives. These intersections add depth to the programme, offering not just visual beauty, but thoughtful perspective.

---

Festivalgoers can experience acclaimed French performances such as ‘Planet [wanderer]’ (left), a visually striking performance by Damien Jalet and Kohei Nawa and ‘LACRIMA’ (right), a Parisian theatre production that unveils the hidden world
of haute couture.
(Image Credit: rahirezvanistudio & Jean-Louis Fernandez)

🎶 A City-Wide Celebration of Sound and Story

As the sun begins to set, the festival reveals yet another layer of its identity. The atmosphere shifts, and music and performance take centre stage, becoming the heartbeat of the entire experience. From elegant chamber concerts to contemporary dance and open-air jazz, the city transforms into a stage where every evening feels a little more alive. There’s something quietly magical about listening to live music under the night sky, surrounded by strangers who, for that moment, share the same sense of discovery.

Among the standout productions is LACRIMA, directed by acclaimed French theatre director Caroline Guiela Nguyen, presented at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre as part of the Singapore International Festival of Arts. Set against the intricate world of haute couture, the production unveils the unseen hands behind luxury fashion, weaving together the lives of seamstresses, embroiderers, and artisans across Paris, Normandy, and Mumbai.

Also featured within SIFA is Planet [wanderer] by Belgo-French choreographer Damien Jalet, created in collaboration with visual artist Kohei Nawa. Blending movement with striking visual landscapes of sand and stardust, the performance becomes a poetic reflection on humanity’s fragile relationship with the Earth.

vOilah!’s line-up highlights performing arts collaborations, including Maestro Hans Graf’s ‘Mystère de l’Instant’ (left) and Singapore Ballet’s world premiere ‘Danses de Rêve’ (right).
(Image Credit: Nathaniel Lim & Ms Bern)

Dance continues to take the spotlight with Danses de Rêve, a Singapore Ballet world premiere featuring works by French choreographers Étienne Ferrère and Claire Voss. It’s a celebration of classical beauty reimagined for today’s audience, complemented by BALLET: The Making of an Étoile, an exhibition that offers a rare glimpse into the discipline, dedication, and transformation behind the Paris Opera Ballet.

For music lovers, the festival presents a rich tapestry of sound. The Paris-based Quatuor Modigliani brings timeless chamber works to life at the Esplanade Recital Studio, while the rising Quatuor Elmire offers a fresh interpretation of French repertoire, including Debussy’s celebrated compositions. The journey extends further to Corsica, where the ensemble Spartimu introduces audiences to paghjella, a traditional polyphonic singing style recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage that's raw, powerful, and deeply rooted in history.

Enjoy performances by leading ensembles like Paris-based quartet Quatuor Modigliani (left) performing Beethoven’s chamber masterpieces, and Corsican ensemble Spartimu (right) presenting paghjella, a UNESCO-recognised
polyphonic singing tradition.
(Image Credit: Jérome Bonnet, Luc Braquet & Spartimu)

Marking a significant moment for Singapore’s music scene, Hans Graf concludes his tenure with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra through the Hans Graf Farewell Series: Mystère de l’Instant, a programme dedicated to the evocative and expressive nature of French music. Beyond the concert hall, the festival opens up to wider audiences with Miles Ahead!, a vibrant outdoor jazz tribute to Miles Davis held at OCBC Square, where the energy of live music meets a communal, open-air setting.

Film, too, becomes part of this city-wide celebration. Curated screenings bring French storytelling to local audiences, including outdoor cinema experiences that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly communal, letting the stories unfold under the stars, whilst we take a breather from the daily routines.

---

French Cinema at Sentosa.
(Image Credit: Gkids)

💛 A Cultural Exchange That Feels Personal

What sets vOilah! apart is not just the scale of its programming, but the intention behind it.

This isn’t simply about showcasing French culture in isolation. Instead, it’s about creating meaningful connections between artists, audiences, and ideas; allowing different perspectives to meet and evolve together. As you move through the festival, you begin to realise that each experience, whether it’s a meal, a performance, or an exhibition, is part of a larger conversation. And somehow, you become part of it too.

Rather than trying to see everything in one visit, I’d recommend approaching the festival the way you would a trip... slowly, intentionally, and with room for spontaneity. Start with the food market, then let your curiosity guide you. Perhaps it leads you into an exhibition, or a performance you didn’t plan for. That’s where the magic often happens ~~~

In a city that’s always moving, there’s something quite special about a festival that invites you to pause, explore, and experience something beyond the everyday. And this time, you don’t need a flight ticket to do it.

France, in all its flavours, sounds, and stories, is already on its way here...

For more information on vOilah! France Singapore Festival and ticketing details, please visit www.voilah.sg.

Do follow me on my social media for more daily updates...
 Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok

Read More