74 July 2013 France In Bahrain www.bahrainthismonth.com francesupplement On the table Their cuisine like most things they do is an art involving a great deal of technique, finesse and precision. And we, to say the least, are a nation of foodies. Some of the most popular restaurants in Bahrain are French. Café Lilou and Paul’s Bakery and Restaurant serve an authentic menu, using continental ingredients and carving a solid niche in the country. Camelot is another venue that draws influences from their culinary art, a great hit amongst the locals. French hospitality giants are also present with Accor’s Novotel Al Dana Hotel & Resort and Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa providing world-class luxury and chic environs. Culture vultures Alliance Française, the largest network of French language and cultural centres, provides a wealth of francophone culture in the Kingdom. It is a hub of cultural activities throughout the year, exposing the locals to “La France” with the help of cinema soirées, exhibitions, lectures, food tasting and concerts. The centre also offers French courses for various learning levels, offering a sea of cultural wealth gathered over centuries. Another point for learning is Lycée Français MLF de Bahreïn (The French School of Bahrain), the only school in the country that follows a French curriculum. Quintessential to France are the cafés. In the company of friends or alone, busy on the laptop, reading a novel or just a mere spectator to life passing by, theirs is a country that spends more time in its cafés than any other. Concentrated mainly in Adliya and with a generous sprinkling around Juffair, Budaiya and Seef, cafés form a very integral part of Bahrain’s social scene. Us and them Let’s face it; France has set such a lifestyle precedent that we all want a piece of it. It’s a country that has built an entire city over a sewer system and continues to be the most visited tourist destination in the world. There is a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ quality about it, which we so desperately want to define, perhaps better remaining an enigma of an idea. And for us, this ‘Frenchness’ resonates in our love for luxury, extravagance, sophistication and beauty. Citroën Book Now! Email: [email protected] Tel: +973 1729 8008 Fax: +973 1729 8338 121 Sheikh Hamad Causeway P.O. Box: 11073, Manama Kingdom of Bahrain • Spacious rooms with sea and pool view Terrace • Private Car park, secured 24/7 • FREE Wi-Fi internet access • Coffee/tea making facility • Temperature controlled Swimming pool • Private Beach and Children playgrounds • Sauna, Steam room, outdoor and indoor Jacuzzi • Massage therapy novotel.com Make it different Novotel BTM Half Page.indd 1 6/13/13 12:28:37 PM
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