Last Friday 12 July, the Melbourne travel community gathered to celebrate Bastille Day at a charming venue in Armadale, generously hosted by Annabelle Brown, State Manager Victoria & Tasmania for PONANT, who highlighted the significance of Bastille Day and its connection to French culture and heritage.

The event took place at ‘The French Kitchen’ which is a cooking school within the home of Diane Holuigue. Here, guests were transported to a rustic French kitchen adorned with copper pans and eclectic art pieces from around the world. Participants enjoyed a delightful afternoon of preparing French cuisine guided by Holuigue herself. The menu featured classic French dishes paired with fine wines, creating a true gastronomic experience.

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Throughout the event, trade partners mingled and shared stories of travel adventures, reflecting on their own experiences with PONANT and other travel endeavours.

The event not only celebrated French culture but also strengthened connections within the travel community in Melbourne, embodying the spirit of travel and exploration cherished by PONANT.

Pictured from left are: Judy Gillard, Bayview Travel; Lisa Ahearn, Destination HQ; Gary Seignor, Verve Travel (incorporating Bay Travel); Ian Mollison, Helloworld Balwyn North; Chef Diane Holuigue; Deb Carr, Helloworld Surrey Hills; Annabelle Brown, PONANT; Natalie Daw, Helloworld Camberwell; James Jang, Where 2 Travel Malvern; Ines Iniesta, Journey Beyond and Rachel Quinton, Global International Travel.