Coming Soon: Federation Square Is Transforming Into a French Alpine Village with Mountain Chalets, Fondue and Mulled Wine
Featuring fondue, Raclette and mulled wine, this Euro-inspired winter experience will save you a trip France.
Don't have the time (or money) to hit the French Alps this year? Ne t'inquiète pas, because Fed Square is transforming into a French alpine village, as the Fondue Chalet takeover returns. Held for seven weeks from Thursday, May 14 to Sunday, June 28, this immersive and oh-so-cosy experience is your chance to feast on traditionally prepared cheese fondue, raclette and mulled wine in a private chalet, all from the heart of Melbourne.
Brought to town by BBR Group Australia — the same team behind 2023's hugely popular Raclette Igloo Experience — this city-bound après-ski encounter will see a series of private wooden chalets, dotted throughout Fed Square. Each chalet, named after a different French ski resort, boasts its own fire pit, which you and your pals can sit around while indulging in the cheesy experience of your dreams.
For the first time, guests will choose their French Alpine cheese experience ahead of entering their cosy hideout. Whether you go for fondue or raclette will be the hardest decision of the day.
"Across France and the Alps, fondue and raclette bring millions of people together around the table every winter. It's what we simply call the joy of the table. They are not just meals, they are moments shared with family and friends. Seeing that same ritual happening here in Melbourne is incredibly special," says Vincent Hernandez, Founder of Fondue Chalet.
Guests will begin with a glass of warming mulled wine and a generous charcuterie board for snacking, before welcoming their chosen centre piece. A bubbling fondue savoyarde made with a blend of four French cheeses is served with breads and charcuterie for dunking. Or if you opt for the mountain raclette, melted cheese is scraped over potatoes, pickles and cured meats tableside.
And the Fondue Chalet team certainly take their cheese seriously. They have worked with a cheesemonger, roadtesting over 20 different recipes before landing on the ultimate variation. Incredibly, almost two tonnes of cheese have been imported from France for the experience.
Be sure to save room for dessert, with chocolate fondue using Koko Black Chocolate on the menu, served alongside seasonal fruits. Outdoor fire pits encourage marshmallow toasting, adding a hint of childhood nostalgia to the evening.
Meanwhile, Fondue Chalet couldn't replicate a true après-ski experience without a healthy selection of beverages. French Alpine wines will be available in the chalets, and the Après-Ski Bar will offer digestifs and schnapps to keep the party going. We'd recommend booking now, before the spots are snapped up.
Fondue Chalet is taking place from Thursday, May 14 to Sunday, June 28 at Federation Square. Head to the event website for more information.
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