Tasmania's French connection is being celebrated with the fifth From France to Freycinet Festival over May 13 to 16, 2010.
The unique fun-filled Festival is held every two years on the gorgeous Freycinet Maria Coast in the historic seaside villages of Swansea and Triabunna.
Activities over four days and nights are dedicated to the French scientific expedition comprising two ships, Geographe and Naturaliste, commissioned by Napoleon and commanded by Nicolas Baudin, which arrived off Maria Island in February 1802 and anchored in Great Oyster Bay.
The interest of the French in southern Australia hastened the British settlement of Hobart in 1804.
The 2010 Festival is dedicated to the observations and experiments of the Expedition's leading scientist, Fancois Peron.
Reproductions of Peron's sketches, and those of his artist friend Leseur, will be exhibited while talks on aspects of the Expedition are open to the public.
Peron's interest in the rich marine life of the Great Oyster Bay region will be a Festival feature.
Free events throughout the event will attract big crowds as in Festivals of previous years.
There will be free events on Saturday and Sunday on Jubilee Beach, Swansea, live music, a town parade and market stalls serving local wines and produce.
Major events include a twilight community event in a giant marquee in the amphitheatre at Piermont Resort followed by a grande dinner in the renowned Piermont Restaurant, the Baudin Ball, Long Breakfast and  a Grande Finale at Trellis Bistro.
In addition, the local top restaurants will serve French fare and the region's vineyards will be open for cellar door tastings of award-winning wines.
The Festival programme may be seen and printed at: www.fromfrancetofreycinet.com.au
A precis of events written by the President of the From France to Freycinet Committee, Jennifer Lathwell, appears opposite.

 Pic above: The  cabaret was a big hit at an earlier Festival. In pic: members of the Bruny Island Jazz Band with  local doctors Andrew and Camilla Grove, Barry Balcombe (front) Cherie Hill, Bertrand Cadart, Jo Raspin, Anne Barden.

Baskets on Display: continuing the tradition observed by the French in 1802, but with plenty of surprises at our Swansea Bowls Club Exhibition.
Art – The same subjects as the French artists, but through modern eyes.
Entertainment – The French expeditioners had to supply their own, but we’ll do it for you with some outstanding performances at venues in Triabunna, Piermont and Swansea
Food – The French had to catch their own to supplement their meagre supplies, but we’ll supply an abundance of the freshest and tastiest, at our superb restaurants and cafés.
Wine- Many French names, but all grown and produced right here; Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay etc.,  award winning and delicious. Milton vineyard is one our sponsors this year and their wines will be featured at the Gala Dinner
Writers – We treasure the French journals of 1802 for all their fascinating insights into pre settlement Tasmania. Come and hear what our contemporary writers have to say, at two sessions held at Swansea Town Hall on Saturday 16th May. We read their words, but what are these authors really like?
Come and meet them, courtesy of Fullers Bookshop and the Tasmanian Writers Centre
Water – It was in short supply for the French, but Southern Water will supply a vast quantity of pristine quality in their Water Cart.
Coffee – We think the expeditioners missed out on this, but there will be plenty of the best on offer at the Festival, or at our local establishments.
Fish – straight out of the water and into the pan, just like the French expedition, but this year, courtesy of Spring Bay Lions at Jubilee Beach, and with “French” fries made with Tassie spuds!
Francois Peron – The Baudin Expedition’s chief zoologist. World renowned writer Professor Ed Duyker from Sydney will talk about this fascinating young doctor who was 25 when he joined the expedition.
It is 200 years in 2010 since his death. He wrote the history of the Expedition, but omitted his commander’s name.Why? Come and find out and enjoy an Escoffiér inspired Gala dinner at Piermont Retreat.       
Decorations – Awarded to French officers, but ours will adorn the town.
Boules/Petanque – No real evidence that the explorers played it, but it is a national French pastime that we’ll enjoy during the Festival near beautiful Jubilee Beach at Swansea.
Children’s Choirs – ummm!... well,we will have a French one from Noumea visiting in addition to our local schools choirs.
Parade – Not entirely French nautical – but nice! (Sunday midday)
Markets – The French would have had them at home. Come and check ours out for some bargains and surprises.
Marquee – the French tents were small, but the one at Piermont for the Twilight Community Event, Friday 14th May 5 to 7pm, will be huge, thanks to the generosity of Glamorgan Spring Bay Council who celebrate 150 years of local government this year.
Piermont Amphitheatre- One of the most beautiful venues on the entire East Coast.
Baudin Ball – The French sailors danced on the decks to keep fit. Come and dance or just listen to “Frogmouth” our appropriately named local band, and “Nine Lives Rock and Soul Revue” on Saturday night 15th May from 7pm, and don’t worry about dinner. It will be available at the venue courtesy of Swansea Primary School Parents and Friends, together with a bar.
The Long Breakfast – No time for this on expeditions, but the Banc Restaurant (French name!) will provide this fun and delicious experience for us in Swansea Town Hall on Sunday morning at 9.30am with great music provided by Alan James in his beret.
Finale at Trellis – oops-an Italian word- the French would say “fin” but you might think we meant part of a fish,- the French pronounce it “fan”- yes! Come and cool down at Trellis after all the fun of the From France to Freycinet Festival 2010. Have a drink, something French to nibble and listen to some great music and say “au revoir”
Souvenir- a wonderful French word! We have some unique jewellery and T shirts on sale featuring “Francois the From France to Freycinet Festival Fish” and also our special Souvenir Programme courtesy of Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay-yours for a gold coin.
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