MASTERCLASSES, PRESENtations...
Masterclasses return and there's a great selection to choose from. These special sessions are conducted in an intimate setting and offer a little French indulgence to inspire you. Presented by masters in their field these sessions are a great opportunity to learn from the best of the best.
There's a new selection of Free Presentations for you to choose from this year. Each presenter brings a wealth of knowledge as they share their insights and experiences.
​
Bookings are essential and limited seats available.

SATURDAY, 25 OCTOBER, 2025
sATURDAY 10:30am
MASTERCLASS:
AN INTRODUCTION TO FASHION DRAWING
Fashion illustrator Susan Kerian leads this one hour Masterclass in the basics of fashion drawing. Her love of Paris and France shines through Susan’s beautiful illustrations - they provide a connection to a culture that is stylish and unique.
In this Masterclass, Susan will guide you, step by step through the process to create a fashion drawing of your own to take home. All materials provided.
​
​Location: Masterclass Marquee, rear courtyard​
Bookings essential, $30.00 per person


sATURDAY 10:30am
FREE presentation:
JAYNE TUTTLE on The Sea in the Metro
Author Jayne Tuttle discusses her newly-released third book, The Sea in the Metro, which looks at Paris through the eye of a new mother trying desperately to forge a creative career while balancing the instinctual demands of motherhood.​
​
Location: La salle de presentation, access via verandah​
Bookings essential, FREE

sATURDAY 12:00pm
MASTERCLASS:
SNIF PERFUMERY- FRENCH NICHE PERFUME
This Masterclass offers an exquisite journey into the art of unique and luxurious fragrances. You will learn the history and ingredients that define niche perfumery, setting it apart from mainstream perfumes. Explore the olfactory pyramid, understanding top, middle, and base notes whilst following the Michael Edwards Fragrance Wheel. This experience is perfect for fragrance enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge and develop a more discerning nose for fine perfumes.
Each attendee will enjoy a glass of champagne and receive a beautiful gift.
​Location: Masterclass Marquee, rear courtyard
Bookings essential, $40.00 per person


sATURDAY 12:30pm
FREE PRESENTATION:
Mind Your French - mini class
Join this mini class for an introduction to the French language. You will learn some simple words and phrases as well as modern French etiquette and social practices to avoid making a faux pas on your trip to France.
​
Be sure to book early for this popular session!​
​
Location: La salle de presentation, access via verandah​
Bookings essential, FREE

SATURDAY 1:30PM
MASTERCLASS:
DISCOVER OYSTERS
Join this unique Masterclass experience to discover the fascinating world of the Oyster. Considered an aphrodisiac by some, this unique delicacy is synonymous with style and indulgence. In this hands-on Masterclass learn the art of shucking to perfectly open an oyster. You’ll be guided through different flavour profiles, how to identify fresh, high-quality oysters and discover serving tips.
Each attendee will receive their own shucking knife as a gift.
​
​Location: Masterclass Marquee, rear courtyard
Bookings essential, $50.00 per person


sATURDAY 2:30pm
FREE PRESENTATION:
Agnes Goodsir
Join Lisa Sullivan, Assistant Director, Curatorial at Geelong Gallery as she discusses the life and work of Agnes Goodsir. An early 20th century Australian artist, Agnes initially moved to London before settling in Paris in 1921 where she remained until her passing in 1939. Well-known for portraiture, Agnes’ works featured in the seasonal salons of Paris, gaining her significant attention. In 1926, she was made a member of France’s Société Nationale des Beaux Arts, one of few Australians to receive the honour. In 1947, Geelong Gallery received three of Agnes’ still life paintings, gifted by her former partner Rachel Dunn.
​
Location: La salle de presentation, access via verandah
Bookings essential, FREE


Agnes Goodsir, Still life:
study of lemons c. 1930,
oil on canvas, Geelong Gallery,
Gift of Mrs Rachel Dunn, 1947
SATURDAY 3:00PM
MASTERCLASS:
CHEESE & WINE PAIRING
Indulge in this unique Masterclass experience where we'll be pairing exquisite cheeses with the finest French wines. Curated by the cheesemakers of Long Paddock Cheese and wines by Bordeaux and Beyond you’ll be guided through the art of cheese and wine pairing. Learn how the Australian terroir influences each cheese and the characteristics and complexities of the wines selected to complement each. You will taste 5 cheese and wine combinations in this intimate, one hour Masterclass.
This Masterclass is strictly for 18 years old and over
​Location: Masterclass Marquee, rear courtyard
Bookings essential, $50.00 per person



sATURDAY 3:30pm
FREE PRESENTATION:
Cycling France With Confidence
Join Darren from Iconic Cycling Tours and discover the ups and downs of cycling through the French Alps.
With his years of experience, Darren is a wealth of knowledge and can guide and inspire you to create memorable rides that are both realistic and achievable, while delivering simply spectacular views.
Location: La salle de presentation, access via verandah
Bookings essential, FREE


SunDAY, 26 OCTOBER, 2025
sUNDAY 10:30Am
MASTERCLASS:
SNIF PERFUMERY- FRENCH NICHE PERFUME
This Masterclass offers an exquisite journey into the art of unique and luxurious fragrances. You will learn the history and ingredients that define niche perfumery, setting it apart from mainstream perfumes. Explore the olfactory pyramid, understanding top, middle, and base notes whilst following the Michael Edwards Fragrance Wheel. This experience is perfect for fragrance enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge and develop a more discerning nose for fine perfumes.
Each attendee will enjoy a glass of champagne and receive a beautiful gift.
Location: Masterclass Marquee, rear courtyard
Bookings essential, $40.00 per person


sUNDAY 10:30am
FREE presentation:
Mind Your French - mini class
Join this mini class for an introduction to the French language. You will learn some simple words and phrases as well as modern French etiquette and social practices to avoid making a faux pas on your trip to France.
​
Be sure to book early for this popular session!
​
Location: La salle de presentation, access via verandah​
Bookings essential, FREE

sUNDAY 12:30pm
FREE PRESENTATION: The Creation of Préfet Haussmann's Paris
Josy Devienne Palmer’s keen interest in 19th century history led her to exploring how Paris was reshaped under Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann. Haussmann was tasked with bringing air and light to the centre of Paris, to unify the different neighbourhoods with boulevards, and to make Paris more beautiful. Josy will share this enormous transformation.
​
Location: La salle de presentation, access via verandah
Bookings essential, FREE

SUNDAY 1:30PM
MASTERCLASS:
DISCOVER OYSTERS
Join this unique Masterclass experience to discover the fascinating world of the Oyster. Considered an aphrodisiac by some, this unique delicacy is synonymous with style and indulgence. In this hands-on Masterclass learn the art of shucking to perfectly open an oyster. You’ll be guided through different flavour profiles, how to identify fresh, high-quality oysters and discover serving tips.
Each attendee will receive their own shucking knife as a gift.
​
​Location: Masterclass Marquee, rear courtyard
Bookings essential, $50.00 per person


SUNDAY 3:00PM
MASTERCLASS:
CHEESE & WINE PAIRING
Indulge in this unique Masterclass experience where we'll be pairing exquisite cheeses with the finest French wines. Curated by the cheesemakers of Long Paddock Cheese and wines by Bordeaux and Beyond you’ll be guided through the art of cheese and wine pairing. Learn how the Australian terroir influences each cheese and the characteristics and complexities of the wines selected to complement each. You will taste 5 cheese and wine combinations in this intimate, one hour Masterclass.
This Masterclass is strictly for 18 years old and over
Location: Masterclass Marquee, rear courtyard
Bookings essential, $50.00 per person



LIMITED SEATS - BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
