Jean-François Ponthieux, founder of So Frenchy So Chic: how Australia fell in love with French music

In today’s episode I meet with Jean-François Ponthieux, the man behind So Frenchy So Chic. Many of us know this annual rendez-vous with French music hosted as a joyful picnic in the heart of the Australian summer. Over the years, the festival has showcased more than 50 of France’s top talents, including The Dø, Clara Luciani, Lou Doillon and Brigitte to name only a few. But So Frenchy So Chic is not just a festival, there are also music compilations, artists collaborations and more parties. With So Frenchy So Chic, Jean-François wants Australia to connect with French culture and to celebrate life’s simple pleasures à la française. A beautiful mission that hides long working hours, challenges and risk takings. Jean-François’ hard work and contribution to the promotion of French culture in Australia were acknowledged in 2016 by the French Republic when he became Knight of the Order of the Letters and Arts. But these achievements are just the cherry on the cake for Jean-François. He insists passion and fun are what is driving him, without much of a plan. He learnt on the fly as he says it himself, organising a festival for the first time in his life in 2012 with the first edition of So Frenchy So Chic.  With Jean-François we talked about his success story of course, how it started and what's happening behind the scenes.  When I launched the podcast, Jean-François' story was one of the first on my list of stories to tell in You are so French! So I am very happy to share this conversation with you today. Bonne écoute! This episode was recorded in April 2023 at the Alliance Francaise de Melbourne, merci beaucoup for welcoming You are so French! The Podcast. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional owners of the land on which we recorded this episode. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.   So Frenchy So Chic Follow So Frenchy So Chic on Instagram Listen to So Frenchy So Chic on Spotify Follow Jean-François Ponthieux on LInkedIn   Jean-François' French recommendations: Chef Jacques Raymond Juliette Armanet on Spotify Clara Luciani on Spotify Orelsan on Spotify