French Week kicked off in Da Lat city, the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong on December 9, to celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and France .

The event also takes place on the occasion of the 120 th anniversary of Da Lat city, which was built by the French in the late 19th century and is imprinted with French architecture and culture.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, French Ambassador Jean-Noel Poirier stressed that the event offers a chance for France to show its presence in the city. He added that France wants to further participate in the development of Lam Dong in general and Da Lat in particular.

During the week-long event, a series of activities are scheduled to be held, including a map exhibition featuring the formation and development history of Da Lat, screenings of four famous French films and a photo exhibition highlighting Da Lat, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City at night by French photographer Sebastien Laval.

The book “Plague and Cholera” by Patrick Deville (and printed in Vietnamese and French) will also be introduced to readers on the occasion. The book tells the stories of Swiss-French doctor Alexandre Yersin, who was credited in Vietnam for finding Liang Biang plateau, a famous site in Da Lat city, in 1893, and founding the Medical School of Hanoi in 1902.

Vietnamese and French artists will conclude the event on December 15 with a joint concert.-VNA