As the summer vacation season arrives, many are hesitant to travel abroad due to tight schedules and budget constraints. This weekend, consider a trip to Yeongjongdo, where Paradise City is showcasing the 'Parisian Summer' in collaboration with the French Tourism Board. Running until August 31, this event offers a chance to fully enjoy the unique leisurely atmosphere of France without needing a plane ticket.
Upon entering the Plaza Square, visitors are greeted by a massive Arc de Triomphe and an Eiffel Tower sculpture. The vibrant space, adorned with blooming hydrangeas and fresh flowers, resembles a lively European weekend flea market. Strolling through the 3,300 square meter garden market can make one feel like a Parisian wandering through the city’s charming alleyways.
In one corner of the square, the beloved French storybook characters Gaspard and Lisa welcome guests with their adorable presence. Entering the gallery space, designed to resemble an open storybook, visitors are enveloped in warm oil painting hues and beautiful illustrations of French landscapes, providing a soothing escape from daily life. The emotional art postcards and limited-edition merchandise available for purchase are sure to entice collectors.
Park Min-kyu, who visited Paradise City with his family, remarked, "It feels like we are in a foreign country. The decorations are charming, making it a great place to spend time with my wife and child. Gaspard and Lisa have a friendly image, which my child really enjoys."
After soaking in the French ambiance at Plaza Square, it’s time to awaken the taste buds. The highlight of the Parisian Summer is the seasonal dessert café 'Le Café.' Chef Tom Col, named the 2025 Pastry Talent of the Year, is visiting to present his dessert collection for the first time in Korea.
Le Café has been newly designed to fit the Parisian concept, featuring olive trees reminiscent of the relaxed Mediterranean in southern France and stylish design elements that evoke Parisian outdoor cafés, enhancing the exotic atmosphere. The space itself feels like a work of art.
The signature 'Afternoon Tea Set' at Le Café is delicately crafted, inspired by flowers, fruits, and herbs. To fully enjoy the French desserts, the order of tasting is essential. Start with the savory items on the top tier (3rd level) to stimulate the palate, then enjoy the plain scones on the 2nd tier, and finish with the sweet desserts on the bottom tier (1st level) to experience the perfect culinary flow intended by Chef Tom Col.
As night falls at Paradise City, the exterior of the premium club Chroma Square transforms into a massive canvas reflecting the essence of France. A fantastic media facade show reinterprets major French landmarks in a 3D collage format.
The grand finale features fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, illuminating the sky as it flows from the serene Seine River, through Place de la Concorde, and over the blue waters of Nice. The overwhelming scale and vivid visuals create an immersive experience, making one feel as if they are in the midst of a Parisian fireworks festival. This spectacular light show runs from 8:30 PM to 10 PM, except on Tuesdays.
Paradise City hopes to host various events in collaboration with European countries like France in the future. A representative from Paradise City stated, "The values of art and gastronomy that Paradise City pursues have created a wonderful synergy with the unique beauty of France. We plan to actively utilize the charm of the European-style Plaza Square going forward."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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