Restoring Vietnam - France cultural quarter in Hoi An

(QNO) - The restoration of Vietnam-France cultural quarter will impulse the development of Hoi An tourism, improve the locals’ livelihood and their lives. 

French architecture in Hoi An

Available background

The appearance of the French in Hoi An in the colonial period had a big impact on the urbanization here. Lots of houses were built in French style. Besides, French architecture is still maintaining in some public places such as offices, markets, churches, the art of civil decoration and living tools. So, French architecture and culture have played a significant role and become an indispensible part of Hoi An ancient town.

In efforts of the local authorities’ and owners’ conservation, most of the French architectural works in Hoi An are still well-preserved. They are on some streets including Phan Boi Chau, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Bach Dang, Tran Phu and Phan Chau Trinh.

Recognizing the unique values in French architecture in Hoi An, the local authorities are determined to restore the Vietnam-France cultural quarter in combination with the plans on night streets, streets for walkers and non-engine vehicles. Hopefully, this unique space will attract more visitors, especially the French.

Restoration

The plan on restoring the Vietnam-France cultural quarter has been built, central on Phan Boi Chau street, on which the house numbered 33-35 will be the centre for the activities in the quarter. Some activities will be organized in Phan Minh Luong street, Huyen Tran Cong Chua street and on the river. In addition, the architectural styles on Nguyen Duy Hieu and Pham Hong Thai streets will be changed into French one. The quarter also includes a French cultural house used to show French artistic and architectural works, for French fashion and a place for books and printed materials in French. Besides, there will be some spaces for French music, French classes, French clubs, and French studies. The French quarter also has a diplomatic mission between Vietnam and France.

Creativity

Mr. Vincent Floreani - French Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City expressed his agreement with Hoi An’s plan. He highly appreciated the local efforts to conserve French cultural and architectural values and promised to support Hoi An in the process of the French quarter restoration.

Along with the Hoi An- Japan cultural space in the west of the old town, the restoration of the Vietnam- France cultural quarter in its eastern area will contribute to promoting the unique values of Hoi An ancient town, helping solve the problems of tourist products and regulate tourist space in the old town. The Vietnam- France cultural quarter will become an attractive destination where creative ideas on spatial layout, landscape design and goods display are implemented so that French cultural characteristics are highlighted in the harmony with local cultural values.