Gardens by the Bay – French Faire

Just a week after Tulipmania 2014 and the Flower Dome has already transformed for its next theme: French Faire. The Gardens’ tour around the world has brought a touch of France into Singapore.

A topiary Eiffel Tower now stands in the middle of the flower field, surrounded with colourful rings of blooms. The rings and spokes would probably suit the Arc de Triomphe more, but Eiffel Tower is just too iconic.

The layout of the Flower Field is similar to Tulipmania, but looks a lot better with plants at different heights, and four lanes radiating out from the Tower.

Let’s take a look at the topiary Eiffel tower from a few angles:

On a clear day, you’ll be able to take photos like this. The Eiffel Tower with Marina Bay Sands behind glass.

This French Garden also smells wonderful. The fields are filled with plots of Gardenia, Lavender, Lilac and Jasmine.

A few (sadly printed) paintings are scattered around the garden.

Two stores can be found at the Flower Field. First, Boutique de Fleurs (lit. Flower Shop).

And Le Jardin Café (lit. The Garden Café), which is not part of the Dejiki & Friends Cafe Tour.

The Outer Ring, behind the main field, is now closed off.

While I’m hoping this is temporary… Several lighting fixtures and cables run across the walkway, so the area could be inaccessible throughout the entire display. As the park says, it’s for safety and crowd control.

It makes it easier for photographers to snap. Unobstructed views, for once. But then, the Gardens might consider removing all the jarring “Please do not step tn” signage.

The floral arrangement is certainly beautiful. Unlike Tulipmania (which was quite… overdone), the colour and form of the flowers do work together this time.

However, photographers who do not use telephoto lenses will be challenged with the increased distance (about 2-3 metres). So bring along your zoom lenses if you want some closer shots.

Planning to visit the Flower Dome in the evening? You’ll see the Eiffel Tower lit up. A bit like the real thing.

Given the location of the Flower Dome, the Eiffel Tower joins local attractions in the vicinity.

Very pretty, huh.

The faux shops look nicer at night, too.

French Faire is on display from now till 22 June 2014. The park currently has a special promotion on Family Packages. For $50, a family of four (2 Adults and 2 Kids) can visit both conservatories. This promotion is open to local residents and is valid from now till 30th June 2014.

For more information on discounts for the park’s attractions, visit this page.