Team fondue or team raclette? For seven weeks, at Fondue Chalet 2026, Melbourne gets the chance to choose. Returning to Federation Square from 14 May, Fondue Chalet brings a slice of the French Alps to the middle of the city. Created by the French team behind Bastille Festival and Raclette Igloo, the experience builds on last year’s fondue-only format, now giving guests the option between two Alpine staples: fondue and raclette.
At its core, both dishes are about sharing. As founder Vincent Hernandez puts it, these are meals designed to bring people together: a winter ritual as much as a dinner. “It’s what we simply call the joy of the table”.
The setup leans into that idea. Private timber chalets, imported from France, create a small alpine village in the square, with wooden interiors, soft lighting and fire pits adding to the atmosphere. Adding to the authenticity, the experience is fully operated by a French team, bringing genuine Alpine traditions, recipes and unmistakable French accents straight from the mountains of France to the heart of Melbourne.
The experience itself is straightforward. Guests are welcomed with mulled wine, followed by a generous charcuterie board built for sharing. From there, each table chooses its direction: a pot of melted cheese for dipping, or raclette served over potatoes, pickles and cured meats.
In each chalet is a fridge with a selection of French Alpine wines, so you can pair as you go and settle in for the evening. After dinner, fire pits offer a chance to linger a little longer, with marshmallows and seasonal fruit — and for those who want it, a chocolate fondue to finish.
Session times shift the mood slightly. Earlier sittings are more family-oriented, while the 7pm session tends to be the liveliest. Later in the evening, things slow down, making the 8:30pm session better suited to groups of friends settling in for a slower night.
It’s a simple concept, but that’s part of the appeal. Whether you’re there for the novelty or the nostalgia, Fondue Chalet captures something essential about French meals — taking the time to sit, share, and eat well, something founder Hernandez says is incredibly special to see happening in Melbourne.
Last year, the pop-up drew strong crowds, and it’s likely to do the same again. Bookings are now open for Fondue Chalet 2026.
KEY INFO FOR FONDUE CHALET 2026
WHAT: Fondue Chalet 2026
WHEN: Thursday, 14 May 2026 – Sunday, 28 June 2026
WHERE: Location: Fed Square, Melbourne.
HOW: Book your table here
HOW MUCH: $79-$99 per person depending on the day and time chosen, for either 6pp or 8pp per chalet.
Children under six eat for free
Add-ons: Chocolate Fondue: $59 for 6pp or $79 for 8pp.
Are you team Fondue or team raclette? Or are you a turophile/cheese lover and can’t decide?
For more events with links to France and the Francophonie happening in Australia this month, check out our What’s on in May 2026
