Assalamualaikum and may peace be upon you.
☕ Café Corners
We found ourselves at a cozy corner where a café with red “Highlands” umbrellas offered respite. The aroma of coffee mingled with the mountain air, and travelers gathered to rest, sip, and watch the flow of people across the patterned plaza. It was a reminder that even in a fantasy village, simple pleasures anchor the experience.
🏰 Castle Courtyards
The castle‑like buildings with battlements and arched windows stood proudly, their stone façades echoing the romance of Europe. Walking across the patterned tiled courtyards, we felt as though we had stepped into a timeless fortress, yet one designed for leisure and wonder rather than defense.
🌹 Gardens Framed by Stone Walls
We strolled past vibrant red flower beds and manicured shrubs, their colors glowing against the backdrop of medieval‑style stone walls and turrets. The contrast of nature’s softness with the fortress‑like architecture created a sense of harmony - beauty carefully curated to delight the eye.
🌤️ Sky and Stone
The day was bright, the blue sky scattered with clouds, casting playful shadows across the tiled courtyards. The geometry of the paving stones seemed to mirror the order of the architecture, while the gardens softened the scene. Every step revealed a new angle, a new composition of color, stone, and sky.
🌿 Conservatories of Glass
Amid the stone towers, glass structures resembling greenhouses shimmered in the sunlight. They added a modern touch to the medieval setting, reflecting the sky and gardens around them. Visitors paused here, intrigued by the blend of old and new - an architectural dialogue that made the French Village feel alive and evolving.
French Village: a mountaintop blend of medieval romance, modern touches, and vibrant gardens, where every corner offered a new tableau. It was not just a place to see, but a place to inhabit - walking, pausing, sipping coffee, and letting the atmosphere weave itself into memory.
🏰 Gateway to Fantasy
From the wide view, the stone buildings and arched walkways framed a garden that led the eye toward a striking pink‑and‑gold castle in the distance. It felt like a gateway into another world, where medieval romance and whimsical fantasy met high above the mountains.
✨ Courtyard of Contrasts
In the central courtyard, ornate columns stood proudly beside a glass pyramid, its modern lines shimmering against the backdrop of the castle. The juxtaposition of Gothic towers and contemporary glass created a dialogue between eras, inviting visitors to pause and marvel at the blend of styles.
🎨 The Castle in Detail
Closer still, the pink‑and‑gold castle revealed its intricate design - turrets, arches, and decorative flourishes that seemed lifted from a fairytale. Against the mountain sky, it stood as the centerpiece of the French Village, embodying the dreamlike quality of this mountaintop escape.
🕊️ Statues and Symbols
Around the pyramid, winged figures and classical sculptures added layers of symbolism. Their poised forms seemed to guard the courtyard, while their artistry reminded us that this place was not only about architecture, but also about storytelling through stone and bronze.
🌄 Statues on the Balustrade
A row of statues lined the balustrade; their silhouettes set against the mountainous backdrop. The scene was majestic - human artistry meeting natural grandeur, each enhancing the other. Visitors lingered here, drawn to the serenity of the view and the quiet dignity of the sculptures.
🗿 Figures in Focus
Zooming in, the details of the statues came alive: a standing figure, winged guardians, each carved with precision. Behind them, the mountains stretched endlessly, reminding us that while the French Village was a crafted fantasy, it was firmly rooted in the vast beauty of Vietnam’s landscape.
French Village, a place of architectural imagination and artistic flourish. Castles, pyramids, and statues created a theatrical stage, while the mountains beyond grounded the fantasy in natural wonder. It was a journey through layers of design - each corner offering a tableau where Europe’s romance met Vietnam’s majesty.
🏛️ Heracles Among the Clouds
We began our walk along the curved balustrade, where Heracles stood immortalized in stone, gazing out over the mountains. The plaque beneath him told of his Twelve Labors - epic feats of strength and redemption. It was surreal to encounter such mythic grandeur here, high above the Vietnamese forest, as if Olympus had found a perch in Southeast Asia.
☀️ Apollo’s Radiance
Just steps away, Apollo stood poised, the god of healing, music, and sunlight. His youthful form and serene expression seemed to echo the bright blue sky above. The plaque reminded us of his many gifts - archery, poetry, and beauty - and in that moment, the mountaintop felt like a stage for Greek mythology presence.
🗿 The Pantheon Walk
As we continued, more classical statues lined the walkway, each placed with care along the ornate railings. The patterned pavement beneath our feet added rhythm to the stroll, while the statues offered silent stories - Greek mythology gods and heroes frozen in time, yet alive in imagination.
🌄 Sculptures Framed by Sky
The statues stood not only as art, but as sentinels against the sky. Their forms were framed by the mountainous horizon, creating a breathtaking contrast between human craftsmanship and nature’s vastness. It was a place to pause, reflect, and feel the weight of myth and landscape together.
🎭 Myth and Memory
Zooming in, each statue revealed its own personality - some contemplative, others commanding. Together, they formed a mountaintop pantheon, a tribute to mythologies that have traveled far from their origins to inspire awe in a new land.
🌄 Terrace of the Greek Mythological Gods
We stepped onto a curved terrace lined with white balustrades and statues, overlooking a vast green expanse of mountains. The sky was a brilliant blue, and the view stretched endlessly. It felt like standing at the edge of Olympus - where myth met landscape, and silence carried the weight of wonder.
🏰 The Round Castle
A circular stone building, reminiscent of a medieval keep, stood surrounded by manicured gardens and patterned plazas. Tourists wandered through, drawn by its symmetry and strength. It was a place that invited both admiration and imagination - what stories might its turrets hold?
🗿 Towers and Guardians
Further on, a castle-like structure with towers and statues rose against the forested hills. The figures seemed to guard the village, silent sentinels watching over the mountaintop realm. The blend of architecture and sculpture gave the scene a theatrical grandeur, as if we had entered a living set.
🍃 Thai Influence
At a lively corner, we passed the Thai Market, its green-and-white striped awning fluttering in the breeze. Visitors paused here for refreshments, laughter spilling into the plaza. It was a reminder that even in a fantasy village, the rhythms of daily joy - food, drink, conversation - ground the experience.
🚗 Plaza with Vintage Charm
The plaza buzzed with energy: tourists posed beside a yellow vintage car, while buildings labeled “ARAPANG” framed the scene with European flair. It was playful and picturesque, a blend of nostalgia and novelty that made every photo feel like a postcard.
🌺 Lavanda in Bloom
We continued our stroll at a building draped in vibrant red flowers, its sign reading “KAVKAZ BAKU”. Visitors gathered at the entrance, drawn by the floral spectacle and the promise of something fragrant or flavorful within. It was a final flourish - nature and architecture entwined in joyful display.
🐏 KAVKAZ BAKU and the Colorful Companions
Next, we passed by quirky stalls inf front of the Kavkaz Baku restaurant, where chef and waiter doing preparations. Two cheerful animal statues - one red, one yellow - greeted passersby, adding a splash of humor to the scene. It was a reminder that in this village, even food stalls came with personality and surprise.
🍺 Barrels and Beer at SUN KRAFT
Next, we passed a stall with barrels and a giant SUN KRAFT BEER can, its rustic setup inviting visitors to pause and sample something hearty. A menu board perched atop one barrel hinted at grilled delights and fermented drinks. The vibe was festive, like a medieval tavern reimagined for modern tastes.
🔥 The Grilled Feast
The scent of grilled meats led us to a long food stall bustling with activity. Behind it, castle-like structures and curved walkways framed the scene, turning a simple meal into a theatrical experience. The sizzling sounds and smoky aroma made this corner feel like the heart of the village’s appetite.
🥖 Bánh Mì in Red
A vibrant red cart labeled “BÁNH MÌ” stood out like a jewel among the stalls. Its decorative canopy and cheerful attendants drew a steady stream of visitors. The menu board promised crispy baguettes filled with savory goodness - a Vietnamese classic served with flair in a European setting.
🌯 Doner Kebab Meets Bá Na Sausage
Side by side, two carts offered a fusion of flavors: one labeled “DONER KEBAB” with images of juicy wraps, the other a yellow “Ba Na Sausages” cart with a vertical rotisserie spinning slowly. It was a culinary crossroads mingling under green umbrellas, each bite a passport to delight.
⚔️ Bronze Guardians
In the bright sunlight, bronze statues of Roman and medieval soldiers stood proudly along the cobblestone plaza. Their armor gleamed against the backdrop of castle‑like buildings, as if they were guardians of the French Village. Tourists paused to admire them, some posing for photos, others simply marveling at the artistry.
🌻 Sunflower Tables
Nearby, sunflower‑themed tables added a burst of color to the square. Families gathered here to rest, sip drinks, and enjoy the cheerful setting. The combination of flowers, statues, and European façades created a playful harmony - heritage and whimsy side by side.
🏰 Castle Backdrop
The statues stood in front of stone buildings with red canopies, their medieval design reinforcing the illusion of a European town. The clear blue sky framed the scene, making the entire plaza feel like a stage set for history and fantasy.
🍟 Menu French
A green board labeled “Menu French” offered simple delights: French fries, cheese fries, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. It was a charming detail - comfort food presented in a themed setting, reminding us that even amid grandeur, everyday pleasures were never far away.
✨ Living History
Together, these statues and settings created a living tableau of history and leisure. The soldiers stood as silent storytellers, while the menus and tables invited modern comfort. It was a blend of eras - ancient guardians watching over a village of joy, food, and discovery.
🌹 The Arched Entrance
We approached an arched stone gateway adorned with sculpted figures and red flowers, where visitors streamed in and out. It felt like crossing a threshold into another world - one where medieval romance and festive color welcomed us at once.
🌉 The Wooden Bridge
A wooden bridge with chains led us into a castle‑like structure, its walls draped with colorful banners. Walking across, we felt the anticipation of entering a realm of fantasy, each step echoing with the excitement of discovery.
🏰 Towers and Banners
Ahead, a grand stone castle entrance with cylindrical towers rose above the cobblestone path. Banners fluttered in the breeze, and groups of visitors approached together. The scene was theatrical, as if we were characters stepping into a medieval pageant.
🌼 The Golden Sculpture Plaza
In the wide plaza, a golden sculpture gleamed at the center, surrounded by flowers. Castle‑like buildings framed the square, while umbrellas shaded the crowd. The atmosphere was lively, yet the sculpture gave it a focal point - a symbol of prosperity and joy.
🌿 Streets Alive with Greenery
We wandered into a street lined with European‑style buildings covered in flowers and greenery. The façades seemed alive, softened by vines and blossoms. People gathered here, strolling and chatting, the street itself becoming a stage for camaraderie and leisure.
🍞 Rustic Café Interior
Finally, we stepped indoors to a shop filled with baked goods and packaged treats, its rustic beams and cozy seating inviting us to linger. The scent of bread and coffee mingled with laughter, offering a warm pause amid the grandeur outside.
🏰 Exterior Grandeur
This is the replica of Saint Denis Church. From the side view, the church rose with pointed arches, tall stained‑glass windows, and spires reaching skyward. Its stone façade echoed the Gothic cathedrals of Europe, yet perched here in Vietnam, it carried a sense of wonder - an unexpected sanctuary above the clouds.
The church is a stunning replica of the Basilica of Saint-Denis in France and is considered a prime example of classic Gothic architecture, featuring pointed arches, stone construction, intricate decorative elements, and vibrant stained-glass windows. The interior includes wide aisles and pillars with delicate carvings, designed to create a majestic and serene atmosphere.
The structure serves primarily as a monument and a photo spot for tourists; no religious masses or services take place here. It is open to visitors daily from approximately 8 AM to 10 PM.
✝️ The Altar and Organ
Inside, the altar stood solemn beneath a crucifix, framed by ornate columns. Above, a grand pipe organ loomed, its pipes gleaming in the dim light. The atmosphere was hushed, reverent, as if the music of centuries lingered in the air, waiting to be played again.
🌌 Vaulted Ceilings and Rose Windows
Looking upward, the vaulted ceiling and rose windows revealed themselves in intricate detail. Light filtered through colored glass, painting the stone walls with hues of red, blue, and gold. The architecture seemed to lift visitors' views, drawing eyes and hearts toward the ceiling.
👥 Visitors in Awe
Tourists wandered quietly through the nave, pausing beneath the rose window and pointed arches. Some gazed upward in silence, others captured the moment with cameras. Though not an actual place of worship, it does shared experience of beauty and history.
💡 Light and Stone
From another angle, the stained‑glass windows and chandeliers glowed softly against the stone columns. The interplay of light and shadow created a timeless atmosphere, where every detail - from carved capitals to flickering lamps - spoke of devotion and artistry.
🌹 The Front Façade
Finally, the front exterior of Saint Denis Church revealed its symmetrical towers and rose window above the main entrance. Standing before it, one felt the grandeur of Gothic design transplanted to a Vietnamese mountaintop - a fusion of cultures, a monument to imagination and faith.
🏨 Mercure Danang
This is the Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills, a 4-star hotel located atop Ba Na Hills, Vietnam, designed in a picturesque 19th-century Gothic French village style. It is known for its unique mountain location, which offers guests early and late access to popular attractions like the Golden Bridge, away from the daytime crowds.
To be continued with French Village Part 03
Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.
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