Assalamualaikum and may peace be upon you.
Stepping out of the gondola at the top station, we were greeted by a scene that felt almost surreal. Rising above the mist and forest was the French Village, a mountaintop replica of a romantic 19th‑century town. At an altitude of nearly 1,500 meters, the air was cool and refreshing, adding to the illusion that we had been transported far from Vietnam into a miniature corner of Europe.
This main square in the French Village at Ba Na Hills is known as Du Dôme Square. It is also sometimes referred to as Union Square or Forever Square.
For us, it was the perfect continuation of the journey: from the gondola’s ascent through forests and waterfalls, to stepping into a world of castles and cobblestones, where every corner invited exploration and every view felt like a painting.
The architecture was striking - Gothic‑style facades, stone‑paved streets, castles, and a church with pointed towers. The details were carefully crafted to evoke the charm of old France, while the surrounding panoramic views reminded us we were still firmly rooted in the mountains of Da Nang.
As we wandered through the village, the atmosphere was lively yet picturesque. Cafés and restaurants lined the streets, offering warm meals and cool drinks, while the Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills stood proudly as a four‑star retreat for those wishing to linger longer.
Though modern in its construction, the French Village carried a sense of nostalgia, a playful interpretation of colonial history designed to immerse visitors in a romanticized vision of Europe. It was easy to see why many described it as a “miniature Europe” - a place where fantasy and heritage blended into a unique mountaintop escape.
🌻The Sunflower Fountain
At the heart of the square, a giant sunflower sculpture rose from the fountain, surrounded by castle‑like facades and bursts of flowers. Crowds gathered here, drawn by the cheerful centerpiece and the lively atmosphere. It felt like the village’s pulse - where architecture, nature, and people converged in celebration.
🗿 The Spear‑Bearing Statue
A statue of a mythical figure holding a spear stood proudly among decorative sunflowers. Visitors rested under blue umbrellas nearby, their laughter mingling with the grandeur of the sculpture. The scene balanced solemnity and leisure - heritage cast in stone, softened by the joy of those who gathered around it.
🍧Local Flavors
The village was not only about European façades; stalls offered Vietnamese delights too. One kiosk sold fermented drinking yogurt, proudly branded by Vinamilk. Attendants in red shirts served visitors under teal umbrellas, adding a splash of local flavor to the European‑styled streets. It was a playful juxtaposition - Vietnamese tastes thriving in a French‑inspired setting.
📸 The Wide Plaza
We stepped into a broad plaza, framed by castle towers and medieval‑style buildings. Here, visitors strolled leisurely, posed for photos, and soaked in the grandeur. The openness of the space allowed the architecture to shine, while the crowd’s presence gave it life. It was a stage where every traveler became part of the spectacle.
🎭 The Performance
We joined the audience at a live performance in the courtyard. Dancers in themed costumes moved gracefully across the stage, their choreography echoing traditions and fantasy alike. The stone buildings formed a dramatic backdrop, and the crowd watched in delight. It was the perfect crescendo - art, architecture, and human connection woven together in one vibrant moment.
🔥 The Solar Warriors at Bà Nà Hills
Adding to the enchantment of the French Village was a spectacular international performance - the Solar Warriors, a renowned Argentine group, brought their fiery energy to the mountaintop stage. Their show, a Malambo drum‑dance, was nothing short of electrifying. With pounding rhythms, raw choreography, and powerful movements, the dancers transformed the square into a theater of intensity and passion.
The performances took place at iconic locations within the resort - the Solar Castle, Pop Mart, Helios Waterfall area, and Beer Plaza Square - each setting amplifying the drama of the show. Visitors gathered eagerly, filling the plazas with anticipation, and when the drums began, the atmosphere shifted into a pulse of fire and motion.
Scheduled twice daily at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM (except Wednesdays), the Solar Warriors became a centerpiece of the summer 2025 entertainment lineup. Their presence was part of Sun World’s broader vision: to transform Bà Nà Hills into a premier international artistic hub, hosting performers from across Europe and the Americas.
For us, it was more than a performance - it was a cultural bridge. Watching Argentine artistry unfold in the heart of Vietnam’s mountains, framed by Gothic facades and castle towers, felt like a celebration of global creativity. The Solar Warriors embodied the spirit of Bà Nà Hills: a place where tradition, fantasy, and international artistry converge to create unforgettable experiences.
The French Village as more than a replica - it was a living, breathing destination where architecture, culture, and people intertwined. From fountains and statues to food stalls and performances, every corner offered a vignette of joy and discovery.
🌸 Gardens of Whimsy
We wandered into a landscaped garden where flower‑covered sculptures of sheep grazed playfully among blooms. Behind them rose a domed building and conical towers, completing the illusion of stepping into a fairytale pasture. It was a whimsical pause in the midst of stone castles, a reminder that artistry here extended even to nature itself.
🏰 Cobblestone Streets
The cobblestone lanes led us deeper into the village, flanked by medieval‑style stone buildings with pointed roofs. Tourists strolled leisurely, their footsteps echoing against the stones, while the façades whispered of Gothic towns in Europe. Every corner seemed designed for discovery, every street a stage for photographs and memories.
🔺 The Glass Pyramid
In the courtyard, a modern glass pyramid rose unexpectedly, its sleek lines contrasting with the medieval towers behind it. The juxtaposition was striking - old and new, fantasy and modernity, coexisting in one frame. Visitors gathered here, intrigued by the blend of architectural eras, as if the village itself was a dialogue between past and present.
🎢 The Alpine Adventure
From a vantage point, we glimpsed the roller coaster winding through the mountainside, its track weaving boldly across the greenery. The sight added a thrill to the serene landscape, promising adventure for those who sought it. It was a reminder that Bà Nà Hills was not only about quiet beauty, but also about exhilaration and play.
🚡 Cable Cars in Motion
Looking outward, the red gondolas of the cable car system glided gracefully above the forest. Their steady rhythm across the hills symbolized connection - linking the bustling French Village with the natural world below. Watching them move, we felt both gratitude for the ride that had brought us here and anticipation for the descent yet to come.
🌊 Panoramic Horizons
Finally, from the heights, the view opened wide: a coastal city stretching toward the sea, mountains rising in the distance, and the ocean shimmering at the horizon. It was a panorama that stitched together urban life, rural landscapes, and natural majesty. Standing there, we felt the immensity of place - Vietnam’s beauty unfolding in layers from mountain to shore.
French Village, more than a replica. It was a living tapestry of gardens, streets, architecture, adventure, and vistas, each corner offering a new story, each view deepening the sense of wonder.
To be continued the French Village Part 02.
Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.
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