French Alpine Pop Up - The Fondue Chalet Experience in Fed Square
As the seasons start to change over Melbourne, a heartwarming culinary escape awaits in the heart of the city. From May 15 to June 22, 2025, Federation Square transforms into a charming French alpine village, hosting the Fondue Chalet - a six-week pop-up dining experience that whisks you straight to the snowy peaks of the Alps without leaving the CBD. We were able to experience a stunning preview in April and we are excited for this French Alpine experience.
Brought to life by BBR Group Australia, the masterminds behind the beloved Raclette Igloo of 2023, this immersive culinary adventure promises to warm both body and soul with bubbling cheese, crackling fire pits, and the convivial spirit of an après-ski retreat. We were able to experience first hand the cosy and stylish chalet in Fed Square along with the delicious fondue and wine. Plus sitting around the warming fire pit.
Stepping into Fed Square during Fondue Chalet feels like crossing continents. The air carries the spiced aroma of mulled wine, and the soft glow of eighteen private wooden chalets—imported directly from France—creates a scene lifted from a Savoie mountainside. Each chalet, designed for groups of six to eight, is a cosy haven where you’ll gather around your own fire pit, the centerpiece of an evening filled with indulgence. Snowfall (artfully simulated, of course) dusts the air, and a team of French waiters, dressed in alpine charm, welcomes you with a glass of mulled wine, setting the tone for a night of rustic elegance.
At the heart of the experience is the fondue itself, a steaming pot of melted cheese that embodies French alpine tradition. Crafted in collaboration with French cheesemongers, the recipe blends Comté, Beaufort, Emmental, and Vacherin, kissed with a splash of white wine, a hint of kirsch, and a whisper of spices.
Served with crusty bread, cured meats, and charcuterie boards piled high, it’s a dish meant for sharing—each dip a moment of connection with friends or family. The cheese, all two tonnes of it, is imported from France, ensuring an authentic taste of the Alps in every bite. As you tear into the bread and swirl it through the rich, gooey pot, the stresses of city life melt away, replaced by the simple joy of good food and great company.
For those with a sweet tooth, Fondue Chalet offers a limited-edition combo that pairs the savory cheese fondue with a decadent chocolate version. Made with silky Belgian chocolate, the dessert fondue arrives with seasonal fruits and sweet treats for dipping—a luxurious finale that feels like a warm hug. These exclusive sessions are a highlight, so booking early is a must to secure a spot for this indulgent double act.
Beyond the chalet, the experience spills into the Après-Ski Bar, a lively nook reserved for fondue ticket holders. Here, you can extend the evening with French winter cocktails, fine wines, or a steaming hot drink.
For a true alpine touch, order a digestif - a traditional after-dinner shot to lighten the richness of the meal. The bar hums with music and laughter, fire pits casting a glow over cozy tables where you can linger, marshmallow in hand, toasting the night away. It’s the kind of place where time slows, and the conversation flows as freely as the wine.
“Fondue Chalet is about bringing people together,” says Vincent Hernandez, Founder of BBR Group Australia. “Sharing a fondue after a day in the mountains is a French winter tradition, and we’ve recreated that warmth and authenticity right here in Melbourne.” Hernandez’s vision builds on the success of the Raclette Igloo, which captured the city’s imagination two years ago. This time, the stakes are higher—chalets shipped from France, cheeses sourced from Savoie, and an atmosphere that feels like a love letter to the Alps.
Fed Square, already a cultural hub, becomes something magical during Fondue Chalet. The pop-up runs for just six weeks, a fleeting window to experience this alpine dream. With limited seats and high demand, planning ahead is essential—especially for the chocolate fondue sessions, which are sure to sell out fast. Whether you’re a cheese aficionado, a wine lover, or simply someone craving a unique night out, Fondue Chalet delivers. It’s a reminder that winter in Melbourne can be as vibrant as summer, with the right mix of warmth, flavor, and connection.
So gather your lover or loved ones, bundle up, and head to Fed Square this May. Fondue Chalet is a journey to the French Alps, a fleeting escape where melted cheese and marshmallow embers create memories to savor long after the last dip. We loved our experience, living the alpine dream! Bon appétit, Melbourne—your alpine adventure awaits.