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The French Week 2011, to be staged during February 23-March 1, will be themed 'Bahrain Je t'aime' - which means 'I love Bahrain' - and will feature a series of activities focused on culture, entertainment, fashion, sports, retail and food.

The event is being organised by the Bahraini French Business Club (CAFB) and the French Embassy of Bahrain and is expected to attract businessmen and investors from France to Bahrain as well as provide residents of the island a sneak look into the French way of life.

The French Week is hosted every four years to highlight the art, culture, cuisine and lifestyle of the French community. For the first time, the event will also provide a major platform for companies, both French and Bahraini, to interact and exchange business ideas.

The retail industry showcasing French products will offer special offers and promotions in line with the festivities. Leading supermarket Carrefour will host a special promotion offering customers the chance to win a Peugeot car.

Exclusive houses from leading malls such as the Bahrain City Centre, Moda Mall and A'ali Shopping Complex will also participate during the week and designers from the world's most prestigious fashion capital will be invited to display their work.

Sports will take central stage with several activities planned including bowls game petanque as well as a mini 'Tour de France' cycling event.

Restaurants will entice food lovers with authentic French cuisine and renowned and Michelin star chefs from France will also be invited to participate during the week. The Hotel Sofitel Bahrain Thalassa Zallaq Sea and Spa, Gulf Hotel, Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa, Golden Tulip and Novotel will participate.

Organisers have also tied up with prominent French channel TV 5 Monde for a special coverage which they hope will be able to showcase the rich history, culture, economy and lifestyle of Bahrain to help promote the island to the world.

The CAFB Communication Officer, Edward Smith, said: "We want the week-long festival to be fun, animated and French!"