French President Macron and wife stroll Old Quarter on 2nd day in Hanoi

After attending a state banquet, the couple spent about 45 minutes walking through the Old Quarter in the heart of Hanoi on Monday evening. Starting from their hotel, they passed along Trang Tien, Hang Khay, and Nha Chung streets.

Dressed comfortably, the couple held hands as they strolled, taking in the cultural sights of Hanoi's historic district.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, hold hands as they stroll a street in the Hanoi's Old Quarter, May 26, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Anh

The French leader and his wife spent approximately 10 minutes visiting St. Joseph's Cathedral, after which they engaged and chatted with local residents outside. Throughout the walk, President Macron frequently waved and smiled warmly at the crowd.

A large group of onlookers eagerly snapped photos and waved back at the French President and his wife before the couple returned to their hotel.

Late Sunday, Macron and Brigitte Macron also took a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. During the walk, the president often inquired about Hanoi's scenery and greeted locals with waves.

President Macron's visit to Vietnam lasts from Sunday to Tuesday, at the invitation of State President Luong Cuong. On Monday, he held talks with President Luong Cuong, met with General Secretary To Lam and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and participated in various activities including visits to the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex.

French president Marcron and his wife greet local people at Hanoi's Old Quarter on May 26, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Anh

This marks the fifth time a French president has visited Vietnam since diplomatic relations were established in 1973. It is Macron's first visit to Vietnam since taking office.

Vietnam and France established diplomatic ties on April 12, 1973. The two countries became Strategic Partners in 2013 and elevated their relationship to Comprehensive Strategic Partners in October 2024. France is the first EU nation to achieve the highest partnership level with Vietnam.

France is Vietnam's fifth-largest European trading partner, with trade turnover reaching $5.42 billion in 2024, a 12.9% increase from 2023. France ranks 16th among 147 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 700 active projects totaling US$3.95 billion in registered capital. Meanwhile, Vietnam has 20 investment projects in France, totaling $38.93 million.

The Vietnamese community in France numbers approximately 350,000, the largest Vietnamese diaspora in Europe, including around 50,000 intellectuals and thousands of entrepreneurs.