The French like to take their tastes for the finer things in life with them when they colonise a joint. So, while only shared overlords of the New Hebrides with Britain, there are boulangeries and cafes that keep the traditions alive. In a sign of the times, Vila Chaumières, one of Vila’s best-known French restaurants, is now in Australian hands. Similarly, the French-sounding La Tentation is run by a Queenslander, meaning there’s always help on hand if your clients get stuck over their fromages and escargots.