Four stages set up at the center between 5 and 9 p.m. will recreate the ambience of Mont-Martre with performance artists, musicians and cooking demonstrations.

One of the highlights of the fortnight of activities will be the French Festival Gala, a black-tie fashion event on Nov. 14 featuring haute couture designs by Chanel, Christian Dior, Hermes, Sonia Rykiel and Yves Saint-Laurent. There will be a silent auction and French cuisine prepared by chefs Eric Faivre and Jean Luc Voegele.

The gala will take place at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom from 6 to 10 p.m. as a benefit for the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Tickets are $350 for runway seating and $250 general, and may be ordered by calling the academy at 532-8737.

Other highlights:

Fabulously French docent-led tour of Honolulu Academy of Arts French art collection: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 12, 17 and 19, followed by 11:30 a.m. lunch in the Garden Cafe. Costs $20. Call 532-8726.

Fete Du Village: The Hilton Hawaiian Village Tapa Lobby will be transformed for a festive street fair featuring French cuisine, Parisian street performers, artists and crafters, from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 11 and 12. Free.

Halekulani hands-on cooking demonstrations: With Jean-Claude Guillon, executive chef of the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, and Yves Garnier, chef de cuisine of La Mer restaurant. The chefs will prepare two French cuisine menus.

Menu One, which consists of Lobster and Sole Cake, Filet of Lamb and a Red Fruit Custard, will be held on Nov. 17, 19 and 21.

Menu Two, which consists of Red Mullets with Fresh Crushed Tomato, Fillet of Gilthead and a Raspberries Soft Wafer with Red Fruits Sherbert, will be held Nov. 18 and 20. The workshops are limited to 15 people per day and will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the La Mer kitchen. Cost for each workshop is $125 and must be pre-paid. For reservations, call Michele von Berg at 923-2311, Ext. 5040.

More information on the French Festival can be found by calling 1-800-THE FEST (843-3378).