VietNamNet Bridge - French President Francois Hollande took a walk around the Hanoi Old Quarter on Tuesday afternoon.

Taking a stroll from Ma May street to Hang Bac street in the Old Quarter on September 6, the President received warm welcome from Hanoians and tourists.

He was introduced to the history of the Old Quarter which was associated with the formation and development of Thang Long – Hanoi, with traditional handicraft and trade guilds as unique features.

Officials from the management board of the Old Quarter reiterated the determination of municipal authorities and Vietnamese Government to preserve the quarter’s distinctive architecture and culture.

They also revealed the cooperation programmes between Hanoi and Toulouse city in upgrading an ancient house in Ma May street and other facilities in the quarter.

President Francois Hollande showed his interest in the conservation of the Old Quarter in the context of it having a high population density.

He was told that the issue is also challenging Hanoi authorities as it requires no change to social structure of the quarter.

The President also visited Kim Ngan temple which was upgraded in 2010 and serves as a place to observe local cultural and spiritual activities.

Earlier, he met with Vietnamese students who studied in France.

He met with Vietnamese leaders to seek to step up the ties between the two countries during h is State visit to Vietnam from September 5-7.

Hanoi's Old Quarter, boasting a total area of 81 hectares, is located on ten wards of Hoan Kiem district: Hang Bac, Hang Buom, Hang Bo, Hang Bong, Hang Ma, Cua Dong, Ly Thai To, Dong Xuan, Hang Gai, and Hang Dao.

The French President visited the Old Quarter with Professor Ngo Bao Chau and the wife of the French ambassador in Vietnam. Some roads in the Old Quarter were blocked to ensure security for the French delegation. He walked on Hang Chinh Street and waved to the Vietnamese people. He talked with a group of French tourists on Ma May Street.  He stopped at a café, where he talked to Professor Ngo Bao Chau and Vietnamese youth. He also tasted Vietnamese moon cakes at the cafe. Then he left the cafe, and walked about 200 meters to the Kim Ngan Temple, a cultural relic site in the old town. He shook hands with some people on the street. The French President walked while listening to the interpreter talking about the history and culture of Hanoi. Occasionally he looked up at the houses on Ma May Street. He arrived at Kim Ngan Temple. He talked with people around the area. The President was presented with a T-shirt. The same day, he left the old town, ending his visit to Hanoi. People stand along the road to greet the French President.

Photo: Zing

VNN/VNA