Events & festivals in Normandy in June

Swimsuit collection, 1930 - Today.

This summer, the Deauville esplanade (the famed Planches) will be hosting an outdoor photography exhibition for the first time ever. 40 photographs and drawings, courtesy of Vogue magazine archives, will be on display - the exhibition as a whole retraces 70 years of summer fashion and beach-wear.

Deauville, with its 1920s beach resort architecture, sumptuous decor and lighting, is a major hotspot for fashion photography. It is only natural that Les Planches, a year-round prestigious red-carpet, should frame this fascinating expo.

Fragile, but worthwhile art.

This fascinating exhibition deals with the history of porcelain production in Bayeux, some of the highest quality in the world!

The Porcelaine de Bayeux expo is a sort of grand retrospective based on the immense collections of Michel J. Morlent and Ginette Aulombard-Morlent. Expect to see some magnificent pieces!

Truly traditional cuisine…

The Mère Poulard Inn, located on the famed Mont Saint-Michel, is turning 120 this year!

Established in the late 19th century, the inn owes its name to person who orchestrated its foundation and success: Annette Poulard. Annette was only 20 when the Mont, which had become a prison after the French revolution, returned to its normal state as a site of pilgrimage.

In 1888 Annette and her husband decided to open an auberge or inn, a place where pilgrims and visitors could enjoy a healthy meal and a warm bed. Annette was soon known as Mère Poulard ("Mother Poulard"), for "mère" was at the time used to designate exceptionally good cooks. Year by year, visitors would pour in to delight in the 700 or so recipes served by the Auberge, including the now famous Mère Poulard omelette.

Nowadays, years after Annette passed away, the Auberge strives to perpetuate her gastronomical tradition. Some of her recipes found their way into supermarkets, and a number of traditional products (buiscits for example) bear the Mère Poulard label.

The Normandy-Quebec connection.

What does Normandy have in common with the history of Quebec?

Extensive waves of immigrants in the 17th century for one thing, but another connecting point exists, much closer to our time. The Second World War was an opportunity for these children of France to return to defend their motherland…

This is why the Juno Beach Centre is organising a temporary exhibition this year to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the foundation of Quebec. The thematic aim of the event is to shed light on the common history that Normandy and Quebec share - it is an homage to the soldiers of Normand origin among the troops who were there on D-Day, who fought the Battle of Normandy with Canadian forces.

The title is a fitting, poetic reference to the relation these soldiers had to the motherland - Partis, revenus...

Gold from the needlepoint…

This part of the exhibition will be dedicated to the golden age of French silk production, the grandiose era when French silk was favoured over Italian, and when embroidery as an art form leaped to new heights.

Experience the lavish fabrics, the vibrant colours and revolutionary production techniques. For the occasion, a complete embroidered ornament will be displayed and a new hall will be opened to increase the display space.

A tour you won't soon forget.

The museum will be organising a special tour for the opening of the Hall of Ramparts. The tour will explore a forge, a 14th-century house, and a mysterious underground network.

Be sure to visit the belvedere, from which there is a unique view of the ducal palace and dungeon… To get there, you have to find the secret lift that runs up the Medieval tower.

Homage.

This exhibition is not for the faint of heart… Christophe Miralles has set up this event as an homage to the victims of terrorist attacks in London and Madrid.

His art lies between painting and sculpture. The spectator wanders amidst a forest of faceless beings but also vividly colourful canvases, a stark contrast that reflects a confrontation, a cohabitation of life and death.

Walking through mindscapes.

Myriam Mechita, who boasts an Aggregation in plastic arts, is forever focused on her work.

Her latest installation, "Entrer dans la nuit de la nuit (i’m an animal)", is peopled with singular, unusual elements. Highly original, her material echoes current events. Pearls, tapestries, drawings, sculptures, screenings… Her work is a weave of art forms, a multi-medium landscape that shocks, interests and draws people in.

Just around the château corner…

These works are an illustration of the evolution of sculpture. Each is a step in the progress of modern and contemporary sculpture either because of aesthetic choices, or because of the materials used. These works are obviously an important addition the the museum's collections, but more importantly they represent an arresting scene, an artistic surprise for the wanderers and visitors passing by…

Normady goes Goth-style…

This exhibition was timed for the inauguration of the new Salles des Ramparts ("Ramparts Hall") of the Normandy museum. "Chefs-d'œuvre du Gothique en Normandie" is dedicated to Gothic art in Normandy, and in particular local art production as can be found ornamenting Medieval monuments.

This relatively unknown period will be revealed to the public thanks to decorative sculptures and monuments throughout the five counties of the Normandy region. This exhibition will represent the largest concentration of Normandy art and sculpture in history.

Jaws: a nefarious myth debunked.

With Rob Stewart's recent film production, Sharkwater, there has been a revival of the public interest in these fascinating creatures. The Channel General Council has thus put together this latest exhibition, Du mégalodon à la roussette, requins de nos côtes , at the Maritime museum in Tatihou.

To the average member of the public, sharks are bad news… Yet, far from this common misconception, the exhibition attempts to shine a more positive light on a creature that has gone from prehistoric predator to being the prey of modern humans.

From swing to rhythm and blues…

From swing to rhythm and blues and even some choreographed street dance…the best music and the best dancers find their place in a succession of different sets presenting acrobatics, vocals, magic and dance.

To bring out the very best response in the audience, the troop of artists and magicians pull out all the stops: virtuosity, energy, seduction, glamour, etc.

This is a review that is suitable for families, offering everyone an evening of spectacular entertainment.

Down in the crushing depths where man has no place…

A new attraction is available for visitors of the Cité de la Mer. From February 2nd, you can enjoy this fantastic experience thanks to cutting-edge 3D-animation and simulator technology: discover the abyss from the point of view of a submarine surrounded by deep-sea creatures!

From there you can enjoy an hour-long virtual tour… Open your eyes and admire the riches of Neptune's Kingdom!

Feel the fiber of their fabric.

The Maison de l'Ange and adjoining park will be completing their 2008 summer cloth display with a number of 19th century textiles. Of the 6 000 pieces that make up the entire collection, only the most interesting have been put on display (those with known background, specific origin and date of production…).

There will be no flourish or flamboyance, only open drawers and closets, the secret rooms made public, and temporary installations that give the visitor an opportunity to admire the intricate detail of each item.

This year 2008 will be the 1300-year anniversary of the landscaping and urbanisation of the Mont-Saint-Michel. It was in the year 708 AD that this rocky island, until then known as the "graveyard mount", was visited by none other than Archangel Gabriel himself. A sanctuary was built at its highest point shortly afterwards, and in the 11th century a Roman abbey was raised for the order of Benedictine monks.

Throughout the centuries, men were united with a common goal to complete the edifice in the name of faith itself. Today the result is truly spectacular. It is only natural that locals would want to celebrate the anniversary of this architectural and natural masterpiece. For the occasion, a number of seminars and other events will be taking place on the site throughout the year.

A story to commemorate the fallen.

This expo will be telling a story. The story of the World Trade Center; of an attack in 2001; of firemen and rescue workers and construction workers; of a police force and hospital workers; of the 2 700 people who lost their lives; and finally of the response that these events brought about…

These powerful themes are the very soul of this exhibition built on a collection of personal objects, pictures, films, testimonies and remains found amidst a mountain of rubble. The tale of rescue operations will be told through various things… Things that we all use in everyday life, objects, fragments, debris, a crooked steering wheel, a souvenir…

Artistic feedback…

The imprint, the moulded, visual hallucinations, derealization, flux, entropy, memory, trace, violence, death, the body, energy, serialisation, fragmentation, objects which function at a symbolic level…

These complex, eclectic themes have one thing in common: Alberto Giacometti.

Based on a selection of sculptures, paintints and drawings by Giacometti, this exhibition will be displaying contemporary works by range of internationally-recognised artists, including Georg Baselitz, Michel Blazy, Louise Bourgeois, Fischli et Weiss, Anthony Gormley, Donald Judd, Alain Kirili…

Bringing to life the epic history of William the Conqueror.

This mind-blowingly immense tapestry, made entirely from wool, has told the story of the conquest of England by William Duke of Normandy for the past millenium…

This archaic comic strip, truly a graphic history book, will transport you into a medieval epic filled with viking "Drakkars" and Normand knights.

Help yourself!

Fine French and foreign foods, dinner + show, snacks, business functions, birthdays or get-togethers.
Whether in the centre of Cherbourg, around a table in one of the many restaurants of Haut-Cotentin or on the traditional markets, every day or for that special occasion, treat yourself to delicious old favourites or new taste sensations.

A place of character.

This tiny commune surrounded by forest is a site of historic, architectural, geological and botanical interest.
When you visit, don't miss:

- the chapel of Saint-Michel, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, lies on the pilgrim routes used throughout the Middle Ages by pilgrims making their way to Mont Saint-Michel.
It suffered during the Wars of Religion and under the Revolution.

- The priory: it features an 11th century Romanesque porch, undoubtedly the finest of its kind in Normandy, six splendid capitals representing hunting scenes, and some restored frescoes.

- Neolithic settlement: the settlement has four enclosure walls looking down over the valley of the Cance.
According to local tradition, it was once a Roman military camp.
It is certainly an ancient site dating from th Bronze Age and would have served as a place of refuge, a defensive position and a look-out post.

In honour of a great man.

It is in the splendid Renaissance "Logis du Gouverneur" (late 15th century), just 100 metres from the Sous-Prefecture that became the seat of the first authorities to assume control of a newly-liberated France in 1944, that a record is kept of the five key encounters between General de Gaulle and Bayeux.
Two of these encounters have left their mark on French history: 14 June 1944 and 16 June 1946. The five encounters are recalled in a collection of numerous archive documents, both printed and photographic, in film footage from the period and of objects that once belonged to the General.

The thrill of the deep.

La Cité de la Mer, which opened on 29 April 2002, is a vast scientific, cultural and fun centre devoted to the immense riches of the oceans and oceanographic exploration.
Exceeding all expectations, the Cité welcomed its millionth visitor in July 2005.!
Encouraged by these visitor numbers, the Cité de la Mer is now launching a second extension phase.
The origins of the Cité de la Mer, which enjoys an enviable situation in the former Cherbourg trans-Atlantic passenger docks, were twofold: to revive an Art Deco masterpiece, the former trans-Atlantic passenger terminal, and to make the nuclear submarine Le Redoutable the biggest submarine open to the public in the world. Those aims have been achieved.
The gradual descent into the abyss, during a three-hour journey into a fault in the ocean floor, is organised according to two major themes:
The Submarine, with an introduction to the Redoutable, the biggest submarine open to the public anywhere in the world.
For 45 minutes, the voice of the Captain explains how a nuclear submarine works and what life onboard is like for its crew.

The Ocean, which concentrates on exploring and using the rich resources of the ocean, and which centres around one of the deepest aquariums in Europe (10.70m) containing over 3,500 fish.

Mature trees providing a home for diverse populations.

The forest, once a "royal forest", is made up of mature oaks and is divided into three massifs occupying the terraces of the Sarthe and the adjoining hills, and became a national forest in 1868.
Granite markers laid in 1875, still to be seen around the edges of the forest, mark the boundaries of its 1,190 hectares.
It provides a refuge for familiar forest animals and birds (deer, wild boar, hares, foxes, magpies, etc.) and the forest ponds are home to an immense variety of pond life.

Changing over the centuries.

Attractive in its austerity, the castle of Carrouges is a distillation of history from the 14th to the 20th century. Initially a fortress that came under siege by the Plantagenets, it was rebuilt during the Hundred Years War (keep), extended in the 15th century (Blosset wing), ornamented during the Renaissance (Cardinal Le Veneur's pavilion) and fortified yet again during the Wars of Religion (western bastion). In the 16th century, it became a magnificent residence (suite of spacious apartments) and was redesigned under the Enlightenment (music room).
The former canonry, founded by Louis XI, is now the headquarters for the Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine.

A green monument.

The public park in Bayeux is a 2.6 hectare landscaped site created in 1859 by Eugène Bülher. Of the 400 trees in the park, the most spectacular is undoubtedly the famous "weeping beech", listed as a natural monument in 1932 and designated an "arbre remarquable de France" (a tree of special interest) in 2001.
The park is an integral part of Bayeux's heritage, with a signposted walk and information points providing the keys to an understanding of the gardens and the main plant species found there.

Geometric design.

The Jardin de Castillon-Plantbessin consists of a magnificent series of "rooms" filled with charm and serenity: ornamental lakes, Japanese garden, English garden, herb garden, all featuring a great variety of plants.
A second garden consisting of three terraces dotted by topiary yews opens onto a fine border of grasses and ends in a box maze. It is listed as a "Jardin Remarquable" (garden of special interest).

Over 200 breeding animals.

This small breeds conservatory, specialising in miniature breeds, features ponies, donkeys, cows, goats, sheep, pigs and alpacas:
Pets for sale, warranties/deliveries in France and abroad;
Approved show-farm: see over 200 breeding pairs during a guided tour of the farm.

Help yourself!

Fine French and foreign foods, dinner + show, snacks, business functions, birthdays or get-togethers.
Whether in the centre of Cherbourg, around a table in one of the many restaurants of Haut-Cotentin or on the traditional markets, every day or for that special occasion, treat yourself to delicious old favourites or new taste sensations.

Fresh produce!

The ID Fruits orchards at Villiers-le-Sec open their gates to the public in June and July from Monday to Friday between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m..
Get your fresh cherries here!
From October to April, pears and apples are on sale.

Mediaeval Bayeux.

The ancient historic centre of Bayeux has remained entirely mediaeval in its structure. Completely spared by the Allied bombardments of 1944, it proudly displays an extraordinary architectural heritage.
Solemnly consecrated on 14 July 1077, in the presence of William, Duke of Normandy and King of England, the cathedral underwent further expansion and embellishment from the 13th to the 15th century.

Help yourself!

Fine French and foreign foods, dinner + show, snacks, business functions, birthdays or get-togethers.
Whether in the centre of Cherbourg, around a table in one of the many restaurants of Haut-Cotentin or on the traditional markets, every day or for that special occasion, treat yourself to delicious old favourites or new taste sensations.

Abbey founded in the 6th century by Saint Evroult.

The abbey was pillaged and rebuilt in the 18th century, then dissolved at the time of the Revolution.
In 1839, the abbey became a major seminary.
The present Neo-Classical chapel dates from this period.
Purchased in 1936 by a national health fund, the Caisse d'Assurance Maladie of the Ile-de-France, the abbey is now used as a physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre.
It is only open for visits on national heritage days (Journées du Patrimoine).

Remembering D-Day.

The Omaha D-Day Museum is a place outside of time: it features extraordinary exhibits and equipment that clearly illustrate technological progress in times of war and the repercussions of such progress on normal civilian life. Omaha Beach is marked forever in history as the spearhead of the Allied landings on Tuesday 6 June 1944 at 9,.32 a.m. precisely.

An historic beach.

On the site of Omaha Beach itself, the 1,200m² museum presents a splendid collection of uniforms, weapons, personal effects and vehicles.
Impressive scenes and superb archive photos, maps, themed panels, a landing-craft, a Belgian barrier, a 155mm Long Tom gun, a Sherman tank and a film accompanied by personal accounts from U.S. veterans provide a clear explanation of the landings on Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc.

Lover of authentic local foods?

The farm is organised to handle the full range of farming operations starting with 2 day-old ducklings and ending in finished products for sale at the farm or at market.
The ducks grow and develop peacefully on the farm's three hectares of meadowland.
At 13 weeks, they are force-fed exclusively on whole grain corn.
The next step in preparation takes place in spacious areas under strictly-controlled conditions, to arrive at our outlets in the form of pâtés and ready-cooked dishes, duck terrine with whole foie gras or blocks, rillettes... Bon appétit!

3 different ciders.

Drop in and taste 3 very different ciders made in the cider-apple orchards in the Normandy bocage in the centre of this granite-built hamlet (10 min from the Château de Carrouges).
When the current owners took over the farm 15 years ago, they planted 10 different varieties of apple tree.
Taste the ciders and the cider jelly.
John will be more than happy to answer all your questions.

Where silence reigns.

With its church and conventual buildings, the abbey of Saint-Martin forms a fine classical example of the 18th century. Visit the abbey church, the sacristy and the main convent rooms including the extensive library containing 50,000 volumes.

Norman collection.

The museum owns an extensive collection of 15th and 19th century works. From Fra Angelico to Camille Claudel by way of Guillaume Fouace and David, the museum offers a splendid collection of some 300 paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
As Normandy's third largest museum, it houses a unique collection of the works of Jean-François Millet, Van Gogh's "spiritual father" (some thirty paintings, plus sketches, charcoals and prints).
One room is entirely given over to the works of Guillaume Fouace, a local artist who enjoyed considerable success during his lifetime, particularly with his still-lifes. They hang in the section following the Millet exhibition...

Panorama of the Liberation.

At Arromanches 360, you are at the very heart of things. An outstanding film entitled Le Prix de la Liberté, (The Price of freedom) is projected onto 9 screens in a circular room.
Combining images of the Landings in 1944 and scenes of Normandy today, this 360° cinema will be an unforgettable experience.

A sanctuary made of silica.

10km from Arromanches, the Juno Beach Centre is the only Canadian museum on the Normandy Landings. It retraces the history of Canada during the Second World War and presents a picture of Canada today (films, interactive terminals, sound archives, collections, etc.). The Juno Beach Centre is also the only museum offering guided tours of the beach and its remains of the Atlantic Wall.

A giant preserved.

The Château de Fontaine-Henry is perched high over the rich green valley of the Mue.
Its dizzyingly high roofs top a richly sculpted building in the 15th and 16th century styles.
Follow the guide around the interior of the chateau and admire an outstanding collection of furniture and old masters. Children will enjoy the special activities laid on for them in the grounds, and the old-fashioned toys and games.

Sainte Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus was baptised here in 1873...

In the heart of the pedestrian zone, the 15th-16th century church of Notre-Dame is astonishing in its proportions, and in the elegance of its Flamboyant Gothic nave and the delicate tracery of sculpture on the porch, described as "dentelle de pierre", lace carved from stone.
Sainte Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus was baptised here in 1873; her baptismal robe is on display in a chapel on the northern side-aisle.
The church also features a magnificent set of 16th century stained glass.

Delicious duck

Duck farming, production of farmhouse foie gras;
Sale of duck products: foie gras, confits, terrines, rillettes, smoked breast fillets;
Ready-cooked dishes in sealed jars: cassoulets, sauerkraut with duck confit, duck with orange, duck thighs in cider, etc.

A bike, my kingdom for a bike!

March 23rd 2008 is the inauguration date for the new self-service bicycle-rental system organised by the Caen town hall: V'eol.
With over 40 parking stations throughout the city, a new transport system is available for locals and tourists alike. The service will be at your disposal 24/7, forever changing the workings of inner-city transportation. Not only will it reduce pollution, but users will be getting fitter at every ride!

V'eol parking stations are positioned throughout the city.

An open history-book...

Situated in the centre of the Orne département, a stone's throw from the forest of Ecouves, Sées has been an episcopal town city since the 5th century and has managed over the centuries to retain all the charm of a small town while gradually acquiring the essential facilities of everyday life.
Any visitor who enjoys characterful towns will appreciate the simple pleasure of exploring the historic, craft and gastronomic legacy of this administrative centre of 5,000 souls living around their cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art bearing witness to a long history of some considerable interest.

To explore Sées is, above all, to open up a precious history book to be deciphered street by street, monument by monument, with an epilogue that gives pride of place to local craftsmanship.
The Tourist Office organises guided tours of the episcopal city and its cathedral, by appointment only and for groups.

A place of Marian worship.

Funded by subscription, the first stone of the basilica was laid on 26 March 1855, and the church was consecrated on 7 May 1872 par Monseigneur Rousselet in the presence of a vast crowd.
On stepping inside the door, the visitor is transfixed by the play of light filtering through the 48 stained glass windows, the many ex votos, the scintillating reflections of the gold in the great Holy Trinity medallion above the Virgin.

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary on the occasion of the Proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854, the iconography of the basilica is dedicated to explaining, illustrating and glorifying this act of faith.
Special celebrations and pilgrimages are held on key dates in the Marian calendar, in the Month of Mary, and on the anniversary of the basilica's consecration.

36,000 hectares of unspoilt nature.

The Perche is an ancient French province enjoying something of a revival, and is distinguished by a strong geographical, historical, landscape and architectural identity. The Parc Naturel Régional du Perche, created five years ago, covers 118 communes divided between two départements, the Eure-et-Loir and the Orne. The Perche is characterised by a wide diversity of natural habitats: bocages (a mixture of fields, hedgerows and woodland), pastures, 36,000 hectares of forest, ponds and wetlands, hillsides and moorland supporting over 1,200 plant species and a varied fauna including some thirty species listed as of European interest.
The Perche also enjoys a remarkable architecural heritage: manor houses, splendid farms and picturesque villages. The identity of the Perche is also expressed in its customs, local events, traditional activities and popular arts and crafts.
The Manoir de Courboyer, standing in a 65 hectare landscaped estate, houses the Maison du Parc. The estate is a focal point for tourism and cultural activities, offering a range of events and activities: tours of the manor house, exhibitions, Perche produce stalls, a gastronomy centre, etc.

Shortbread treats.

Created in 1904 by Charles Bansard, Asnelles shortbread continues to perfume the air of the town to this day. The factory also produces other shortbread cakes as well as cookies and financiers (almond cakes), still using traditional craftsman's methods. Visits (by appointment) explain the manufacturing process and production line.

Time-honoured knowhow.

The workshop exists to safeguard the knowhow handed down by the lace-makers of Bayeux from the 17th century.
The Conservatoire, a place to learn and perfect lace-making skills, keeps alive the technique of bobbin lace making.
Year-round exhibition, events and articles for sale.