Events & festivals in France in October

The best of contemporary photography.

The Quinzaine Photographique de Nantes or QPN is a festival dedicated to the promotion of contemporary photography. Established professionals as well as young talents have an opportunity to reach a wide public at the QPN.

The "Prix QPN 2008" will be awarded to the photographer with the best portfolio. Additionally, this winner will have a personal display space throughout the entire event, the best possible showcase for a budding photographer.

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!

A unique folklore…

The Espace Faïence, in collaboration with the Breton museum (musée départemental breton) is organising an exhibition dedicated to Breton history.

The round hats, the "bigoud" headdresses, clogs and other "Bretoneries"… Born from a particular phase in 19th-century Breton decorative arts, these are the elements of an imaginary vision that makes up the collective Breton culture.

Le Petit Breton à Malicorne is about a unique and fascinating folklore. The exhibition draws from the works of Hippolyte Lalaisse, and the famous Breton icon created by Léon Pouplard.

Organised by the Lisieux tourism office and the Pays d'art et d'histoire du Pays d'Auge, these guided tours last approximately 1hr30mins. Guides are licensed by the Ministry of Culture.

The green thumb of Rennes…

The city of Rennes is linked to the history of gardening. Though green areas were located solely outside the city during the Middle Ages, gardens soon became a central feature of the city's landscape, especially in new areas such as Courrouze.

This feature is the focus of the exhibition: green spaces in Rennes and the ways in which locals make the most of them.

Tasty art…

The Espace Faience museum welcomed Baptiste Ymonet for the first time in 2006. The award-winning artist is now back and will be working with plastic artist Vincent Jousseaume to present a unique exhibition.

Both artists will be working with the local tradition of luxury tableware to create an innovative set based on the theme "Whip Cream" ("Chantilly").

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.

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.

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.

The Horse Flea market goes full gallop…

The Brocantelle du Cheval is back on the paddock for another edition, having developed a real reputation in Normandy and beyond.

Shoppers and bargain-hunters will find just about everything imaginable to do with horses, riding, dressage, grooming, etc. From young girls who want a poney to museums that are looking for that final piece to complete a collection, and of course horse-lovers looking for a book or painting… Anyone who knows anything about horses will know that this is the place to find great bargains.

A century of variety, a century of beauty.

Delve into the heart of an artistic golden age, the rich and varied 20th century, through this significant collection of paintings, sculptures, photos and drawings put together by the Evreux museum.

Aside the actual exhibition, it is interesting to notice the sharp contrast between the "bishopric" architecture of the edifice and the refinement of the artwork within. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic vision of the trends and movements of 20th century art, all the while touring a beautiful historic edifice (listed since 1907).

Electrifying!

In tune with the emergence and growing influence of electronic music on the musical landscape as a whole, the Electroni[k] festival has since 2001 been a showcase for new music and performance...

Sound and image, mise en scène, dance, installations, concerts, etc. Don't miss out on this fully-rounded sensory experience.

Leisure for all, as far as the eye can see…

In the latter half of the 19th century, the USA much like the rest of the Western world knew unprecedented industrial and economic development.

The kind of artwork known as "genre works" became immensely popular in this era due to the rapid growth of the middle class. Artists, most of which identified with or belonged to this social group, began to depict a world of women and children, playing, sewing, and lazing around in eternally blooming flower gardens…

American painters were no different from their European contemporaries - they depicted the (often laughable) activities of this "golden age".

Sixty or so paintings, drawings and engravings from the Terra Foundation for American Art will give us a description of one of the most interesting inventions of our era: leisure activities…

Equine and feline…

Thousands of spectators are expected to attend the famed Mondial du Lion ("Lion Meet") Eventing competition to see some of the best riders in the world put to the test.

Built around three major disciplines for 6 to 7-year old horses - dressage, cross-country and show jumping - the Mondial du Lion is organised by the Lion d'Angers stud farm.

Man's greatest conquest…

Witness a feast dedicated to the most noble of animals, the proud and powerful Equus Caballus.

Among other events, participants of the International Carriage Racing tournament will be racing down the streets and taking part in various competitions for the occasion - don't miss out on this impressive performance.

Every year in October, the Calvados region celebrates "man's greatest conquest: the horse". With over 1 400 stud farms, countless horse-riding centres and 8 race-tracks, the Calvados region is indeed the most representative of this culture and sport. 2 whole weeks of equine-related events and activities… Not to miss!

The thin line between reality and fiction.

Taysir Batniji's work revolves around notions of individual or collective identity, dissapearance, displacement and exile. The images he brings back from his travels to Gaza, the traces of his journey, are like so many parcels of memory; they represent a vehicle for recording history…

Ville Lenkkeri's photographical works have unusual subjects: museums of natural history, university of medicine collections, or the mural decorations in waiting rooms… These reveal a cinematic approach to photographical art, blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction.

Artist Yvan Salomone is more interested in landscapes, even unusual ones such as harbours and industrial ports. His watercolours are made from photographs and video works and are always in the same, large format. His images are ambiguous in the sense that they are caught between an objective documentary-style and a more subjective vision.

Lena et Victor Vorobyev are two Kazakhstan-born artists who work with urban scenes. Within their works (installations, images, performances) the viewer is confronted with communist propaganda alongside the publicity of Western consumer society.

A cultural highpoint…

The Festival Automne in Normandy is celebrating its third edition after two years of hugely popular classical music. With 42 000 spectators in 2007, none can doubt that the programme will feature something for just about every possible taste.

Once again this year you can expect about a hundred performances and some highly unusual and innovative works, with great artists such as Vincent Dumestre or Joël Pommerat…

An artist's square, Paris-style.

Once again this year the place Saint-Vincent, opposite the church of the same name in one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods, will become Montmartre in Le Havre... For one magical Sunday, a number of regional amateur painters will come to expose their work, to paint right there on the spot and sell their creations.

The most noble of actors.

The mighty horse has for years reigned supreme on the silver screen - it has been the subject of films, documentaries, cartoons, etc. It is a photogenic, graceful and noble creature of great intelligence.

The Epona festival, created in 1993, awards the best screen production that involves horses, and as a whole showcases the equestrian world and its relevance in today's mediascape.

There are five competition categories for this award: News; Fiction; Reporting; Documentary; and TV Advertising. It is the only festival of its kind in Europe and boasts more than 25 participating countries.

Now film directors, publicists, producers and TV-channel directors will be coming to the Epona festival and hoping to make it to the top of the podium… They long to hold the famed "Horses of Arman" (Chevaux d'Arman), or even better, to recieve the ultimate prize, the Gold of the Horses of Arman.

Of course, they are all well aware of the media frenzy that will surround the victor…

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…

10 tons of scallops!

For this edition of the Scallop Festival, the theme will be "Quebec", with Fabienne Thibeault who will be the event sponsor.

Quebecois crafts, a special exhibition, cooking demonstrations, gastronomic delights (Tire sur la neige, a lollipop made from frozen maple syrup), a Quebec-style ball, concerts… With so many activities, you won't know what to do first!

As the Coquille St-Jacques is the heart of this festive event, there will be no less than 10 tons of scallops on sale, fresh-caught in Honfleur, Trouville or Dives.

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.

Come pick up an idea or three!

The Maison Déco Show is one of the major highlights of the Autumn season in Rouen, with over 250 exhibitors from the whole of France. They will be displaying their products in various fields: habitat, decorating, gardening, real estate, woodwork or other forms of artisan work and handicrafts.

With this show, you will learn about the latest developments and innovative products relating to the household.

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…

9 days of pro tennis…

This event, no less than the biggest tennis tournament in the West of France, will bring 80 players together for a thrilling competition - some of these athletes are ranked among the top 100 in the world.

With a 50 000$ budget and residential arrangements for competitors, this tournament will be made up of 70 matches over 9 days, from the early hours until dusk.

This year, who will take over from Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (11th in the top 100 and winner of the first edition) and Philipp Petzschner (winner of the last edition)?

Art shows without telling.

This exhibition, entitled Huile sur toile or "Oil on Canvas", deals with the representation of American art on the silver screen - the focus is mass market feature films. Indeed, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of American art since the 80s, and in parallel the film industry has become a showcase for various artists, with an increasing amount of artwork appearing on screen. Often, these appearances aim to transmit a message, often subliminally, to the spectator.

Art in films is a quick reference, a hint, which adds colour, historic or cultural depth or background, or it can be an integral part of plot, dialogue, etc. When you see the portraits of American presidents lurking in the background of many a picture set in the white house, it is definitely an allusion to national history, patriotism or glory, while the immense post-war abstract or minimalist works on the walls of Wall Street buildings bring to mind money or power…

You scared, you yellow?

Nantes:
After a difficult season caught in the purgatory known as Ligue 2, the FC Nantes team is back on track and roaring to reclaim its former glory.

Their massive fan base will be cheering to see that particular Nantes-style football and will be hoping that their club won't be obeying that terrible rule of physics: "what goes up must come down."

Shedding light on Raymond.

The local contemporary arts centre (FRAC) organises an exhibition once a year in Clisson.

Marion Daniel, who had directed the creation of the Raymond Hains, la Boite a fiches photo-book, published for his eponymous exhibition in Saint-Brieuc in 03-04. This year, she has been invited by the FRAC to exhibit a selection of public works relating to Hains which shed a different light on the artist's work, in particular its connection to younger generations.

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!

Pictures of a floating world…

This exhibition is an invitation into the world of Japanese printmaking - this journey will be fuelled by the Angers museum's collection of unique art prints. Au Pays de l'estampe is focused on the period between 1760 and 1840 which was the golden age of Ukiyo-e (or "pictures of a floating world"), the classical Japanese woodcut tradition.

The exhibit will be organised around 4 themes: women's prints; "surinomo" or prints for the Japanese new year, theatre actors, and Japan through the eyes of Hokusai and Hiroshige, two of the nation's greatest Ukiyo-e masters.

The crossroad of paint and sculpture.

Visages innocents ("innocent faces") and Sortir du trou ("Getting out of the hole"). Paintings by Luz Severino.
Originally from Dominican Republic, Severino works on canvas and hand-made paper. Superimposing, layering, translucency and transparency characterise her work, often with warm, vibrant colours.

Le Corps Humain ("the human body"). Sculptures signed Anne Le Louarn.
From her home in Rouans, Anne Le Louarn crafts representations of the female form in various poses and from various materials. Her expert fingers break matter to extract the sensual edge within.

Making images…

Risk is a confrontation between five artists chosen by the director of La Criée arts centre - the criteria were the quality and diversity of painted works, sculptures and installations.

Each creation is specific to one artist, some are even opposed to each other. Yet, overall, they work together to show strong dualities that have permeated the aesthetic and political worlds, such as Destitution/Power, Solid/Fragile, Consistent/Weakening, Success/Failure.

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 passion for the picturesque.

Canadian-born Mark Lewis, now a resident of the UK, is first of all a professional photographer - he is also a contemporary artist and an artistic film-maker who enjoys working with themes such as "the urban", art and cinema, and the grey area between film and painting…

In 2003 he took part in an international contemporary art fair, and was chosen to represent Canada at the Visual arts Biennial in Venice in 2009.

Everyday life in empty spaces.

Tatiana Trouvé, winner of the 2007 Marcel Duchamp award, has been working on a series of projects at the FRAC (a regional contemporary art fund). This recent work tells us a great deal about her rapid artistic evolution.

Trouvé's landmark installation is the Bureau of Implicit Activities (Bureau des Activités Implicites or BAI). Set up since 1997, this expansive piece is made up of complex architectural modules each of which is a spatial representation of different components of her everyday life ("Administrative Module", "Waiting Module"…). Over time the BAI was added to with Polders (Dutch word for artificial islands or land expansion) - these elements defy normal scale and are grafted to the BAI like so many new "compartments" or activities in one's life.

More recently, her work has been focused on a functional space with no function, a meaningless, nameless sculpture, drawing or installation that is nevertheless filled with a sense of potentiality...

Sailor's fashion…

This exhibition is dedicated to Brittany, and in particular historic Brittany with its unique and unusual costumes. A well known Breton aphorism stated: "a hundred countries, a hundred fashions" - each burg had its own traditional garb which was different from that of its neighbour.

This tour/expo will be an opportunity to discover the various garments of Breton country.

Kids rule supreme!

Organised by the local tourism office, this Children's Day will be full of activities and events. Outdoor games, workshops, shows, treasure hunts, drawing competitions, make-up, making jack'o'lanterns, etc… The Halloween spirit is among us!

No reservations required.

The alphabet of history…

Museum collections have often been put together by seemingly ordinary men who were no more than victims of circumstance; brought by chance to discover a field of research, they often became passionate scholars, archeologists or explorers…

For example, naturalist Frédéric Cailliaud came across egyptian civilisation during the Napoleonic campaigns. In 1882 he embarked on an expidition up the Nile to the antique city of Meroë - he returned with countless artefacts and a mine of information. There is also Louis Audemard who travelled to Carthage in 1889 and brought back a collection of funerary urns…

These botanists, mineralogists, doctors, printers, artists, preachers and explorers all shared a common culture - they worshipped curiosity and asked only to transmit what they had learned.

For a green life-style, all the way.

The salon Zen et Bio is dedicated to organic products and the overall Zen frame of mind. You can discover organic food and wines, "eco-products", all manners of well-being and nature-oriented leisure activities, all in an ambiance of warmth and great fun.

A series of workshops/lectures will give producers and exhibitors more generally an opportunity to discuss their methods with the public.

Caught like a fly in a network…

This 2008 edition of the Utopiales Festival will be a 9th candle on the cake, so come celebrate 9 editions of a futuristic, fantastic event!

Every aspect of SF will be covered during this special 4-day event - in particular, the programme will revolve around a theme, Networks. An entire world of economic, technological, political and social power built on networks - this is the concept that scientists, writers and creators in the genre will be discussing and exploring.

Run, Run, Run, Rennes!

The Tout Rennes Court foot race will have Rennes Running throughout the weekend, October 11th and 12th…

A number of races will be taking place, ranging from 2 to 10 kilometres. The prestigious Renault and Gaz de France races will be taking place on Sunday afternoon.

Experience a sport event which takes over the whole city!

A new and fierey form of footy!

Futsal is a recent spin-off of football that originated in Uruguay - the name derives from the Spanish term, futbol sala. Rules are simple: four players per team plus a goalie, the field is delimited by lines (unlike indoor soccer which has walls that can be used for rebounds) - highest score by the end of the game wins. Experience an exciting new sport, latino-style.

Renaissance and the Roman muse.

Artists have been a migratory species since the Renaissance, and this has had a profound influence on the conception of European art. Italy in particular has always attracted those artists seeking a muse.

Painters of all nationalities and creeds have come to Rome since time immemorial, as the historic capital of the Antiquity and of Christianity. They came to build their art from common ground in a place where they could learn from each other, a place where artistic exchange is as natural as breathing…

Underground jazz in Cabaret style.

Jazz Nights will be an exciting 2-day event gathering an exceptional group of performers in the fun, convivial atmosphere of an underground jazz club.

Under the directorship of Jean-Philippe Vidal, the 16 members of the Côte Ouest Big Band will be accompanying some of the big names of the modern jazz scene for this performance in the heart of the Cité des Congrès, converted into a Cabaret for the occasion. After the main event, spectators can enjoy an Open Jazz Club with the Billy Harper Band until 2AM.

All profits to be donated to a charity organisation.

A garden that jumps off the page.

The Chantenay library will be displaying a collection of art-photos signed Jean Renaudineau for this exceptional "Couleurs et saveurs du jardin" exhibition.

Over 30 works will be on display and all are focused on a bucolic, refreshing theme: tomatoes! The visitor will be drawn into a lush green and red world full of summertime flavours…

Paper, the whole story…

This workshop will be taking place in the Templars' chapel - more than a museum, it is a journey into history. "For graphic arts in the Clisson valley" ("Pour les arts graphiques en Vallée de Clisson") deals with the history and tradition of printing and graphic creation on the banks of the Seine. Young and old will be able to learn about printing techniques thanks to this fascinating initiation.

This will be a learning journey into the past, full of fun, laughter, and fascinating historical facts.

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.

Let yourself be spirited away…

France and Japan have at least one thing in common: a passion for cartoons, comics and animation. The art of animation has become a major and respected form of expression in which realism and fantasy touch upon each other in ever-evolving alternate realities.

Three great names stand out on the animation landscape: Paul Grimault, Takahata Isao and Miyazaki Hayao. These artists, from completely different parts of the world, are nevertheless connected at a higher level and speak the same artistic language. The curator for this expo, Jean-Pierre Pagliano, is an expert critic of Paul Grimault's art and is also familiar with Japanese animation and cinema.

This unique exhibition will be a journey into parallel universes, those of Grimault's Le Roi et l'Oiseau ("The King and the Mockingbird"),Takahata's Pompoko and Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke. To complement the exhibits there will be a full programme of workshops, discussions and outdoor film screenings in the Abbey gardens.