Skill that deserves to be noticed.

This NY-born musician was indeed born into the business; his father brought him into the world of Jazz early on, where he met great performers such as Bob Dylan and Gary Davis.

This virtuoso guitarist and composer is representative of a new generation of acoustic blues players, displaying a dexterous, harmonious and simly brilliant cocktail of folk, gospel and world music, mixing ragtime with contemporary works, and blowing us all away…

Charles Xavier is first and foremost a clarinet-player of international standing; he has performed with celebrities such as Axel Dörner, Ingar Zach, John Butcher, Jacques Di Donato, and others.

Xavier has been touring Europe for solo performances as well as work with formations, bands and collectives. Yet his most recent project is fascinating; his research in music has brought home to work with vibrating speaker systems. This unusual, electro-acoustic project has parallels in noise rock and can be compared to work by Martin Tetrault (Duo MXCT); Frédéric Le Junter, Stéphane Levigneront and Jérôme Jeanmart (Silent Block); Hervé Gudin, Michel Deltruc and Jean-Sébastien Mariage (Wiwili); and even Pierre Berthet and Otomo Yoshihide.

Xavier has also recently put together a musical installation, "Surfaces Vibrantes", transiting throughout a number of art galleries.

Gypsy jazz…

Thomas Dutronc and his band of musicians dexterously revive the "manouche" spirit, the Rom musical culture, with an excellent mise en scene.

They blend exceptional skill with good-natured generosity, blending their ethnic, jazzy style with Brazilian and classical repertoires.

To see them live is to experience more than a concert, it is a rounded performance that will take your breath away. Their latest album (Comme un manouche sans guitare or "Like a gypsy without a guitar") came out in 2007.

Love Story in song

With Imperial Violets, Vincent Scotto was tackling the great operettas, and this he achieved with brio.

The relationship between lovers Don Juan d'Ascaniz and a young violet-peddler takes us on a journey from Seville to Paris to the court of Napoléon III where the Empress Eugénie brings the couple together at a lavish festival.

Luxurious sets and costumes, talented actors, and a window into the second empire... Plenty of reasons to come applaud this famous operette.
Don't miss it!

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."

Refreshing songstress

Stacey Kent can be described as a diva of a new generation of jazz musicians. Her charm and velvet voice have earned her unanimous praise in the international press. With her jazz, blues, and gospel influences, her interpretation of standard American jazz classics come like a breath of fresh air.

With her quartet, Ms. Kent revisits the "Great American Song Book." She also has a repertoire of new compositions with texts taken from some of her favorite authors, such as Kazuo Ishiguro, some of whose words can be heard on her latest album: Breakfast on the Morning Tram (2007).

Extraordinary troop of ice-skaters!

Discover this extraordinary troop of ice-skaters, graduates of the most prestigious Russian schools. The performers of Moscow Circus on Ice followed rigorous circus training and keep up strong athletic discipline. They execute traditional circus acts to perfection, with flying acts, acrobatics, clowns and other surprises. Expect an hour and a half of rhythmic fun for the whole family!

A wide open mind.

To meet Le Gentil Garçon ("The Good Boy") is an exciting experience. At once shy and hilariously witty, serious and yet modest, the artist brings you closer to his multi-layered, versatile work. No label fits him, thankfully.

This "boy" is straight-forward, down-to-earth, and will draw you into his parallel universe, that place you all know but try hard to avoid for its incomprehensible nature. In short, the world of childhood. The artist elicits smiles thanks to subtle tongue-in-cheek, savvy cultural references, and an undertone of politics. His is a world of unchecked, rampant thought and questioning fundamentals… His is a world that breaks every conceivable mould.

Brittany sets sail!

Tri Yann ("Three Johns") began as a trio coming from faraway Celtic lands. Today they are a total of eight musicians, and they will be taking spectators aboard their ship for a journey into the Breton tradition. This octet of musicians, with their bombards and tin whistles, will be telling tales of Breton legend, stories of the sea and old, weather-worn sailors…

Tri Yann has always had an activist streak, using their music as a vehicle for joy and feeling, but also important messages about contemporary topics.

Potter, the jazz magician…

With 15 years and a dozen or so albums under his belt (working with Mingus Big Band, the Electric Be-Bop Band, Paul Motian, Dave Holland, Dave Douglas and Steely Dan) Chris Potter's career as a sax-player suddenly exploded around the turn of the millennium. His two albums, Gratitude and Travelling Mercies dans la foulée earned him critical attention like never before, and most of it positive.

His talent was suddenly brought into the limelight with Lift, recorded in public at the Village Vanguard with his quartet. Potter isn't the type to get comfortable with his success or his almost inhuman skills. He has the virtues that place him among the greats in the business: integrity and perfectionism.

Romantic and avant-garde

La Traviata is without a doubt the top romantic opera of all time. Based on Lady with the Camellias, a story of love denied signed Alexander Dumas, fils.

La Traviata is one of the rare examples of lyrical works taken directly from a contemporary literary piece. This was also the case for Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, which was only two years older than the original French work.

Verdi understood that Dumas was an innovator and that his Lady with the Camellias opened the gates for a new theatrical format. Far from avoiding such a hot subject, Verdi, worked in depth to bring out all that was new and unconventional in the manuscript and actually accented the passion of the story. A unique example of the link between literature and music.

Violetta is one of the most popular heroines in the. A early work from the dramas of the Verist school, the opera works from an offshoot of the best of Verdi, where the dramatic efficiency of the music accompanies new qualities of harmony, melody and rhythm. From the prelude, Verdi introduces the two dominant themes of the story, love and death, in brilliant orchestral writing which would go on to become the very essence of the drama. The vocal expression is also quite remarkable, notably for the role of Violetta where every note carries the depth of her feelings.

Russia!

Discover Russian folklore and culture during this magnificent performance blending dance and music. You will discover a whole new side to the Russian culture, a side that most of the world is unaware of.

Kalinka is set up like a cabaret show, making it a captivating spectacle that will keep you interested from start to finish.

A collector with a taste for greatness.

The Fine-Arts museum in Nantes will be dedicating a major exhibition to Gildas Fardel (Vannes, 1906-Paris, 1977), an art amateur who in 1958 made a substantial donation to the museum, offering ten inestimable works.

This was the first time a provincial museum was given the privilege of displaying works signed Kandinsky, a pioneer of abstract art, such as Herunter. The other works were signed Gilioli, Julio Gonzalez, Roberta Gonzalez, Hartung, Magnelli, Poliakoff, Schneider and Soulages, major played on the international art scene.

Well-disguised tension.

Before he started writing songs in French, Da Silva composed tracks in English and Spanish, recorded CDs which he produced himself or on independent labels and gave a lot of concerts. His first album Décembre en été was written while he toured in France.

Da Silva brings you a unique kind of musical world, an acoustic rock version of the French music tradition. His latest work, De Beaux Jours a Venir, came out in April of 2007 and, while not as intimate as the last, there is an undercurrent of tension which is pervasive in his work.

Songs of pain and joy.

The musical tradition known as "Malo"y has had a troubled history; for years it was forbidden by the whites in power.

Maloy, that fascinating music with its unusual compound rhythm which would he chanted through joy and sorrow by the cotton-picker slaves of Réunion… This ancient, pain-laden music has emerged once again, thanks to Danyel Waro, a skilled musician who respects tradition by crafting his own instruments.

A genius…

Djamel Tatah was already working with abstract art as early as 1986 as a student of the Saint-Etienne Fine-Arts school. His focus was isolated figures on a monochrome background, a strange, unsettling work that is the result of unperturbable constance and dedication…

Underworld hymns

If you're looking for an exceptional and inspiring musical experience, you've found it: Moriarty. One of the surprise hits of this year's festival at Bourges, the group presents their twisted version of modern cabaret, performing songs inspired by American folklore with elegance and mystery.

Moriarty as described by Macha Makeïeff : "Beware of this mysterious new queen of the strange and electric, the flowing and peaceful; she leads her agitated musicians brilliantly, pushing the audience into a dreamlike trance.."

Their latest album, Gee whiz but this is a lonesome town, is simply astounding.

Live and uncut!

This trio, working with Jérémie Ternoy's compositions, manages a very contrasted musical style, a blend of melody and brutal energy. Improvisation is a major part of their work. Each piece of theirs is a starting point for a sort of collective process of creation, a process where they interact musically with unsettling cohesion. The trio got a certain amount of attention at the Jazz de la Défense contest; they were awarded the jury's special mention, and Ternoy got second place for best solo act.

Discover their latest album: Bloc…

The foundations of a city…

The Thomas Dobrée Archeological Museum in Nantes will for the duration of this exhibition become a gateway allowing you to travel back in time. Discover the history of Nantes and the region, from prehistory to the year one thousand.

From the apparition of humans to the first settlement, witness the birth and evolution of a city.

Hiccups guaranteed.

Every year on the first Sunday of December, vintners from the Clisson valley celebrate the Muscadet New Year at the Clisson halls: the entire celebration revolves around the precious beverage.

This 20th edition will be an opportunity for the public to see this year's harvest but also to meet local wine-makers, sample the products of the previous years and specially selected vintages.

Good taste and great fin in Clisson this December…

Hip hop in every possible form…

Mark Adjei, who was revealed on the "Chut" project, and his acolytes will be offering workshops in a variety of dance styles: break dancing, pop, boogaloo, house dance, new style, rocking, free rocking…

There will be demonstrations on a regular basis on the TNT stage or elsewhere, with an end of year performance… Get creative with your body!

One of a kind…

The Lieu Unique will be hosting this major festival for the first time this year: enjoy a festival dedicated to multiculturalism, tolerance, and art.

The event will feature no less than 38 film projections, each film a winner of the Montgolfière d'Or since 1979 - a nostalgic direction for this 30th edition of the festival.

Yet, for this Anniversary edition of the event, the festival is turning to modern day cinema; this edition will be about the future, exploring new angles, new visions, promoting the contemporary and unexpected…

Experience a film festival with an added, artistic dimension, with installations and artistic events.

Folklore Mexican.

A total of 40 spectacular musicians and dancers! Founded in 1964, this troupe rose to feature among the most popular and respected in their home country, Mexico. Artistic excellence and a profound respect for folk traditions… These are the traits that have helped build their solid reputation.

In honour of the Celts.

The Celtomania festival came about in 1989 as an official celebration dedicated to Celtic music, culture and heritage. Nantes and the nearby cities will be ablaze with festive events for two whole months! You can expect concerts, exhibitions and various activities and events.

It will be a great opportunity to discover local performers or bands that have made a reputation in France.

English baroque music

A Crazy Day in Nantes is a major unmissable music event. The Crazy Day festival has known ever-growing popularity since its creation back in 1995, courtesy of René Martin.

Today the festival hosts some 250 concerts and welcomes some of the greatest international performers to honour a famous composer every year.

The festival is also internationally recognized. It has been taken up in Lisbon since 2000 and Bilbao since 2002. In 2005, even the Japanese welcomed their own "Crazy Day in Tokyo!"

To arrive at such a high level of success so quickly, organizers knew that the first years would have to be extremely well organized. Their greatest satisfaction has been bringing audiences closer to great music and musicians without betraying the quality of the performance.

In a nutshell, the Crazy Day will feature so many concerts your ears won't know what to make of it. Expect a great ambiance, amazing performers and a score of legendary compositions.

A festive market.

This 12th edition of the Clisson Christmas market, organised by the association of local salesmen, will be a great experience for everyone! Sample some of the best products around, courtesy of local producers and artisans (jewellery, decoration, painting, gastronomy…) under the covered market in Clisson. Of course, Father Christmas himself will be there to make the little ones' dreams comes true!

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…

Gorillas in today's world.

The Museum of Natural History in Nantes, working together with the Rennes Espace des sciences and the Palais de la découverte, is organising an expo dedicated to the king of primates, the elusive, mysterious gorilla.

This animal, born out of the African forest, is an important symbol for many faiths and religious systems. The exhibition will be broken into two sections, both of which attempt to reveal the true nature of these fascinating creatures.

Five themes underpin this event: "Brute or BFG (Big Friendly Giant)?"; "Gorilla and man, a common heritage"; "Gorillas and the tropical forest"; "Watching Gorillas"; and finally "Gorillas in Danger".

This last theme will be a stepping stone onto the next section of the exhibition which aims to discuss what is affecting the life and habitat of the gorilla and what the future holds for this awe-inspiring animal.

Love, resistance and everlasting hope.

Serge Utgé-Royo blends his inflexible revolutionary stance with a surprising sense of tenderness. For the spectator, its almost impossible not to be moved, not to be drawn in by the sincerity of this Catalonian singer-songwriter's lyrics.

His is a rare voice, a voice of power and yet sensitivity harmonizing with colourful melodies. His words speak of love, fraternity, resistance and everlasting hope…

Working with skilled musicians, Serge Utgé-Royo knows exactly what he is doing. His mission is to touch people's hearts. Every one of his performances is a unique experience, a moment of pure warmth.

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.

What dreams may come…

"Machines on the Island" (Les Machines de l'Ile) is indeed a mysterious concept... It involves massive animals, creatures of the savana or the ocean depths, appearing suddenly in the middle of the city, as if one's daydreams had crossed over into reality…

You will not have to imagine this, because it has been imagined for you. These giant wood and metal creatures will be there, palpable, more real than ever. Evidently, a discussion will be organised to explain the process of creation and to introduce the team of artists/engineers.

This fantastic event is signed François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice working with the famed Royal de Luxe company!

Winter blazing with music!

Ever heard of the Couvre-Feu festival, a huge summer gig that aims to be open to all and accessible to all, regardless of age or cultural background? Well the festival was such a huge success that it now has its winter version… Behold the Couvre-Toi festival! The objective is the same, and the programme will be equally finger-licking good, if not better.

The Kunsthalle moves to Nantes…

The Fine Arts museum in Nantes will be presenting its own selection of masterpieces from the Kunsthalle zu Kiel, one of Germany's finest museums which blends ancient and contemporary art expertly.

Thirty paintings and sculptures and twenty drawings were selected to be displayed before a French and German public. The Fine Arts museum has decided to complement this display with a number of contemporary works to echo the 19th century paintings.

Will you get a good impression?

The Museum of Printing in Nantes owns a permanent collection of 2,000 original prints by national and international artists, all produced on the museum's presses.
The works are available to interested organisations in the form of "turnkey" exhibitions.
They can also be accompanied by educational displays presenting the various printing techniques, equipment and special events.

Understanding the salt marshes.

For 20 years, the rich heritage of the Pays de Guérande, shaped by the 2,000 year-old history of salt, has been on display in the Musée des Marais Salants in Batz-sur-Mer.

The museum takes the visitor on a journey of discovery, illustrating how the salt-pans were operated, the archaeology and history of salt, the salt trade and salt taxes.

The life of the marsh-dwellers in the 19th century is remembered in the collections of furniture and regional clothing.
Collections of shell figurines, faïence decorated with themes alluding to the marshes, and paintings are also on display.

Roaring good fun!

Planète Sauvage safari park is where man meets animals in the wild. As you drive along its 10km of safari trails, you will see over 2,000 amazing and majestic animals: elephants, big cats, zebras, camels, bears, etc. Admire whole herds of animals and share the secrets of their life.
After 2 hours of thrilling game-watching, it's time to visit the Cité Marine for a fantastic sea-lion show and demonstration flights by birds of prey.
The adventure continues in the bush village. Surrounded by animals, this is a world that will fascinate children and adults alike, before embarking on an extraordinary adventure on the Jungle Trail: crossing a liana bridge to track down a tribe of macaque monkeys.

Like a fish in water…

Embark for the shores of South Africa to meet the Cape penguins. Or, you can take our imaginary old submarine, the "Gulf Stream", to meet century-old sea turtles. Then pass through the tunnel, surrounded by a wealth of Atlantic-based fauna.

One of the Ocearium's brand new 2008 attractions is the "Lagoon", a large hall dedicated to tropical fish in which visitors are free to roam and explore.

Don't miss the 'Australian Shark pavilion' for a close-up vision of an impressive but obscure predator, the Australian grey nurse shark.

A tree in all but size.

If you find bonsai fascinating or intriguing, the bonsai tropicarium is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the world of these decorative miniature trees first created by the Japanese. This specialist bonsai grower is highly reputed regionally and in the profession for the quality of his work and the care and attention he devotes to these miniature trees. The staff of the tropicarium are dedicated to their calling, and the bonsai is revered, almost worshipped, here.
What makes the tropicarium unusual is the sheer variety of the bonsais on display.

Not to be missed: from the Chinese elm to the dracaenas by way of the Japanese maple, a whole palette of colours, fragrances and styles await the visitor. You'll come away from the visit with a deeper knowledge of bonsai plants, whether for the interior or exterior. The owners lavish every care on their plants, protecting and nurturing them all year round. They will happily share with you their tips on how to care for your bonsai: watering, growth, feeding, exposure to sunlight, cleaning, parasites and diseases, repotting, warning signs, pruning, temperature and ventilation. The hothouses are home not only to bonsais of all kinds, but also to tropical plants.
A slight understatement perhaps, since 2,000 exotic species are cultivated here. Bamboos, sugar canes, water hyacinths, palm trees, succulents, lianas and other species luxuriate in the warmth of the hothouses. The exotic hothouse, through which flows a stream populated by hundreds of terrapins, offers visitors a glimpse of tropical jungle. The plants under cultivation vary according to the season.

Open your eyes and enjoy the trip!

The visit will transport you to the shores of South Africa in company with the Cape penguins, or under the seas for an imaginary journey on our ancient submarine, the "Gulf Stream", for a close-up look at the sea turtles.
Or you could take a stroll in the direction of Bora Bora to admire its multi-coloured fish. No need to take the plane to Australia to enjoy a unique experience with the sharks, either.
Why not stop by and visit all these destinations and many more?

The heart of Nantes beats again.

After 15 years of restoration and 3 years completely closed to the public, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne has once again opened its doors. The city of Nantes launched a massive restoration programme to revive this outstanding heritage site in the city centre, a living monument to the history of the city and of Brittany. The restoration of this 15th, 16th and 18th century building paved the way for the opening of a new museum, classed as a Musée de France, dedicated to the history of the chateau and the city.

Over 800 exhibits from the musem's permanent collection will be presented as part of an historic and themed series of 32 rooms covering over 5,000m². Extensive multimedia resources, a total revamp of the museum design and modern architectural features will make the museum fully accessible to all visitors.

An outstanding example of architectural and artistic heritage to be rediscovered, the setting for and witness to the history of Nantes and Brittany.

Head in the stars...

The Planetarium attracts over 30,000 visitors a year and is one of the fascinating cultural and instructive experiences not to be missed in Nantes.
Identifying the Big Dipper is only part of it; space, the heavens above us and the Milky Way contain infinitely more mysteries.
If you dream of travelling in space and would like to learn more about astronomy by seeing projections of the main constellations, this is the place for you!

Admire the coastline.

This 4.8km walk starts from the lake and then follows the Grande Plage along the coastline and its inlets before joining the Sentier des Douaniers footpath and continuing.
Follow the Maxence beach (near which a chalybeate spring still rises, its waters rich in iron).
Next cross the chimney carved into the cliff, known as the Trou de l'Enfer (hell hole).
Pass by the 19th century Château de la Gressière.
End your walk by returning to the Parc Thibaud.
Throughout the walk, the rugged coastline offers magnificent views which can be enjoyed from sea level since the path often runs along the beach. Be sure to set off at low tide, however, otherwise parts of the route will no longer be accessible on foot.

Live Latin American music

Enjoy a great night out in the relaxed atmosphere of the Algodon with Latin American music from Wednesday to Saturday.
Every Sunday there is a live music concert.
All the biggest stars have been to the Algodon accompanied by TV cameras: Pierpoljack, Michael Jones, Yuri Buenaventura and many, many others.
An unforgettable night out.

All nature's wealth.

A short distance from La Baule and the salt marshes of Guérande and only a few kilometres from Nantes, the Brière marshes, designated a Parc Naturel Régional in 1970, have been preserved for us through the work of generations of Briérons who subsisted by digging peat, grazing their animals, cutting thatch, fishing and hunting. This vast area of land now counts as one of the most biologically diverse in Europe in terms of its water-fowl and aquatic plants.
The thatched cottage, with its covering of reeds, is also a key feature of the Briéron landscape.

The marshes are now under threat and subject to considerable pressure: Park plans for the coming years are aimed at protecting the setting, preserving and restoring the region's biological treasures and keeping the Brière alive.

To feel the magic of the place, simply set off downstream in a punt steered by a Briéron guide, watch the birds and witness the life and activities of the marshes, glide through the thatched villages of Fédrun and Kerhinet, and explore the soul of the place by visiting the Park's 5 museums.

Almost a century old.

The park began as a small wood that was transformed into a public park by the Société Immobilière de La Baule-les-Pins development company.
It was opened at the same time as the beach at La Baule-Les Pins on 1 July 1923.
Louis Lajarrige bought the park in 1937 and donated it to the town in 1951.
Covering an area of 25,000m² and more, the park contains over three hundred trees - ornamental, deciduous and conifers - and close on twenty thousand plants.

Head in the clouds.

Paradise for teenagers and somewhere for adults to relax and enjoy new adventures, Pornic Aventure park is the ideal destination for a successful family outing.
Once the "foresters" have instilled the basic safety rules, you set off to explore the circuits at your own pace and discretion (but always under the watchful eye of an experienced professional).

Nantes, a modern, contemporary city.

From industrial architecture like the Batignolles plant or the famous Lefèvre-Utile (LU) factory, now home to the Nantes national theatre, from religious buildings like the parish church of Sainte-Thérèse, from modern housing or offices (Le Corbusier's Delamarre building) to post-war reconstruction, from Art Nouveau (villa Jeannette) to Art Déco (CGA building), Nantes is chock-full of an exciting urban contemporary architectural heritage most of which was built during the "Trente Glorieuses", the heady years of post-war expansion from 1945 to 1975.