Events & Festivals in Brittany

Professional amateurs…

The In fine, Sans réserve exhibit is made up of 40 or so works that span from the 15th to the 20th century.

There is no overriding theme or historic timeline. The group was free to organise the display space along their own rules: parallels, a taste for this or that, a dialogue between the works… This subjective, almost whimsical approach is backed by serious, extensive documentation for each piece.

The group-members are not professionals and yet each has his own experience, his point of view as a spectator, and this provides a solid method for the elaboration of a display space which gives visitors the best possible experience…

An ecclectic repertoire

The Brittany Orchestra, with its platoon of 50 musicians directed by an artistic team including Lionel Bringuier and Moshe Atzmon, is an important part of cultural life in Brittany. They regularly perform symphonic concerts, artist portraits and recitals.

The orchestra is also regularly joined by soloists of national and international repute such as pianist Laure Favre-Kahn.

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.

Digging into the past…

For 20 years now, archaeological research has been taking place at Mez Notario, located at the centre of the Isle of Ouessant. The excavation site, managed by Jean-Paul Le Bihan, director of the Finistère Centre for Archaeological Research (CRAF), required 400 professional and volunteer diggers to help bring to light many fascinating details about the origin of Ouessant.

The Armoric Regional Natural Park and the CRAF have organized an exhibit which retraces the history of the digs at Mez Notario to be presented at the Museum of Phares and Balises ("Lighthouses and Beacons"). Numerous objects, scale models and preparation materials will be on display. Visitors will be able to easily reconstruct the history of this fascinating island by visiting the site.

Gentlemen, start your engines!

A little over 120 years ago, the first ever petrol-powered car became a reality -- Karl Benz was the proud owner of this magical machine… Things have come a long way and today cars have become a powerful social and cultural item.

The Auto-Show will be spread out over 7000m² of exhibition space packed with collector's cars, gadgets, accessories, spare parts and exceptionally rare models. If you like cars with a passion, then don't miss out on this spectacular event!

The once and future king.

This first ever exhibition dedicated to the legend of King Arthur aims to retrace, understand and explain the mythology related to Arthur. This event boasts the prestigious "Exposition d'intérêt national" label (or "exhibition of interest to the nation") which is granted by the ministry of culture.

This legend is one if not the most important literary and artistic theme in European culture, and it has always been a highly-popular story. The Champs Libre exhibition aims to reveal the actual King arthur, the keystone of a veritable literary institution that blends magic, war and love… Aside the actual historical fact, this expo refers to old sources as much as contemporary adaptations, in order to better understand the birth of an almost universal legend.

Over 200 works linked to the myth will be on display, along with a number of historical and iconographical documents.

Discover new works…

Famed artist Raoul Gaillard will be exhibiting his latest pieces for this new exhibition.
"…Works on paper: gouache and watercolours from which surge stamps, portraits, stains, mould and various scars, and grand ships laying dead still or listing against the swell…"

There's gunpowder in the air…

A great fireworks display will be taking place in your commune! This fantastic, explosive event will light up your night and leave stars in your eyes and bells in your ears... You will be in awe of what these pyrotechnic masters can achieve.

Young and old will look to the skies in wonder and amazement.

For ocean-loving folk…

The musée de Bretagne is organising its first retrospective dedicated to Paul Signac. This artist was in love with the ocean in particular the Breton coastline, and he often painted beautiful watercolours of local harbours. His taste for watercolours developed when he began using the style for preparatory sketches - it eventually became his favoured technique.

Signac's spontaneous process of creation was unique in itself, with a few smudged stains suggestive of a whole.

The glorious female form…

Women have forever been a source of inspiration in African art.

This exhibition, dedicated to Women, gathers over 200 objects from some of the most prestigious collections for your eyes only.

Discover rare pieces, some of which date back to the 19th and 20th centuries, showing women in all social roles, as mothers, wives, princesses and even queens.

Two full days of intense competition!

Saturday at 3PM: Triathlon Avenir for young competitors, from the Port d'Orange beach to St-Pierre Quiberon.
Sunday at 10:30AM: Triathlon Découverte (500m swimming, 20km cycling, 5km foot race); event open to licensed and unlicensed runners over 16 years of age.
Sunday at 3PM: Triathlon Courte Distance (1500m swimming, 40km cycling, 10km foot race); open to licensed runners over 18 years of age.
Award ceremony at 6PM.

The one and only Breton marathon.

Launched in 2000, the Vannes marathon is an initiative of local municipalities and the Bretagne Atlantique hospital sport association.

42 195km… This accumulated distance is what made the reputation of this great event. The circuit is simply dreamlike: through gardens, along ramparts, roads, and pedestrian lanes, and then on to the countryside, along the beach and Breton coastlines… Every year participants leave the event completely enchanted (and slightly exhausted).

This isn't just any old race but a major marathon coursing through the one and only Bretagne region. The event also provides an array of quality food and beverages so that spectators can keep their spirits up to cheer on the athletes.

The old man and the sea…

André Dauchez is a talented landscape painter who has an exceptional ability to capture the typical Breton lighting and general atmosphere.

The exhibition will display a large number of works, paintings, photographs and personal objects. Don't miss out on this moving homage to a great artist.

Pyramids up against AP mines.

For the past fourteen years Handicap International has organised a major information campaign day every September.

This year, as a protest against the use of anti-personnel (AP) mines, the people of Rennes are called upon to throw away an old pair of shoes into a giant pile, to sign the petition against the use or stockpiling of these inhuman devices, and to show their support for victims.

Volunteers and even a number of performers will be working to make this militant event a fun and entertaining day as well, with shows, activities and concerts.

A joker up their sleeve.

Rennes: Failing to qualify for the Intertoto Cup, Rennes has once again rushed through the last competition like a cannon-ball.
Thanks to a subtle blend of experienced players and energetic newcomers straight out of the training centres, Guy Lacombe's team might just bring another victory back to Breton territories.

Gestural Abstract Lyricism…

Jean Degottex, born in Sathonay, France, in 1918, came into the world of painting after the great artstic shifts of that era - cubism, abstract art, etc. Degottex was self-taught follower of Kandinsky, and his work was sometimes cryptically described as "gestural abstract lyricism".

His beginnings were geared towards a form of fauvism that was purified, broken down to essentials. He therafter turned to abstraction but with a deliberate, powerful brushstroke, reminiscent of chinese Calligraphy. The concept of Zen had always been predominant in his art.

Interestingly, Degottex later turned to the artistic base material, paper, which he scarred, tore and scratched, producing reliefs which he called "papier pleins" ("paper full"). Going further, he chose to focus on the rich and variegated textures of wood.

Degottex, who passed away in Paris in 1988, gave us art which acts as a successful counterpoint to the deluge of superficial, virtual images that has flooded the cultural landscape. His work is a balm, a truly appeasing experience that touches upon the essence of reality.

Three days at full gallop…

Experience the Mille Sabots National Carriage Race in Sene this September.

The rich programme of events will keep you on the edge of your seat, whether you are into equestrian sports or simply a curious visitor.

The first day will be dedicated to dressage: complex steps and the horse/rider connection will hold no secrets for you by the end of the day. For the second day it's all about endurance with the marathon race. Finally, on Sunday, a grand parade will be coursing the Vannes port in the morning, followed by a show in the early afternoon at the race-course.

Don't miss out on the manoeuvrability contest on the last day!

The magical curiosity of a child.

The cause for this event: a place. The book-lined walls of Château-Gaillard, a place filled with mysteriously locked cupboards, bring to mind a society of intellectuals and their obsessive collections - that was more than enough to convince Jean-Luc Parant to recreate his own personal collection of curious things…
His fake-libraries are home to strange books, crafted from wax, with words rolled up into little balls, and writing tablets covered with embossed symbols that one longs to touch… The curious aspect of this collection echoes the obscure 19th century "savant" journals that sit along side it.

Jean-Luc Parant is a curious man. He has been worrying clay since the 70's when he decided that, with this primal, eternal element, he could conquer the world. The erudite scholars of history share with Parant that ambition to embrace the universe as a whole, to collect treasures. Unusual animals, or the perfect shape of an egg - worth their weight in gold, Parant recreates them himself, crafting clay to trick the eye. Deep down, Jean-Luc Parant has that elusive trait of character that once killed the colloquial cat..

Hunting for good deals

Are second-hand stores, flea markets, boot sales, and craft fairs your favorite places to shop? If so, don't miss this opportunity to find a deal of a lifetime. Whether you're into antiques or collectibles or just looking for something original, you can find anything and everything here at bargain prices. Take advantage of this local marketplace to find just what you've been looking for!

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…

Music above all else…

Bénodet will be alive and buzzing this summer with countless musical performances, shows and other free activities.

Holidaymakers will have a chance to enjoy some quality acts from local bands like Ridan, the Baobab Orchestra, or Dan Ar Braz. Expect some delightful music and a great ambiance in Bénodet this summer.

Local market-bought flavour…

Marketplaces are a means of connecting with the community, of breathing life into a neighbourhood and simply to meet others. An added bonus is the development of a distinctive local flavour which gives character to the neighbourhood…

Every week, local shops and producers set up their stalls to offer a variety of products for your enjoyment.

Do your own research…

The famed Nuits des Chercheurs is an invitation to discover the wonderful world of science and research. This festive and original soirée will help the everyday man or woman understand the rich lives and fascinating activities of professional researchers. It is by understanding them that we can help the progress of technology, science and knowledge in general - the objective of this event is to bring two distant worlds closer together.

This initiative of the European Commission has been widely successful in France and Europe more generally. For this 2008 edition, 13 partners have been working together on a project that will highlight the wonderful variety of science disciplines out there.

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.

Light-giving music.

The theme for this 2008 edition of the Musicales de Blanchardeau will be "L'esprit des Lumières or "the enlightened spirit".

The Age of Enlightenment brings to mind writers and philosophers of the 18th century, often in terms of avant guarde thoughts and democracy. Yet, musicians too were subject to these new thoughts: Mozart in particular was interested in the new currents of ideas flowing at the time.

His operas, such as Don Juan, Figaro's Wedding are rich with such grand themes as Freedom, Happiness and Knowledge in opposition to abusive power.

Hunting for good deals

Are second-hand stores, flea markets, boot sales, and craft fairs your favorite places to shop? If so, don't miss this opportunity to find a deal of a lifetime. Whether you're into antiques or collectibles or just looking for something original, you can find anything and everything here at bargain prices. Take advantage of this local marketplace to find just what you've been looking for!

Artists take over the stage…

"Bretagne en Scène(s)" is a circus festival unlike any other. More than just an entertaining event, it is also a networking hub for professionals across the country.

Bretagne en scene:
-is the place to obtain information on where to start if interested in circus arts.
-aims to help others in the field through membership programs with artistic groups.
-represents a showcase for the professionals in the region to present their acts and performances.

Hunting for good deals

Are second-hand stores, flea markets, boot sales, and craft fairs your favorite places to shop? If so, don't miss this opportunity to find a deal of a lifetime. Whether you're into antiques or collectibles or just looking for something original, you can find anything and everything here at bargain prices. Take advantage of this local marketplace to find just what you've been looking for!

Culinary bonanza.

Quiberon will be hosting this 5th edition of the Gastronomy Trophys, a fantastic gastronomical competition during which awards will be given to the best Breton artisans for their know-how in all things culinary.

September 24th to 26th: competition behind closed doors during which 13 different products are judged by a panel (50% professionals, 50% consumers).

September 26th to 28th: The Breton Gastronomy market will be an opportunity for the public to savour some local products - they themselves will be given a chance to vote for their favourite.

Grab the mike!

Karaoke appeared in the 90's and became a huge hit for weekend entertainment among friends at the dawn of the 21st century - we can expect many years of karaoke madness agead of us. Its a great way to try out your vocal skills or just laugh your socks off.

Rules are simple, sing the lyrics rolling across the screen, dance, and don't forget to breathe!

A costumed rallye…

This fantastic rallye is dedicated to the now-mythical bicycle model known as the Solex - the event will feature a race, activities and events, crazy costumes and much more, all in a lively, fun-loving atmosphere. Participants will race along a circuit throught the centre of Quiberon - prizes are for 1st place and for best costume…

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.

There's gunpowder in the air…

A great fireworks display will be taking place in your commune! This fantastic, explosive event will light up your night and leave stars in your eyes and bells in your ears... You will be in awe of what these pyrotechnic masters can achieve.

Young and old will look to the skies in wonder and amazement.

Every Sunday in September you can enjoy activities and events at the Bertheaume fort.

7th: Garage-sale at the fort.
14th: choir performances, with Maxime Poilot.
21st: Heritage Day, with guided tours, theatrical performances, re-enactments…

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.

Printing art the old-school way.

Denise Delouche is the kind of professor who goes out into the field to make better sense of her subject, namely artists, painters in particular, in Brittany in the 19th century. It is in this manner that she began to research a particular artform: the art print (engraving, embossment and other techniques).

A very common variation of the traditional painted canvas, the art print appears as a highly interesting and revealing practise. Delouche asked herself the following questions: "what does this art form tell us about Brittany and 19th-century Bretons? Who would buy art prints? And how did they affect tourism and travels?"

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!

Sea-faring music.

The Gabiers de l'Odet ("Riggers of the Odet River") were formed in 1999, bringing the world of sailor's chants to the general public.

Made up of 8 musicians and 20 or so vocalists, this band of joyful sailors already has two albums under its belt: Pont-Odet and Du Banc d'Arguin… aux vieux Grééments

For ocean-loving folk…

The musée de Bretagne is organising its first retrospective dedicated to Paul Signac. This artist was in love with the ocean in particular the Breton coastline, and he often painted beautiful watercolours of local harbours. His taste for watercolours developed when he began using the style for preparatory sketches - it eventually became his favoured technique.

Signac's spontaneous process of creation was unique in itself, with a few smudged stains suggestive of a whole.

The pearl of shellfish.

The good ol' Oyster Festival is back in town. Enjoy the cool sea breeze and saline ocean savours in a festive ambiance. This traditional festival, dedicated to this glorious, delectable product, l'huître, will feature numerous activities, oyster-sampling and much more for young and old alike.

At the tip of a needle…

With this fascinating exhibition, organisers are working to show that the sewing machine is the paintbrush of the 21st century… This tool, which gives users a world of stylistic and artistic freedom, will be at the heart of the event.

Experience the new school of embroidery, contemporary art at needle-point.

Subtle plays of colour on paper…

Raoul Gaillard, a recognized contemporary painter, will be displaying his work at the Notre Dame abbey-church. Entitled "Œuvres sur Papier" or "Works on Paper", this exhibition will present a collection of gouache and watercolour paintings that are riddled with moss, stains, stamps and portraits; stilled ships at bay or tossing, wrestling with the waves… His subtle, cryptic and yet emotionally-charged evocations which will leave none untouched.

Products of the future.

Habitat, home improvement, furnishing, DIY, gardening, tourism and even agriculture, breeding, husbandry and farming… This mind-blowing variety of exhibits is spread out over stylish display spaces in indoor complexes, under circus tents, or outdoors…

Pick out a route and explore! Countless exhibitors have come a long way to showcase their wares or present their particular skills and know-how.

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.

Friendly British invasion.

The English aristocracy were completely won over by Dinard's gentle climate and fine sandy beaches as early as the mid-19th century. As a result, many hotels and villas were built amongst the town's numerous palm trees and camellias (more than 400 villas are today listed historic monuments). Dinard also boasts a wide array of leisure activities including tennis, golf and a casino, and has over time become marked by a definite "Britishness".

It is then fitting that the British film festival should be hosted here. The event offers public and professional audiences an opportunity to discover British cinema - once in a while the audience will see a box office hit before it hits the big screens. Favourites such as The Full Monty and Shallow Grave owe a lot to the Dinard film festival.

Dinard is also a privileged venue for premiers that might interest French distributors.

Ancient Beauty.

A new exhibition dedicated to Pharaohs and Egypt will begin at the Park des Expositions Chorus for All Saint's Day - the focus will be the discovery and excavation of Tutankhamun's grave, and the inestimable treasure locked away with the dying "God" for his travels to the underworld. Over 1000 pieces, replicas crafted by the Cairo museum's workshops, will be presented in a sumptuous decor.

Dinard in one's mother tongue.

The Dinard municipality organised this fascinating tour, dedicated to the "Brits", in the early summer of 2008.

This guided tour will showcase the presence and influence of Anglo-Saxons in the city throughout history - discover how the English influenced sports culture, entertainment and even architecture.

Tradition and cultures.

The town of Saint-Malo will for a few days allow you to discover a particular traditional culture. Artwork and traditional objects from American-Indian cultures will be on display at the Chapelle Saint-Sauveur. Take the opportunity to let your mind wander and learn about these cultures.

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)?