Events & Festivals in Western Loire in December

Intermingling styles

This Swiss trumpetist has brought trip-hop and hip-hop to free jazz. Just like Miles Davis before him, modernity is his horizon; Truffaz is all about mixing styles and makind musical hybrids. With albums like The dawn and Bending New Corners, and more recently the DVD Face à Face, all produced by Blue Note, his quartet managed a blend of drum'n'bass, rap and that magical world of jazz improvisation.

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.

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!

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.

Every colour of jazz.

Jazz en Scènes is about inciting curiosity, bridging the gap between artist and audience with concerts in the afternoon and evenings… In short, this festival is about promoting the world of quality jazz.

The festival was designed to be a shared experience; with its two stages and inter-regional collaborations, it brings new talent into the limelight and inspires them with performances by some of the best in the business today.

For this 10-year anniversary, a total of 17 additional stages will be set up so that Jazz en Scène be the best possible experience. The line-up of this 2008 edition represents a panorama of the diversity of contemporary jazz; the music is thriving, inventive and universal. Don't miss out on this jazz showcase, a major festival for the whole family.

A magical place for a magical celebration.

This grand Christmas market will be set up in the heart of the Tiffauges château! 35 chalets will be raised in the castle's courtyard, and visitors will have a world of things to choose from... Buy presents for loved-ones, enjoy some roasted chestnuts, or just go crazy on the Christmas cake and warm apple juice…

Just like every year you can witness a spectacular event: the largest mobile set of bells in France will be parading the streets! The Douai "carillon" boasts 53 individual bells including three free-swinging bells. By nightfall, the Tiffauges château comes alive with a Christmas spirit you've never seen before!

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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 solitary adventure.

Known as "The Everest of the Sea", this round-the-world solitary nautical race has become a career-making competition for the world's best navigators. The concept blends adventure with physical/psychological achievement: it is a solitary race with no assistance and no stopovers for those sailing the 60-foot single-hull boats. Les Sables d'Olonne is the only port of call…

The Vendée Globe takes place every four years; 20 of the planet's best skippers are selected to participate. Their journey passes three Capes (Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn) for a total of 43 000 kilometres of suffering and solitude; the nickname, Everest of the Sea, is definitely well-chosen.

Participants must follow a precise itinerary, and any deviation calls for immediate disqualification.

Aiming for the pro leagues…

This tournament can be described as the antechamber to professional football. It is a great opportunity for clubs to make it to the realm of professional sports, but also to develop a fan base at a regional level.

For these third-division teams, the main objective is to conquer the public and to initiate a process which might lead them to the elite of French football. Last year Vannes, Tours and Nimes finally made it into Ligue 2, and this year the favourites are Niort, Libourne and Gueugnon.

Nevertheless, other less well-known teams such as Cherbourg, Laval or Sète will also have a chance at reaching the stars…

An indefatigable attempt to promote music from the margins.

The Europa Jazz Festival is much more than just another anodyne classic jazz festival. Rather than invite once-glorious oldies to come perform for a blasé public, Europa organisers have since 1980 encouraged people to discover a whole mix of music. They have strived to set up a program that is rattle bag of surprises, a musical event which actively promotes new movements and artists rather than simply relying on sure-fire sales.

Instead of being fixed in one place and one venue, as it was in its early days, over time the Europa Jazz Festival has strived to create a 'regionalised' festival. The key to this is a highly-developed promotion and distribution network with strong and long-lasting links between artist, audience and venue.

Europa Jazz has since the 80's managed to create a unique distribution network in the Pays de la Loire and Lower Normandy, so that music can flow from the town centre to the suburbs, from Le Mans to the countryside, from Sarthe to the surrounding region and from the Pays de la Loire to Europe.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Austrian traditions…

The famed Valses Viennoises have been a reference in the world of dance performance since they were composed. Elegant, refined, the "Viennese waltz" nevertheless remains a popular dance form, as all social classes can partake. There are two types of "Viennese Waltzes": the international style, which is the more classical, and the American style (which allows more freedom).

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.

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…

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."

Red as can be.

This 50-person formation has created a enchanting performance, a panorama of Russia's most beautiful chants and dazzling ballets.

Soloists, tenors, baritones, sopranos, exceptional talent backed by the choir's booming bass vocalists give this performance an undertone of puissance charged with real emotion. Leaping, feather-light, athletic… The dancers are charming and sensual, flitting across the stage in a blaze of colour -- their magnificent traditional costumes make for a vivid fresco of movement.

People holding hands.

Cité Métisse, or "Melting Pot City", is THE festival dedicated to tolerance and solidarity. An army of performing artists from all walks of life will be gathered to offer spectators a palette of music that crosses borders between races, cultures and generations.

This event would not be what it is without the Anti-Discrimination forum, and spectators can discover a world of cultures at the "Restaurants of the World" food court. The event will feature amateur performances and children's shows.

The beast within the mind…

Discover a world of unicorns, dragons, giants, Krakens, griffins and so many more unimaginable imaginary creatures…

This exhibition will be a fascinating experience for young and old, a trip into the mindscapes of history's great civilisations. Don't miss out on this fantastic journey into a world like no other.

Get the taste of Angers!

At the very heart of the Val de Loire, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur make up the third biggest wine-growing region of France. Their wide variety of soils and selected grape varietals, specially chosen for the mild climate of Anjou, produce a great diversity of wines.
With 28 Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur offer a full range of wines, both in colour and in flavour.
Nor are the Angevins short of ideas on how to present their regional specialities and local fare to best advantage: rillauds (small chunks of belly pork cooked in their own fat), sander in a beurre blanc sauce accompanied by a Savennières white wine, blue chocolates known as quernons d'Ardoises, or greengage pie and desserts flavoured with Cointreau. Choose your menu!
Every week, in every quarter of Angers, B>discover the fresh produce, love of fine food and wine, tradition and savoir-faire offered by professionals, artisans, producers and farmers..

A World Heritage site.

The area of some 253,000 hectares that makes up the Parc Loire-Anjou-Touraine is above all a land of confluences along its many rivers. A landscape shaped by man, the Loire is designated a UNESCO World Heritage "cultural landscape", a title awarded to an area in which aspects of cultural heritage blend harmoniously with a natural landscape of significant quality.
The architecture of the Park is characterised by the distinctive pale tufa stone which reflects sunlight and forms a stark contract to the blue slates of the roofs. The natural heritage reflects the image of the Loire landscape: a landscape made up of vines, hillsides, troglodyte caves, forests, pastureland and valleys, but also a host of wild birds (over 200 species identified), the European beaver, salmon and shad that are also part of the history of the Loire.
The Parc Loire-Anjou-Touraine covers 136 communes, all committed to an innovative, dynamic policy based on the preservation and presentation of their natural, historical and cultural heritage, on economic and social development and on enhancing environmental awareness and education. The Park is working to establish innovative experimental projects in the field of sustainable development.

Jumping for joy.

Meet the bounciest animal in the world at the Parc de La Possonière!
On the kilometre-long walk that is also a learning experience, you will be surrounded by kangaroos roaming free.

The park also features a video room providing more in-depth information about the kangaroo.

Art gallery and historical museum.

The art gallery and museum is divided into two sections:

- The Galerie d'Histoire
- The Galerie d'Art, featuring a selection of 18th and 19th century works on mythological, historical or religious themes and including both landscapes and portraits (C. Van Loo, J.-M. Nattier, N. Hallé). The collection of 20th century paintings offers a panorama of geometric abstract works, from Cubism to the present day, with works by A. Gleizes, G. Valmier, A. Herbin, F. Kupka, V. Vasarely, F. Morellet, M. Jouet, A. Nemours, J. Gorin, J. Dewasne, etc., illustrating all the major artistic movements of our time.

Get the taste of Angers!

At the very heart of the Val de Loire, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur make up the third biggest wine-growing region of France. Their wide variety of soils and selected grape varietals, specially chosen for the mild climate of Anjou, produce a great diversity of wines.
With 28 Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur offer a full range of wines, both in colour and in flavour.
Nor are the Angevins short of ideas on how to present their regional specialities and local fare to best advantage: rillauds (small chunks of belly pork cooked in their own fat), sander in a beurre blanc sauce accompanied by a Savennières white wine, blue chocolates known as quernons d'Ardoises, or greengage pie and desserts flavoured with Cointreau. Choose your menu!
Every week, in every quarter of Angers, B>discover the fresh produce, love of fine food and wine, tradition and savoir-faire offered by professionals, artisans, producers and farmers..

Home to King René.

Don't be overawed by the apparent austerity of this schist and limestone fortress with its 17 towers, built by a young Saint Louis on the frontiers of his kingdom in the 13th century.
Cross the drawbridge and enter the castle to discover the agreeable residence of the Dukes of Anjou, consisting of late Gothic buildings and gardens.

There are other wonders to be seen, including the extraordinary Tenture de l'Apocalypse, the largest surviving mediaeval tapestry (104 metres), the famous "mille-fleurs" tapestries or the tapestry of the Passion...

Over 900 years of history.

Founded in 1101 by Robert d'Arbrissel, the royal abbey of Fontevraud is first and foremost a place steeped in history: peopled by memories of Eleanor of Aquitaine, of Richard the Lionheart and the Plantagenet King Henry II, or of the Bourbon Princesses; haunted by its more recent past as a political prison. In 1975, thanks to the efforts of Minister Olivier Guichard and on the combined initiative of the Pays de la Loire Region and the French Ministry of Culture, the abbey became a Cultural Centre and meeting-place, with responsibility for managing the monument's heritage and culture.
The royal abbey of Fontevraud is more than just a monument and museum, however, despite being the proud possessor of the recumbent figures of three kings; it is also home to an original cultural project run by the Centre Culturel de l'Ouest (CCO): exhibitions, debates and religious music all aim to bring the worlds of art and new information technology together, to link architecture with virtual reality, to advance research in the field of imaging heritage.
A centre for heritage-related creation and training, Fontevraud welcomes not just artists in residence but also many students.
Nine centuries of Western history stand here in 14 hectares of parkland: Fontevraud, which is part of the Val de Loire UNESCO World Heritage site, is a fitting home for such activities, which link the exceptional wealth of our culture to modern Europe and the modern world.

Images of five continents.

Discover over 1,200 animals, 120 species from 5 continents, surrounded by luxuriant vegetation in one of the top five zoos in France, famous for its fantastic shows featuring sea-lions, birds of prey and parrots.
Stunning presentations in natural settings await you during your visit: an underwater view of a polar bear, tiny Chinese pandas, an African savannah for the elephants, a pack of Arctic wolves unique in Europe.
The zoo also offers exciting new habitats such as the Argentine pampas, the Australian bush, the taiga where the Siberian tiger roams, or the miniature Malagasy farm.

Remodelled over the centuries.

The church of La Trinité was built in 1070 and much remodelled over the centuries.
Its architecture is distinctly mixed, and a visit reveals the different phases of its successive transformations and the splendour of its furnishings.

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.

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.

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.

Take a trip down the Mayenne and discover the Loire Valley.

Once upon a time the Mayenne was overrun by commercial activity. Nowadays, however, it has become a unique site where objects and creatures of ecological importance are preserved while at the same time allowing for a number of leisure pursuits.
Perfect for a walk or bike ride, the 85km towpath can be taken in sections but is suitable for a continuous cycle ride.

At the abbey of Clairmont, nestling in the hollow of a valley, visitors are invited to absorb a sense of peace and contemplation as they discover the grandeur and yet simplicity of Cistercian art.
The abbey was founded by Bernard of Clairvaux in the 12th century, and features magnificent ruins.

Get the taste of Angers!

At the very heart of the Val de Loire, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur make up the third biggest wine-growing region of France. Their wide variety of soils and selected grape varietals, specially chosen for the mild climate of Anjou, produce a great diversity of wines.
With 28 Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur offer a full range of wines, both in colour and in flavour.
Nor are the Angevins short of ideas on how to present their regional specialities and local fare to best advantage: rillauds (small chunks of belly pork cooked in their own fat), sander in a beurre blanc sauce accompanied by a Savennières white wine, blue chocolates known as quernons d'Ardoises, or greengage pie and desserts flavoured with Cointreau. Choose your menu!
Every week, in every quarter of Angers, B>discover the fresh produce, love of fine food and wine, tradition and savoir-faire offered by professionals, artisans, producers and farmers..

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.

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.

A new park for Angers.

The 50 hectare park is a new feature on the banks of the River Maine bordering the town centre.
Designed and managed as a sustainable development project, it creates a link between the Saint-Nicolas parks and the Lac de Maine.

The architects took their inspiration from the Marais Poitevin to create a landscape of canals in one section, as well as such different areas as corridors of grasses, an oak forest, coloured woods, flowering meadows, family gardens, dunes and green waves or even water meadows.